Planning commission backs manure storage project, says permits and manure‑management plan required

The Houston County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Board grant a conditional‑use permit for construction of a liquid manure storage area (LMSA) exceeding 20,000 gallons at an existing dairy facility owned by the Doug and Julie Heinz Trust in Sheldon Township.

Applicant representatives described the project as the final storage stage for dry‑cow manure and other barn wastes, saying the tank would allow timely injection of manure and capture nitrogen benefits rather than hauling in poor weather. The applicant said the proposed basin would provide roughly nine months of storage (standard for cost‑share programs) and that design work was done through the soil and water district with anticipated MPCA engineering review.

Staff read findings that the project is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan to support commercial agriculture, that proper manure management and a required manure management plan will mitigate pollution hazards, and that feedlot/soil/bedrock standards and minimum bedrock separation will be verified during permitting. A written public comment in the packet (Michael Markingart) expressed support for the permit.

Commissioners asked about freeboard, design standards and whether the project met state rules; staff and the applicant said freeboard and engineer review are per rule and that the MPCA and county feedlot permitting will be required before construction. The commission accepted the staff findings and voted to recommend approval with conditions including compliance with federal, state and local laws, county access for compliance checks, and obtaining all Minnesota feedlot permits prior to construction.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the Houston County Board for final action.