The Maryland Department of Environment announced the state will launch an effort to monitor air quality around Delmarva chicken houses, but critics are already lining up against the project.
It’s the latest move in a years-long battle between the multibillion dollar poultry industry and activists that say these farms are affecting the health of nearby communities.
The new plan, the Lower Eastern Shore Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Project, will include two monitoring stations that will be built on the Lower Eastern Shore.
They will measure ammonia and particulate matter for one year, one upwind and one downwind of poultry houses.
It will be funded in partnership with the Delmarva Poultry Industry and the Campbell Foundation.
Read more: Maryland air quality monitoring plan reignites poultry battle