Neighbors Manure

[JDPN]

Our neighbor is dumping his manure from his farm at the back part of our wooded property.
1. It is a wet area that water flows through when it rains
2. It smells bad from 100's of feet away
3. it occupies a 50x50 area that is now filled on occasion with flies
He said he would stop 2 yrs ago but didn't. What can i do?

 

[DUMBDOG]

Is he dumping it on his own property? Is his land zoned agricultural?

You did not give us enough information on where you are located, what time of zoning, etc. to give any good advice.

 

[Av8r3400]

Call sherriff, call DNR, call county officials, call anyone with a telephone. Illegal manuer dumping is becomming a big topic conserning it's impact to groundwater and runoff to surface water. This person is doing a criminal act. In Wisconsin he would be fined and possibly do jail time for dumping this time of year (frost causes runoff to migrate on surface water).

 

[BubbaJr]

We had that problem with pig manure running into the local creek where we used to live. Which wouldn't be a great big problem except that is where the city got most of it's drinking water. They got the EPA involved and they quickly put a stop to it.

 

[JimR]

Sounds like your neighbor will be swimming in his own soon enough. Make the calls and watch what happens.

 

[midlf]

Nielo - if you fill out your profile with your location, rough location is OK. Someone may be able provide information more specific to your state/area.

 

[JDPN]

Sorry for the lack of info. i live in NJ. If anyone knows the laws there well let me know.

 

[HappyCPE]

The People's Republic of New Jersey (for better or worse) has extensive manure management regulations, no matter what the zoning is. You can't just dump/stockpile the stuff, and nobody is exempt. If you want to be nice about it, call the county ag agent (farmer not conforming to good AMP's, or agricultural management practices) or health department. If you want to go nuclear, call the DEP in Trenton, and keep your own bomb shelter well stocked.

 

[goodoleboy]

Call Law enforcment before you call the DNR and EPA.
The land Owner has the ultiumate responsibilty if the person Dumping can not pay to clean up the waste site..

 

[JJT]

I'd address the issue with him 1 more time, then get the officials involved. Document your conversation with your neighbor. If he doesn't stop right away, escalate ASAP.

 

[cowboydoc]

Having dealt with this many times the first call really needs to be to the DNR. The sheriff and other law enforcement have no idea what the laws are regarding this. Trust me when I tell you this the DNR can bring the wrath down like no sheriff can even comprehend.

I would NOT in this case talk to him first. This is one of those few exceptions I would advise not trying to work it out with your neighbor because the damage is already done and you don't want the brunt of this on you. Once the authorities are involved in manure dumping like this all heck is going to break lose if there is any kind of water tributaries involved. If he denies it and makes it look like it is yours you could be subject to EXTREME fines and cleanup.

I have seen it happen from something as simple as dumping manure from 3 stalls that got into a creek. Get the DNR involved and let them see whom is doing the dumping. You want them on your side at all costs.

 

[40Kchicks]

In our area the DNR is very reasonable. If they find or are advised of a violation they work with the owner to get the problem fixed. On the other hand when they run into people who are warned and know better but for some reason choose to not comply their attitude and actions quickly change and they start writing tickets and watch the operation very closely.

Our poultry farm has to have a CAFO (confined animal feeding operation) permit and they do inspections periodically. Some horse stables have to have this same permit. We have never had any problems but another poultry farmer in our area was fined last year when he didn’t get his manure pile covered and it sat out in the rain. He got a warning one week and a ticket the next.

Don’t be afraid of getting the DNR involved. It sounds like both of you have the same goal of getting this problem resolved.

Eric

 

[YanmarFever]

Cowboy,
Cou gave the best advise so far . I have dealt with neighbors before, and even moved from our home because of neighbors. I would not talk to them at all any more other than thru the authorities, because all he... is going to break loose when this is over.
Been there
Ernie

 

[JerryG]

He has already told you that he would stop and he didn't. Call the DNR.