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Commission backs conditional-use permit for Melrose-area turkey feedlot expansion; county assumes permitting after MPCA coverage ended
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit allowing the Kloficki farm near Melrose to expand and set a maximum of 920 animal units; the MPCA terminated NPDES coverage and the county will now handle permitting under its delegation agreement.
The Stearns County Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit (CUP) for a feedlot expansion near Melrose that would set a maximum permitted capacity of 920 animal units.
Planning staff reported the site was previously registered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under an NPDES permit at higher animal-unit levels; the owners requested termination of MPCA coverage on Sept. 16, 2024, and the MPCA confirmed on Oct. 7, 2024, that state-level coverage was no longer required. After the MPCA termination, the county assumed permitting responsibilities under its delegation agreement with the MPCA; the joint county/state feedlot permit application was received Dec. 18, 2024 and amended March 18, 2025. Staff said recent compliance inspections found the facility compliant with water-quality discharge and manure-recording requirements.
The applicants (Jonathan and Ashley Kloficki of Lehi and Deborah Kloficki of Melrose in the record summary) are proposing a replacement total-confinement barn, expansion of another confinement building, and to permit a 15-by-60 mortality-management/compost shed. Staff summarized the revised registration as 782 animal units recorded with the MPCA (34,000 turkeys over 5 pounds and 34,000 under 5 pounds) and said the CUP application seeks a maximum 920 animal units (40,000 head over 5 pounds and 40,000 under 5 pounds).
Applicant John (recorded as John/Klopucki) described replacing barns damaged in storms and fires: “Before the storm in August, my farm was a 1,342 animal unit farm… I was gonna build a new barn.” Staff said no valid complaints were on file; the nearest residence was roughly 1,353 feet from the feedlot. Stearns County staff recommended conditions and noted manure-transfer plans and monitoring requirements were part of the application.
Commissioner Rich moved to recommend approval; the motion passed by voice vote. The commission record notes the application and staff recommendations will be forwarded to the County Board for action May 6.
