MENTZ, N.Y. -- In a meeting with the DEC, residents in the town of Mentz gave their opinions about the controversial manure lagoon project.

DEC officials say the farm on Maiden Lane Road has the necessary permits and has continued with the project but one group is worried about potential health impacts.

The DEC also tried to reassure neighbors that the lagoon was safe.

"The protections in place through the existing permit account for through the design and construction of the facility all those situations, including storm events, which in this case includes a leak detection system amongst many other protections,” said New York State DEC Region 7 Director Matthew Marko.

“The laws really need to change. I feel really strongly on that as far as how these lagoons are operating with regulations and oversight, our DEC and soil and water, they need to step it up," said Jessica Marks, part of Mentz Opposed to Manure Lagoon.

Residents are also concerned about an increase in truck traffic on the road. And the possibility that other farms could decide to use the lagoon.