DES MOINES -- The Iowa DNR would like to remind counties interested in evaluating construction permits for proposed animal feeding facilities that they must adopt a construction evaluation resolution.
On average, 88 counties pass a resolution each year, allowing them to review construction permit applications required for larger confinement facilities.
County boards of supervisors may approve the resolutions at any time, but must submit resolutions between Jan.1 and 31, 2024.
Producers in counties that file the resolutions must meet additional standards in their construction permits. They must earn points on a master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce effects on the environment and the community.
The Master Matrix development, submittal and approval process allows applicants and county supervisors to discuss options for site selection, facility type and management. The county submits a recommendation to the DNR on the permit application after reviewing the master matrix items the applicant selected.
Counties that participate in the master matrix process may accompany 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.
Send resolutions to Kelli Book at DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 or email Kelli.Book@dnr.iowa.gov. Sign-ups in January apply to permit applications DNR receives from February 2024 through January 2025.
For historical information on counties that adopted resolutions, check for Master Matrix information on the DNR’s animal feeding operations construction permit webpage.