DEADLINE NEAR FOR COUNTIES TO SIGN UP FOR ANIMAL CONFINEMENT SITE
EVALUATIONS


 

DES MOINES - Counties interested in evaluating proposed sites of animal
confinements that need a construction permit must sign up by Jan. 31, 2014. 

 

The board of supervisors in counties that would like to participate must
adopt and file a construction evaluation resolution and submit it to the DNR
between Jan. 1 and 31. 

 

Confinements in counties that file the resolutions must meet higher
standards than other permitted sites.  They must earn points on the master
matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on the
environment and the community. 

 

"Adopting a construction evaluation resolution and properly using the master
matrix process is the primary method counties have to work with livestock
producers on proposed confinement operations," said Gene Tinker, coordinator
of the DNR animal feeding section. "County supervisors or staffs have the
opportunity to review master matrix applications to determine if the site
characteristics and management practices selected are appropriate to receive
points needed for a passing score."

 

Counties that participate in the master matrix process may send staff to
accompany the DNR on site visits to proposed locations. The county board of
supervisors may also appeal the DNR's preliminary approval of a permit to
the Environmental Protection Commission. 

 

Approximately 86 counties have filed resolutions each year since the master
matrix went into effect in 2003. 

 

Counties that have adopted a resolution should mail it to Jerah Sheets at
the DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319 or fax it to 515-281-8895.
Sign-ups occur annually during the month of January for the upcoming
February through January.  

 

Most confinement feeding operations that need to apply for a permit are
subject to the matrix.  For more information on which operations are
affected, check the DNR website under animal feeding operations at
www.iowadnr.gov/AFO/. Look under
Confinements/ConstructionRequirements/Permitted/MasterMatrix.aspx. 

 

Additional information for counties is available on the Iowa State
Association of Counties website at www.iowacounties.org/ under master matrix
- construction evaluation.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jerah Sheets at 515-313-8909 or [log in to unmask] .

 

 

 


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