The controversy continues surrounding a Mahoning Township business that slaughters goats.

Resident Todd Wingert once again brought up Alif Farms at last week’s board of supervisors meeting.

“Is there an ordinance for waste pickup in Mahoning Township?” Wingert asked. “Because I don’t believe they’re (Alif Farms LLC getting rid of it).”

“I’ve been putting out rat traps,” Wingert said. “We are on our sixth trap.”

Wingert added that Alif Farms “are also doing goat load after goat load.”

“It seems like they’re doing whatever they want to do,” he said. “I just feel the board should be able to stop them until they get their practice (in line).”

Attorney Holly Heintzelman asked if the township’s zoning hearing board has notified the owner of the former Heintzelman’s Meat Market that its zoning permit has been revoked.

“Whatever their odor program is, your code enforcement (officer) or zoning officer should (look into it) because it’s not working,” Heintzelman said.”

Supervisor Ron Reeser agreed and added “(township zoning officer) Steve (Wanner) needs to step it up and get out there a little bit.”

A zoning permit to Alif Farms LLC for a fence was revoked last month after an appeal by Heintzelman.

Heintzelman produced pictures of goats inside the fence from around June 7. The fence was up after the slaughterhouse permit was issued, said Heintzelman, who noted she had previously counted 100 goats, and added, “I know there were 176, because the gentleman who delivered them (to Alif Farms LLC) told me.”

Heintzelman said their property is not big enough to accommodate that many goats. Further, she testified that the owner has fenced in her water line, and as a result, she cannot get to it because there is now a gate and a fence there.

She said several days before the zoning hearing, they backed up a box truck to the back door at the butcher shop, wheeled out barrels, dumped it into the box truck, and that when she went out of her house, she held her nose “because it smelled bad.”

Wingert said that due to the smell from the operation, he put in traps and found four rats, noting he has lived at his property since 1982 and never had them until the garbage bags were piled up. That may have drawn them. As a result, he said there is now a rat infestation throughout the neighborhood.

The dispute stems from a June 10 violation issued by LTL Consultants, the township’s code enforcement officer, citing livestock kept on-site, an unpermitted fence, and slaughter operations conducted without a required waste disposal plan, odor abatement plan, or Agriculture Department approval. Each violation could carry fines of up to $500 plus court costs and attorney fees.

Alif Farms, which advertises halal slaughtering services and live animal sales, had 30 days to appeal the violation. The property is owned by Alif Farms LLC, while Alif Meat Packing LLC operates the facility. Permits were previously granted on Sept. 23 and Dec. 12 of last year.

Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns.

Heintzelman questioned whether Alif Farms had submitted the required waste and odor control plans.

Residents also complained that Alif Farms’ trucks sometimes block Route 902 and the entrance to the Gypsy Hill Apartments. Cousens said the company is adding fencing and screening, and noted that USDA inspectors must be present during slaughter operations.