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Conditional-use permit approved for Bucks Unlimited feedlot expansion over 500 animal units
Summary
Goodhue County granted a conditional-use permit for a feedlot expansion (Bucks Unlimited) that includes two heifer-barn expansions, a large free-stall barn expansion and a new calf shed; the facility's manure storage does not require upgrade under current plans and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions.
The Goodhue County Board approved a conditional-use permit for Bucks Unlimited to expand its feedlot operation by more than 500 animal units.
Land-use staff told commissioners the proposal includes two heifer barn expansions, a large free-stall barn expansion and a new calf shed. Manure storage was upgraded in 2019 and the applicants indicated no further storage improvements are required at this time. Staff included odor-offset calculations and site maps with the application materials. The planning advisory commission held the public hearing and recommended approval with findings and standard conditions; the county's recording document references the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) water-management/NPDES permitting process where applicable.
Staff noted a variance had been granted for a barn setback related to this project and that state environmental review thresholds for an automatic environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) apply when a project increases more than 1,000 animal units over a five-year period; staff confirmed the applicant is not increasing to that threshold under current plans and agreed to notify the county if future expansions would change that status.
Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the planning commission's recommendation; no separate public hearing was required at the board because the public hearing had already been held by the planning commission.
Ending: Staff will record the permit conditions on the property and monitor compliance with MPCA and county requirements.
