# Farmer dumps manure into Maryland stream despite state order

> Maryland sues farmer for polluting Basin Run stream with cow manure after repeated violations
- Title: Farmer dumps manure into Maryland stream despite state order
- Summary: Maryland sues farmer for polluting Basin Run stream with cow manure after repeated violations Kilby Farms, owned by Pennsylvania farmer Ben Flahart…
- Keywords: kilby farms, basin run, mde, ben flahart, cecil county, dairy farm, manure pollution, water quality, foul discharge, state lawsuit, environmental violation, cow manure
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/basin-run-kilby-farms-cows-pollution-W4ZLJMPDPFHZJJIYPNADJ7JVWU
- Author: Adam Willis
- Published: 2026-09-21T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kilby farms, basin run, mde, ben flahart, cecil county, dairy farm, manure pollution, water quality, foul discharge, state lawsuit, environmental violation, cow manure
## 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
## Key takeaway

Kilby Farms, owned by Pennsylvania farmer Ben Flahart, continues discharging untreated manure into Basin Run despite a 2025 settlement agreement