The Davison County Commission yesterday approved a conditional use permit request for a 2,400-head swine finishing and animal feeding operation.
The unanimous 4-0 vote came after nearly two hours of discussion and testimony. Tim Neugebauer, who will operate the hog farm, must meet several conditions set by the commission.
Opponents of the plan cited road wear and tear, unpleasant odor, the destruction of habitat, threats to water quality, and overall health issues area residents could suffer if the operation would be approved.
One of the opponents who spoke, Larry Olson, expressed concern about the number of concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, in Davison County.
The facility will be located in Rome Township just north of the Davison-Hutchinson county line. Construction could begin as early as next month.
(KMIT)