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August l2, l988
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County convened as the Board of
health at 2:35 p.m. to consider the potential health hazards created by large,
commercial animal husbandry farming operations in Washington County. The Board of
Health Meeting was convened by President Ronald L. Bowers, with the following
members present: Vice President Richard E. Roulette and Commissioner Linda C.
Irvin.
Barry Teach, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he spoke with
Robert Walker, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture with the Department of the
Environment, who informed him that similar problems have occured in other counties
in the State, and the State's policy has been that this is a matter to be dealt
with through local government, and it is a matter of local regulation and control.
He also reported that pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Health - General
Section 320l(d), the County Commissioners, sitting as the Board of Health, have the
authority to adopt and enforce an Order on any health nuisance in the County.
Mr. Teach read a copy of a proposed Order for adoption and presented it to the
Commissioners for their discussion and review.
Commissioner Roulette, who was present at a recent meeting of the ad hoc committee
selected to study the problems created by large hog farming operations, stated that
the committee needs time to develop regulations regarding such operations.
Several revisions were made to the proposed Order after discussion.
ADOPTION OF ORDER PROHIBITING THE EXPANSION OR ESTABLISHMENT OF LARGE, COMMERCIAL
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY FARMING OPERATIONS
Motion made by Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Irvin to adopt an Order pursuant
to the provisions of the Health - General Article, Section 3-20l(d) of the
Annotated Code of Maryland, that the estabishment of a new or expansion of an
existing farming or other animal husbandry enterprise, including structures, which
includes the keeping of l00 or more additional animals is hereby prohibited within
the confines of Washington County for a period of 90 days effective with the date
of this Order. Unanimously approved. (Copy of Order attached.)
Commissioners R. Lee Downey and Martin L. Snook were absent from this Meeting.
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette to adjourn as the Board of
Health and reconvene in Regular Session at 3:00 p.m. Unanimously approved.
County Attorney
, Clerk