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Board hears update on Gilbert Farm CAFO expansion after large public forum; DNR retains permitting authority
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Summary
Board members heard an update that a public forum on the Gilbert Farm expansion drew about 300 in person and 150 online; county staff said the DNR is the permitting authority and continues to accept comments, and the county can assist with inspections but does not decide the permit.
Board members received an update on the Gilbert Farm concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) expansion after a public forum that drew substantial community turnout.
A county staff member summarized the forum and told supervisors it was well attended: "I believe there was about 300 people there that attended in person. I think 150 were online," the staff member said. County staff reported the DNR is still accepting public comments on the permit and that the project as proposed would increase the operation from just over 1,000 animal units to roughly 2,000 animal units when complete.
Board members and staff discussed the county's role. County staff said the DNR is the permitting authority and must issue permits that meet statutory requirements; the county can share observations, coordinate on inspections and provide local information, but it does not have final permitting authority. Several supervisors noted strong public interest and urged clarity about where to send comments; staff recommended constituents submit comments directly to the DNR and noted the DNR's comment window remained open for another week or two after the forum.
No formal board action on the CAFO permit was taken; supervisors discussed options for future agenda placement but noted timing constraints because permit decisions and related procedures are on a DNR schedule.
