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Supervisors approve Master Matrix permit for 4,999‑head Farm Pork LLC site; applicant asks to waive DNR delay
Summary
Franklin County supervisors voted to recommend approval of a Master Matrix permit for a 4,999‑head hog facility (Farm Pork LLC). The site scored 445 points (county pass threshold cited as 440); the applicant asked the board to waive the DNR's two‑week waiting period to speed construction.
Franklin County supervisors voted to recommend approval of a Master Matrix permit for Farm Pork LLC, a proposed confined animal feeding operation with a capacity of 4,999 head. County staff told the board the site scored 445 points on the Master Matrix; the minimum highlighted during the hearing was 440.
Kent, the presenter, told the board the facility would accept pigs coming in at about 21 days of age and run roughly two groups per year and said the manure application land identified in the plan borders the permit site. Kent also summarized site design features that earned additional points, including a truck turnaround, a worker safety plan and a closure plan. "It's 4,999 head," Kent said when asked about scale. The applicant representative said the plan includes cement work and other construction activities that would benefit from an early start.
Representatives asked the board to consider waiving the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' two‑week waiting period after the DNR issues a notice of intent to permit, to allow earlier concrete work before weather conditions turn. Presenters explained that DNR typically issues a notice about 30 days after county review, then reserves 30 days for its review and that a waiver of the local wait could speed foundation and concrete work.
Supervisors closed the public hearing and approved the county recommendation to permit the site by recorded voice vote (ayes recorded). The board and staff noted that county permitting processes for septic, driveway and other county permits remain separate and must be completed before construction begins. The board did not record conditions beyond those described in the Master Matrix and the manure plan; staff indicated they would continue coordinating with the DNR and affected landowners.
The county action: supervisors recommended approval of the Master Matrix permit for Farm Pork LLC. The DNR review and any DNR permit remain a separate step.
