Casey Kuhn/KJZZ

The sign outside of Hickmans Family Farms in Buckeye, Arizona.

Hickman's Family Farms built a four million poultry operation in Tonopah, Arizona two years ago. And ever since locals have cried foul about the poor air quality.

In a three-hour hearing Monday, the community protested air quality permits for the egg facility.

Socially Responsible Agricultural Project Director Danielle Diamond helped locals with their appeal, and said Monday’s hearing was meant to change how the county regulates air quality from confined animal feeding operations.

“And this is a major source of pollution that’s the argument here. So we need to start controlling those sources of pollution to protect not only the people in Tonopah but all over Maricopa County and the state of Arizona," Diamond said. "People need to start doing a better job of regulating these things.”

The Environmental Protection Agency recently sent Hickman's a letter to monitor its emissions under the Clean Air Act. The investigation is ongoing.