The increasing number of factory chicken houses brought out around fifty people to a town hall meeting in Somerset County this week.
It was aimed at drumming up support for local regulations that would ensure neighbors and agricultural workers are not negatively impacted by these large operations.
Organizers said there have been some 70 new poultry houses that have been given permits in the county.
Kathy Phillips with the Assateague Coastkeeper told the gathering that poultry production has moved away from mom-and-pop operations.
The movement in Somerset County was sparked by development of two large chicken houses near residential neighborhoods.
The town hall was organized by environmental groups and the local NAACP Branch.
