Hardin County supervisors recommend DNR approve Summit Fork LLC 4,999-head swine site after master-matrix review

The Hardin County Board of Supervisors voted to submit a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to approve Summit Fork LLC’s permit application for a new 4,999-head swine production site in Section 32 of Hardin Township.

Kent Krause, a consultant with Pinnacle for Myelofalls, presented the application and the farm’s master-matrix scoring during an August 7 board hearing. “We’re required to have 440 points, and we’ve got 455,” Krause said, summarizing the scores that support the permit recommendation.

Krause told the board the proposed site features two deep-pit, concrete barns with all manure contained beneath roofed pits, and he estimated the site would produce about 1,600,000 gallons of manure while the fields listed in the manure management plan have capacity close to 1,900,000 gallons. He outlined scores on individual matrix questions, including additional separation distances from residences, public areas, schools and high-quality waters; for example, he said the closest water is 2,569 feet away and that the Iowa River (major water) is in excess of 3,500 feet from the site. Krause described water-conserving equipment and application practices, noting the site will use wet-dry feeders and that manure will be injected or incorporated on fields when applied.

Residents who spoke during public comment urged the board to weigh additional environmental and safety concerns not captured in the matrix scoring. One public commenter said the application lacked an emergency containment area at pump-out sites and filter systems for exhaust fans, and warned, “Remember, if you can smell it, you’re also inhaling microscopic bits of hog poop.” Another resident raised questions about worker safety and emergency action plans, disposal of mortalities, community support, and the identity of a landowner listed on page 57 of the manure management plan.

Krause answered several follow-up questions, identifying two properties listed in the MMP (one the former Doug Mussen property now owned by Summit Farms and another recorded in the transcript as 'West Henry Yawgert') and confirming a drilled well will be installed on the property, typically toward the road and set back roughly 100 feet from the buildings.

Board members noted that county authority and DNR jurisdiction are distinct; a public commenter pointed out the county retains the right to deny applications even when the DNR would approve. County staff advised the board that the application met the DNR master-matrix requirements. After public comment and brief discussion, a supervisor moved to approve submitting the recommendation to the DNR; the motion was seconded and carried with all supervisors saying “aye.” A staff member said the recommendation would be sent the same day.

What happens next: The county’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Iowa DNR for final administrative review and decision. The board’s action was a recommendation to the state agency; the transcript does not record a final DNR decision or any county denial.