Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Feedlot Permit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends approval of tier-3 swine feedlot with buffer and township-access conditions
Summary
The commission recommended that the county board approve a conditional use permit for a proposed tier-3 swine feedlot (720 animal units) with conditions including a 50-foot grass buffer around the barn and confirmation of driveway/access approval with the township. Commissioners discussed potash (potassium) management, manure-handling plans, and a public commenter's concerns about past pumping incidents.
The Morrison County Planning Commission recommended approval on July 21 of a conditional use permit for a proposed tier-3 swine feedlot that would operate at approximately 720 animal units with a 122-by-200 barn and a manure pit sized for 12 months of liquid storage.
Amy, land services staff, reviewed the application and supporting materials: three parcels totaling about 154.58 acres (98 acres proposed for manure application), a manure management plan, odor minimization plan, stormwater plan and an environmental review by Soil and Water that recommended a 50-foot grass buffer to control runoff. She noted the offset rating is 93 and that the required setback from non-feedlot residences is 1,320 feet; the applicant's materials show the nearest neighbor at that setback.
Commissioners focused on manure-management specifics and nutrient balance after Soil and Water flagged elevated potash (potassium) levels on some fields. Clint pressed for detail on soil sampling, manure analysis and contingency plans; the applicant's consultant said they would gather soil and manure samples, use crop rotations (including alfalfa) to remove nutrients where feasible, and arrange for neighbor fields to accept manure if necessary. Clint said the site would likely receive closer monitoring given the nutrient margins and the county feedlot officer does random checks.
A nearby resident, James R. Meyer, raised concerns during public comment about past manure-pumping leaks from another local operation (photos from 2020) and questioned road impacts and whether the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency had been notified about prior incidents. The applicant acknowledged a past hose leak, said it was cleaned up at the time and described current practices to reduce roadside pumping by routing hoses through fields. Amy reminded the applicant of the need to work with the township for driveway access and noted state SWPPP (stormwater) requirements administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
On a motion to recommend approval with two conditions — a 50-foot grass buffer around the barn and coordination with the township on driveway/access — the commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the County Board for its July 28 meeting.
