(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson county board of supervisors voted four-to-one today (Tuesday) to write a letter to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommending approval of a manure management plan submitted by Cedric Winterboer. Winterboer plans to construct a 2,400 head hog operation in the southeast quarter of section 34 of Westport Township.
The supervisors took the action following a public hearing. Shirley Skorman of Milford owns land near the proposed site. She expressed concern, saying Westport Township needs protection just like other areas of Dickinson county.
Dick Kestel of Arnolds Park was concerned over a recent fish kill on Stony Creek, which flows through that area. Winterboer responded, saying there’s no solid evidence that can directly link the fish kill to manure.
Winterboer added that by injecting the manure into land near where he lives, that he would be using natural fertilizer instead of commercial…which he says is much better for the environment.
This will be the first time the Dickinson county board of supervisors have taken action to write a letter recommending the DNR approve a manure management plan. In the past they’ve only written letters recommending approval or disapproval of construction permits. Supervisor Wayne Northey today (Tuesday) said he wants the board to make writing a letter of support or non-support for manure management plans a regular practice as well.
In the past, the supervisors took no action at all on manure management plans, only passing along to the state any comments from public hearings. It’s a practice Dickinson county implement on its own to better inform the populace as to what’s being planned for livestock operations and manure management.
