Jefferson County adopts construction-evaluation resolution to review confinement-feeding permits

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a construction-evaluation resolution authorizing the county to evaluate any confinement feeding operation construction permit application received between Feb. 1, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026, using the master matrix in Iowa Code Chapter 459.

Board members said the county will perform a master-matrix evaluation and submit an adopted recommendation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), but emphasized the DNR retains final authority on permit decisions. A board member explained that the county’s evaluation must be documented and sent to the DNR along with any public comments and point deductions the county uses during its review.

The resolution requires that the board designate a liaison to the DNR to prepare paperwork, accept and compile public comments (verbal and written), and document any scoring adjustments made during the county’s review. The board noted that, historically, the DNR has sometimes adjusted points differently from county reviewers and that the DNR’s final determination is not bound by the county’s recommendation.

Supporters of the resolution framed it as ensuring Jefferson County’s ability to formally review and record local findings and concerns about proposed animal feeding operations, while recognizing the state’s role in the final permitting decision. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: the board will assign the liaison responsibilities and prepare to hold public engagement if a permit application prompts a local public hearing. The DNR will receive the county’s adopted recommendation when a permit application is submitted.