Basin Run pollution crisis

Fisherman Chris Thomas saw hundreds of dead fish and murky water after Kilby Farms dumped manure into Basin Run last Labor Day weekend

“This is the worst environmental thing I've ever seen in my life”

State lawsuit against farm

Maryland Department of Environment sued Kilby Farms and Hartland Holdings for violating 2025 settlement over Basin Run pollution

Farm owner's defense

Pennsylvania farmer Ben Flahart claims he's invested $5 million in environmental compliance and denies worsening pollution since 2025 settlement

Historical pollution pattern

Kilby Farms has repeatedly discharged manure into Basin Run for seven years with recent spikes in pollution

Water quality impact

Downstream testing shows severe water quality degradation and diminished aquatic life in Basin Run

Legal battle intensifies

MDE seeks civil contempt charges against Kilby Farms after farm continues discharges despite court order to stop

Farm's permit status

Kilby Farms lacks a permit to operate the dairy despite claims of compliance with environmental regulations

Local community impact

Residents downstream report 'god-awful' water color and dead fish from Kilby Farms discharges

Historical context

Kilby Farms was owned by the Kilby family who ran an ice cream shop before Ben Flahart took over in 2017

Environmental claims

State alleges Kilby Farms has expanded herd size and improperly disposed of dead cattle causing pollution

Local government response

Cecil County imposed moratorium on animal sludge storage after complaints from neighbors in 2024

Pollution severity

MDE inspectors found a drainage pond releasing foul-smelling gray sludge that caused fish kills and health concerns

Farm owner's perspective

Flahart claims state regulations are too strict and that his farm is being targeted by a 'nutjob' Democratic administration

Legal consequences

MDE seeks up to $10,000 fines per day for Kilby Farms' continued violations of pollution laws