The Grundy County Commission has announced that it will not pursue the adoption of a county health ordinance at this time, meaning that the regulations regarding concentrated animal feeding operations will continue to be those set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
During its meeting on Tuesday, commissioners said that based on their research, conversations with residents and looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a health ordinance, they feel that the adoption of such an ordinance would hinder the ability for current livestock producers in the county to expand their operations. In addition, a health ordinance, which would require new permits to be issued every five or 10 years depending on the size of the operation, could affect how lenders look at an operation that is seeking a loan. The commissioners stressed that the issue of a health ordinance does not just address a single occurrence – such as the proposed Trenton Farms RE LLC operation – but would affect all producers in the county who qualify as a CAFO or who would if they intend to expand to support additional generations on the family farm. Commissioners said that the criteria in a health ordinance, including a setback of one-half mile from any dwelling, including cemeteries, churches, etc., and taking into consideration flood plains, would make it very difficult for existing producers to expand if needed.
Trenton Farms RE LLC, which has proposed a hog farm in the Hickory area but had their plans put on hold when the Missouri Clean Water Commission overruled the MDNR’s decision to grant a permit for operation, has appealed that decision. The proposed farm would not have been affected by a county health ordinance since a permit application has already been filed.
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