[Dialogue] LORIMOR

[David & Lin Zahrt]

 From the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Fall 2007  
Newsletter. [Website www.iowacci.org but I discovered that the  
website is not enough up-to-date to have this article posted]

Victory! Lorimor members stop factory farm

In August, because of strong opposition from 32 new CCI members and  
the owner's failure to pass the master matrix, the Iowa Department of  
Natural Resources (DNR) denied a construction permit for a 4,800-head  
hog factory to be located just east of Lorimor. Members worked hard  
by turning out in force at local meetings, circulating petitions,  
winning a city council resolution opposing the site, writing letters  
to the editor and urging the Union County Board of Supervisors to  
take action.

"We're glad the matrix system worked, and we appreciate the decision  
our supervisors and DNR made in handling this flawed application,"  
said CCI member Marian Davenport of rural Lorimor. "If people wanting  
to build hog factories are not willing to take the time to review the  
master matrix and fill it out correctly, then of course the  
application should be denied."

Members and other area residents were overwhelmingly opposed to the  
site for a variety of critical reasons. They were concerned about  
water pollution from manure that would be applied to highly-erodible  
fields that drain into nearby creeks and ponds. They feared water  
shortages in neighboring wells, a sharp decline in property values,  
and the threat of excessive odors and air pollution from hydrogen  
sulfide and ammonia emissions (several neighbors--who are seniors-- 
have asthma and other breathing disorders). And, they were concerned  
about their use of the city park and its new playground equipment,  
since the hog factory would be just over a mile from town.

Lorimor members force supervisors to meet in larger room

The Union County Board of Supervisors generally holds its meetings in  
a small room in the county courthouse in Creston. But when discussion  
about the 4,800 hog factory proposed near Lorimor was on the agenda,  
members knew that the room was too small. When it was clear the  
supervisors were not going to change locations to accommodate the  
expected crowd, Lorimor Mayor Kent Forbes, a CCI member, called the  
state ombudsman. As a result, the meeting was moved to a large  
hallway and attended by over 70 people--60 of whom were there to  
voice opposition to the proposed factory farm.

Who knows what role we played in having this happen?
Is it possible to contact Kit and Margaret Krauss and see if they  
recognize any of the people involved?

David
David & Lin Zahrt
Country Homestead B&B
22133 Larpenteur Rd.
Turin, IA 51040
-- Doorway to the Loess Hills -
<http://country-homestead.com>
Where a change of pace is as good as a vacation, and a sense of place  
is soothing to the soul.
<chbnb at netins.net>



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