County approves 20-year interim-use permit for manure biofuel plant with fire-department gas monitor requirement

The Morrison County Board approved an interim-use permit for David and Karen Van Heel to establish a manure biofuel plant, setting a 20-year permit term and requiring the applicants to coordinate with the Swanville Fire Department on selecting and purchasing a gas monitor that the fire department will own. Land services staff said the planning commission recommended approval with two conditions: (1) the permit terminates 20 years from issuance and (2) the applicant must coordinate with Swanville Fire Department on gas-monitor selection and purchase for the fire department’s ownership. Commissioners discussed why the term is 20 years: land-services staff and presenters said the period aligns with anticipated facility lifespan and the contract term the applicant has with a biogas partner, and it also covers expected ordinance updates. The board approved the permit after a motion by Commissioner Blaine and a second by Commissioner Moran. Why it matters: The conditional approval allows a multi-decade agricultural-processing facility to proceed under county land-use rules while ensuring local fire responders receive equipment to monitor gas risks. The action: interim-use permit approved with two conditions (20-year term; purchase/coordination for gas monitor). The board did not attach other conditions or require additional county funding; it also noted the permit’s term is intended to bridge pending ordinance changes.