NOTE: The article incorrectly reports that the hearing was held before the Huntington Township supervisors. It was, in fact, a zoning board hearing.

Plans to build a concentrated egg farm didn't go over easy with neighbors in northern Adams County.

Mostly, those living near the proposed site in Huntington Township were concerned about odor from 80,000 chickens, or that manure could seep into groundwater.

"This is crazy. If we're talking about 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 birds, I got it. I understand. But 80,000 birds is a lot of birds and it comes with a lot of baggage," said William Davis, who leaves nearby.

Brenda Weaver and Roxey Sauble are seeking to convert part of their 340-acre farm off Rolling Road to a concentrated poultry operation. The farm would produce eggs, to be sold to a Pennsylvania distributor, and as much as 600 tons of manure each year.

The project was pitched to the township supervisors during a meeting Thursday night. Current township zoning allows 1,000 chickens, but because the farm would exceed that amount, the supervisors are permitted to place restrictions on the project.

But there are limits on those restrictions.

"When people live in an (agriculture) security area, they're expected to understand there will be odors or noise," explained township solicitor Robert Campbell. "That is why Ag security areas were created. You cannot prohibit something because it would be a general nuisance."

As part of the plan, two long barns would be built, each housing about 40,000 chickens, and all poultry farming would take place on 147 acres of the existing farm.

Brenda Weaver and Roxey Sauble are members of the Grove family and the farm has been family owned and operated for nearly five generations. The pair hopes the poultry operation provides a way for the next generation to earn a living off the land.

"I appreciate family farmers wanting to stay on their farm. But the needs of the community need to be taken into account," said neighbor Rose Coufos. "Another concern we have is the pollution of our creeks and watersheds ... How about flies from the nutrients and dead chickens composting? How about rats and mice from the feed storage?"

Peter Hughes of the Lancaster-based Red Barn Consulting presented the plan and he explained that all intensive-farming operations must adhere to strict state guidelines. Specifically, manure generated by the chickens will be safely disbursed throughout the farm and kept away from homes or waterways.

Hughes said the process is safe for neighbors and groundwater.

"A common misconception of things like this is that it is a wet manure. It's not. It's a dry manure," he said, adding that it's easily spread among the fields as fertilizer.

Still, many neighbors in attendance were unconvinced.

"There are many health risks to having large-scale chicken operations," argued Michael Trippett. "This has been a pleasantly clean place that I have enjoyed having my grandchildren come and visit. I'd hate to see anything alter that state."

If approved by the supervisors, construction could begin as early as this fall, with the first chickens arriving by summer. Those behind the plan did not choose to speak during the hearing. But afterwards, they said all of the neighbors' concerns will be addressed during upcoming public meetings. No dates have been set, but the plan next goes to the township planning commission.

Still, the 50 or so residents who showed up filled the two-hour meeting with their concerns.

"If this particular operation goes in, my property value will go down immediately," said neighbor Elizabeth Hower. "People will not want to buy my house."

Still, Hughes insisted the meeting went pretty well.

Opponents to other intensive farming projects have organized in force, he said, often wearing matching T-shirts. Typically, so many angry neighbors turn out that they have to meet in the high school gym, he said.

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