Black Hawk County adopts construction evaluation resolution to weigh in on DNR feedlot permits; supervisors note limits of local power

At its Jan. 4 meeting the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a construction evaluation resolution that allows the county to submit recommendations to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on proposed confinement feed operation permits.

Board members discussed the practical effect of the resolution. Supervisor Chris said it gives the county an opportunity to evaluate a proposed permit and recommend denial, but that the state retains final authority: "it's good that I support that we pass this, but there's still at the end of the day, the state has the ultimate decision whether we want it or not." The board’s discussion emphasized that adoption of the resolution is a prerequisite for the county to formally contest DNR decisions on specific applications.

The resolution references Iowa Code 459.304(3) and was described by supervisors as the standard county-level mechanism for participating in DNR reviews of confinement feeding operations. Supervisors and staff noted that while the county can present local information and recommend approval or denial, statutory requirements and state regulations govern the final outcome.

The board approved the construction evaluation resolution and asked staff to proceed with the usual submission and notification steps when permit applications arise. The motion carried without recorded opposition.

Next steps: the clerk/auditor and planning staff were directed to submit the adopted resolution to the DNR when applicable and to notify residents and the board about any contested applications in a timely manner.