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Greeley County approves GGP LLC special‑use permit after contested public hearing
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Summary
After a lengthy, contested hearing, the Greeley County Board of Commissioners approved a special‑use permit allowing GGP, LLC to use evaporative ponds and related effluent handling methods on its facility footprint; the vote was 2–1 with commissioners Reilly and Wrede in favor and Goldfish opposed.
The Greeley County Board of Commissioners approved a special‑use permit for GGP, LLC following a contested public hearing that drew both company representatives and multiple local residents. The hearing, held during the board’s June session, centered on GGP’s plan to use evaporative ponds for effluent liquids associated with its facility. GGP’s attorney Steve Mossman and engineer Dean Settje explained the ponds were part of the facility’s previously permitted design and said on‑site evaporation was the practical option. Several witnesses for GGP described the technical rationale and the company’s position that the activity did not expand the facility’s footprint.
Opponents, including Terry Peetz, Carol Schooly, Joan Christensen and Marty Post, testified that the ponds and evaporation raised concerns about odor, flies, air quality and property values for neighboring landowners. The Planning & Zoning Commission had earlier voted 6–1 to deny the permit, citing insufficient information about environmental impacts and the proposal’s fit with the county comprehensive plan. Franz Trumler, the county Planning & Zoning administrator, presented the commission’s findings to the board.
After taking testimony from both sides, the board voted to approve the special‑use permit. Chairman Leo F. Reilly moved to approve the permit and Commissioner Doug Wrede seconded; the roll call was Reilly yes, Wrede yes, Michael Goldfish no. The record shows the board relied on the evidence presented at the hearing and the county’s planning process; no subsequent mitigation conditions were recorded in the minutes.
Because the hearing involved technical permitting and state authorities, the board noted that NDEQ (Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality) authorizations and any required state permits remain in force and necessary for construction or operation. The board’s approval addresses local zoning authorization only; any state permitting or environmental compliance obligations must still be met by the applicant.
The county clerk’s office retains the full hearing record and exhibits submitted by GGP and by members of the public.