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Planning commission delays livestock-ordinance changes as resident details persistent lagoon odor
Summary
County planning staff presented draft land-use changes to create a two-tier approach to intensive livestock operations; discussion is ongoing. During public comment a resident, Devon Bullon, described severe, ongoing odor from a nearby manure lagoon and was advised to file a formal IDEM complaint so regulators can investigate.
Adams County officials discussed a draft amendment to the land-use ordinance that would create a two-tier system for intensive livestock operations and adjust regulatory provisions; the planning commission has tabled the item for further work.
"It's creating a two tier system for intensive livestock operations...dealing with the number of animals," Planning staff member Mark told the commissioners, summarizing the draft. He said planning commissioners were debating setback distances and thresholds tied to the number of animals. "The county doesn't have a lot of control over manure management," Mark added, citing state oversight.
During the meeting'''s public-comment period, resident Devon Bullon described daily, severe odor from a nearby lagoon she identified as "Drops Farms" and said the smell sometimes penetrates her home and sleep-apnea equipment. Bullon said food-processing byproducts were previously hauled to the lagoon and that the odor made outdoor activities and basic enjoyment of her property difficult.
"I am the proud owner of a manure lagoon smell every day of my life," Bullon said. "It makes a horrendous smell that is completely unbearable...This morning I walked out and dry heaved." She asked what could be done and whether soils around the pit could be covered.
Commissioners and staff responded that confined feeding operations and manure management frequently fall under Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) jurisdiction and that county regulation of confined feeding is limited. Staff advised residents to file an official complaint with IDEM so regulators can review permits and investigate potential violations; the county indicated it would (at minimum) join residents in requesting enforcement action and would relay contact information for IDEM staff.
The planning commission item remains tabled; staff will continue drafting language and coordinating with the county attorney and IDEM implications before presenting a finalized ordinance to the board.
