Neighbors complain of manure odor from York County farm

Health inspectors are investigating a York County, S.C., farm after receiving complaints from neighbors about a stench from piles of turkey manure.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is seeking to bring Boyd Farms into compliance, The (Rock Hill) Herald reported.

New Zion Baptist Church borders Boyd Farms, and the pastor there, Bobby Glover, says the smell permeates the church.

Several uncovered piles of the manure have been visible on the property for months leading up to the cotton-growing season, Glover said. In that time, the smell has permeated “every crack and crevice” of the church, he said.

“You can smell it during services. You can smell it during funerals,” he said. “When we have feedings in the church, we have the biggest flies you’ve ever seen.”

Health rules require that turkey manure be spread within three days of its acquisition and not more than 30 days from planting seasons. Several neighbors reported seeing manure piles on the property as early as November.

There was no answer Sunday at a number listed for Boyd Farms. DHEC spokesman Jim Beasley said violations could incur a fine of up to $10,000 per day.

DHEC officials said they received three complaints from property owners bordering the farm in March. Inspectors determined Boyd Farm and two smaller farmers in the area had improperly stored and applied turkey manure.

Associated Press

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Neighbors complain of manure odor from York County farm."