70 COUNTIES DECIDE TO EVALUATE ANIMAL CONFINEMENT SITES SO FAR Almost three fourths of Iowa counties have decided to use the master matrix to evaluate the proposed locations of animal confinement operations that need to apply for a construction permit. Animal producers in counties that file the resolutions must meet higher standards than other confinement operations with a construction permit. They must earn points on the master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on the environment and the community. The following 70 counties have adopted resolutions to use the matrix as of Jan. 16: Adair, Adams, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Kossuth, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, Obrien, Page, Pocahontas, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Tama, Taylor, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth and Wright counties. Counties that adopt the master matrix can provide input on site selection, and the type of structures and facility management that is being proposed. The deadline for enrolling in the program is Jan. 31 for counties interested in using the matrix during the next 12 months. Producers and citizens can obtain more information and view a map of participating counties at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/matrix.html. Only those producers who must get a construction permit are affected by the matrix. MEDIA CONTACT: Tammie Krausman, DNR, at (515) 281-8382. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp