FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- Two confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) are proposed in Jefferson County, Iowa.
The new buildings could hold up to 1,200 hogs each. On Monday, Jefferson County supervisors surveyed land in both Penn and Walnut townships. Both facilities will open on existing farmlands that have similar operations. The land is owned by the same farmer.
The supervisors fill out something called a master matrix plan that is approved by the Iowa DNR for safety and health concerns.
“It talks about things about how close is water, how close is the well, how close are these buildings to other hog confinements,” Jefferson County supervisor Dick Reed said.
The supervisors will hold a public meeting on Thursday Dec. 22 in the courthouse beginning at 4 p.m. for residents with any concerns.
"We want people, if they're interested; we want them to come to the public hearing. We are interested in what people have to say. Agriculture is a big part of Jefferson County but clean air and everything else is a part of Jefferson County too."