In January, 89 of 99 Iowa counties notified the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that they plan to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements by using the department’s master matrix over the coming year. Counties that adopt the master matrix can provide more input to producers on site selection, proposed structures, and facility management. Participating counties score each master matrix submitted in their county and can recommend to approve or deny the construction permit. They also can join in DNR visits to a proposed confinement site.
While all counties may submit comments to DNR during the permitting process, counties that adopt the master matrix can also appeal a preliminary permit to the state Environmental Protection Commission.
The master matrix applies to producers who must obtain a construction permit to build, expand, or modify a totally roofed facility. Generally, these are confinement feeding operations with at least 2,500 finishing hogs, 1,000 beef cattle or 715 mature dairy cows.
Find more information, including a map of participating counties, by searching for Master Matrix here.
