Providing for county control of the siting and management of confinement feeding operations

BACKGROUND —— GENERAL. Confinement feeding operations are regulated by the department of natural resources (DNR) under the “Animal Agriculture Compliance Act” (AACA) (Code chapter 459). A confinement feeding operation is a type of animal feeding operation in which agricultural animals are maintained for at least 45 days in any 12-month period.102).311). Regulations governing confinement feeding operations vary based on the size of the operation measured by its animal unit capacity (AUC). AUC refers to a measurement used to determine the maximum number of animal units that may be maintained as part of a confinement feeding operation at any one time. In calculating AUC, a special equivalency factor is assigned for each classification of confined agricultural animal., 2,500 swine weighing 55 or more pounds) must be issued a permit to construct or expand a confinement feeding operation structure. BACKGROUND —— COUNTY PARTICIPATION.2).304). The board must adopt a construction evaluation resolution. Under the resolution, the board applies a master matrix in which the board scores criteria relating to the construction of a confinement feeding operation structure as specified in a permit application to DNR. The board may submit an adopted recommendation to DNR to approve or disapprove the application. The board may also submit comments regarding the management of manure incorporated into the confinement feeding operation’s manure management plan. BILL’S PROVISIONS.311). The bill provides that a county may adopt a confinement feeding operations siting ordinance (ordinance) that allows a board to approve the site of the construction or expansion of a confinement feeding operation structure that would be part of a confinement feeding operation that has an AUC of 1,000 animal units or more. The ordinance authorizes the board to place conditions on site approval or the application of manure originating from the confinement feeding operation.202 governing air quality).304A.