(Des Moines)– Two northwest Iowa counties are among 11 in the state that have opted this year NOT to use a system devised by the state to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements, known as the Master Matrix.
Osceola and Plymouth counties are among that have NOT adopted the matrix this year. Dickinson and all other counties in northwest Iowa HAVE adopted it.
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 join in DNR visits to sites of proposed operations.
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 to enroll in the program is January 31st of each year.
Only those producers who must get a construction permit are affected by the matrix.
