EMMETSBURG, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors unanimously denied conditional use permits for two proposed livestock hog nurseries Tuesday.

The projects, proposed by GW Livestock, would include a 4,000-head pig nursery and a 9,999-head pig nursery in Sections 4 and 24 of Lost Island Township.

Both proposals were reviewed by the Palo Alto County Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday August 10, where numerous residents voiced concerns about the developments.

 

 

The proposed facilities meet Iowa Department of Natural Resources setback requirements but do not comply with the county’s Good Neighbor Policy, which contains stricter standards. Because of that conflict, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of both applications.

Grant Westergard of GW Livestock defended the applications during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting on August 11.

 

 

Following discussion, supervisors voted unanimously to deny both conditional use permits. Supervisor Craig Merrill said the board’s decision was based on the county’s standards and policies.

 

 

Although the county denied the permits, the projects may still have a path forward under state law because they meet Iowa DNR requirements.

Supervisors also discussed potential next steps, including the possibility of appealing the permits at the state level.