(Des Moines)– Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and O’Brien counties are among nearly 40 Iowa counties that had notified the Department of Natural Resources as of Tuesday that they intend to evaluate livestock construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements by using the state’s master matrix system.
Animal producers in counties that use the master matrix must meet higher standards than other confinement producers who also need a construction permit. They must earn points on the master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on air, water and the community.
Counties that adopt the master matrix can provide more input to producers on site selection, the proposed structures and proposed facility management. Participating counties can also participate in DNR site visits to a proposed confinement site.
While all counties may submit comments to the DNR during the review process for permit applications, counties that adopt the master matrix can also appeal a preliminary permit approval to the Environmental Protection Commission.
The deadline for counties to enroll in the master matrix is January 31st.
Counties wishing to participate must re-enroll each year.
