A Distillery’s Expansion Plans: A Battle Between Neighbors and a Stubborn Fungus

The owner of a distillery in York has big dreams of expanding his business, but little did he know, a group of neighbors and a mischievous fungus would become major obstacles in his path to success. Known as “whiskey fungus,” Baudoinia compniacensis has caused havoc in towns across Kentucky and Tennessee, blackening entire communities and sparking numerous lawsuits. Now, this troublesome fungus has made its way to York, near the Wiggly Bridge Distillery on Route 1.

Whiskey fungus thrives on the fumes of alcohol, making distilleries an ideal breeding ground. Confirming its presence, a sample collected by concerned neighbors revealed the sticky and hard-to-remove black fungus in York. While health officials claim there is limited research on the long-term effects of whiskey fungus exposure, the residents in this quiet town aren’t willing to take any chances, especially when it comes to the health of their children.

Adam Flaherty, a neighbor living near the distillery, said, “I’ve got young kids, and I don’t want them breathing that in for years if we don’t know if it could be detrimental to their health down the road.” David Wood, the owner of Wiggly Bridge Distillery, declined to comment on the matter. However, despite the concerns raised by the community, the distillery has applied to construct two additional whiskey houses to store their barrels.

Recently, researchers from the University of Maine conducted a study, collecting 100 samples within a one-mile radius of the distillery. Their findings confirmed the presence of whiskey fungus in multiple locations. Neighbor Marilyn Zotos pointed out, “Anything that are these large circles, these are very heavy Baudoinia spores.” In fact, the study concluded that it is highly likely that the distillery is the source of the whiskey fungus clusters in the area.

While the town planner is currently reviewing the Wiggly Bridge expansion application, a town ordinance in York prohibits any emission of dust, fumes, vapors, or gases that could harm human health, property, or leave stains on a person’s property. Arguing that the distillery is in violation of this ordinance, neighbors are urging town leaders to carefully consider the facts. “That business is in violation of the current ordinance. The testing shows they’re in violation, and if you’re in violation of a standing ordinance, you’re not supposed to be able to expand on a violation,” explained Zotos.

The fate of the Wiggly Bridge Distillery’s expansion plans now lies in the hands of the York Planning Board, who will be deciding on Thursday night at the town library whether to approve or deny the proposed expansion. As tensions rise between the distillery and its concerned neighbors, the town’s leaders face a difficult quandary. Will they prioritize the economic benefits of the distillery’s growth or the health and well-being of the community? Only time will tell.