The Hardin County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday recommended approval of a proposed hog confinement in Hardin Township, despite public concerns raised during a lengthy hearing.
Summit Farms Pork, LLC submitted the permit application for the “Hardin 32 Site,” which would house nearly 5,000 hogs in two deep-pitted barns in Section 32 of the township. The project met Iowa’s Master Matrix requirements with a score of 455, gaining points for setbacks, underground manure storage, and conservation measures.
Supervisor BJ Hoffman tells RadioOnTheGo News that while the site complies with state regulations, local residents did voice concerns about odors, water quality, lack of spill containment, and unsecured disposal of dead animals. Several criticized the absence of landscaping, a worker safety plan, and an emergency response plan. Some questioned the broader environmental impact and whether the county is benefiting from such projects. The board acknowledged the concerns but voted to submit the application to the Iowa DNR for final consideration.
Also Wednesday, supervisors approved a loan for the Eldora Children’s Center, reviewed reports from county departments, and signed off on a utility permit request from Alliant Energy.
