According to local WALB News, land is already being cleared for what could become one of the largest chicken operations in Georgia — and residents across the state are voicing strong opposition.
The proposed project in Coffee County would consist of 60 chicken houses spread across more than 1,000 acres, with the capacity to raise up to three million chickens at a time. That scale would make it twice as large as Georgia’s current biggest poultry farm, which operates 32 houses.
State Representative James Burchett told WALB News that the Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Division will ensure the project follows state law if it proceeds.
Many locals, however, argue the issue isn’t about farming itself but the location and potential environmental impact. The Satilla River, which winds through 15 Georgia counties, could face significant risks, opponents say. Data from the University of Georgia Extension shows that each broiler chicken produces about 2.5 pounds of waste per cycle — meaning three million birds could generate 7.5 million pounds annually.
Nearby resident Rod Freeman, whose property borders the site, says nearly 5,000 people have already signed a petition to halt the project. Others, like Harrison Russ, have criticized the plan as “corporate greed” rather than agricultural necessity.
While state agencies have agreed to review permits, Coffee County officials confirmed that no building permits have been submitted yet. County commissioners were absent from a recent community meeting, leaving residents determined to make their voices heard.
Opponents warn that the fight extends beyond Coffee County. As one resident told WALB News, “If it’s here today, it could be somewhere else tomorrow.”
Source: WALB
