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Board of Health to convene meeting with farm and neighbors over nuisance manure pile
Summary
The Select Board heard a Board of Health update on neighbor complaints about a large manure pile at a local farm producing flies and odors; health staff have documented the site, contacted state agencies and plan a meeting with the farm operators and neighbors to seek a resolution within 4–6 weeks.
The Town of Hampden Select Board received an update from the Board of Health about ongoing neighbor complaints concerning a large manure pile at a local farm.
Health staff reported that the pile has produced nuisance odors and black flies during warmer months and that photographs show trucks bringing material onto the site. The health director and staff investigated, contacted the Massachusetts Division of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for guidance, and obtained pictures and evidence. The health official said he expects the pile to be diminished significantly within 4–6 weeks and recommended convening a meeting with farm operators and neighbors to work toward a resolution; the town’s "right to farm" bylaw limits certain enforcement options, so the meeting is intended to clarify operations and mitigation.
The board asked health staff to return with progress updates following the meeting with farm management and neighbor representatives; the town will document findings and pursue appropriate agency referrals if necessary.
