Residents urge York County to deny permits for Double Barrel Game Farm expansion, citing avian-flu and wetland risks

Several York County residents told the board during the meeting’s public comment period that they oppose permits or approvals for an expansion of Double Barrel Game Farms proposed by a Mr. Chrisman, saying the operation presents health and wildlife risks.

The speakers said past avian influenza outbreaks at commercial game/poultry operations and the farm’s proximity to homes and wetlands justify denial or tighter conditions. “We ask that you do not approve what Mister Chrisman … is asking for today and anything in the future until Mister Chrisman gives proper permits in all of York County setback or pens,” said Keith Hoffman, who identified himself during public comment.

Why it matters: Residents said escaped or infected birds could affect household animals, local wetlands and native species, and they cited published case counts they said differ from numbers the farm’s owner gave the county. Speakers also disputed how the project’s biosecurity and setbacks were represented to county reviewers.

Public speakers described a range of specific concerns. Cassie Hoffman and other neighbors said they observed hazmat-suited personnel and sick birds near their property and presented CDC figures they said showed higher bird losses at nearby facilities than the farm owner reported. Cole Stell said captive-raised birds that escaped could displace native species and attract predators. Shirley Fock and Joe Fox cited wetlands and wildlife impacts near the proposed site; Fock said wetlands and pheasant habitat are present in the area.

Industry and inspection statements: Travis Casperson, identifying himself as representing Century Agri Services, told the board that a state-level inspector and supervisor visited the sites and issued letters concluding the sites are “exempt” and “no controls required at the state level.” Casperson said the applicants had provided the state letters to the county. Dustin Grishman also described communicating with the state inspector and said no further state inspection was required to satisfy state rules.

Points of dispute: Neighbors and speakers pointed to a mix of published CDC figures and local accounts to argue the farm’s claimed losses and capacity differ from federal data; they urged the county to require setbacks and permits consistent with York County standards. Some commenters questioned whether the county’s review should defer to state inspection letters or impose county-level permit conditions.

Outcome and next steps: No formal county decision on the farm was recorded in the public comment portion of the transcript. Speakers requested that county officials withhold approvals until the farm provides “proper permits” and complies with local setback requirements. The board moved later in the meeting into an executive session that the chair said would address solar and other matters; the transcript does not show a formal vote or direction specifically resolving the farm permit requests during open session.

Ending: Neighbors asked the county to reconcile state inspection letters with local permitting and to consider wetlands and health concerns before granting any approvals for additional pens or expansions by Double Barrel Game Farms.