The Cherry County Commissioners held a Public Hearing, Thursday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. to hear comments on the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 001\20 Danielski Harvesting and Farming LLC \Valentine Feeders Swine Facility to be used for breeding, gestation, and farrowing.
The meeting was held at the courtroom of the Cherry County Courthouse which had a microphone and speaker system set up.
Dean Settje of Agri Services and Engineering, Inc., shared a power point presentation for the large crowd and the County Commissioners. Their firm was formed in 1997, and 97 percent of their projects are livestock systems. Their staff is comprised of professional engineers, construction managers, certified crop advisors\agronomist, project managers, compliance and record keeping specialists, manure marketing specialists, and ground water monitoring technicians.
They shared their extensive services which include state and federal permitting, professional design and build services as well.
Danielski Harvesting and Farming, LLC, are proposing a showcase deep pit swine facility. All the plans and specifications have been approved by NDEE. The deep pit below the building will have a pit fan ventilation system. NDEE requires 180 days of manure storage capacity, however the design of their facility has over 365 days of manure storage. The unique 12,440 sow unit will be built in two phases over the next several years. Settje quoted page 24 of the
Cherry County Comprehensive Plan, “Agriculture has historically been a major part of the Cherry County economy. It appears its importance will only grow during the planning period of this document. It will be critical to maintain a balance in the type of livestock and grains raised in order to minimize future economic downturns.”
They also shared the economic impact the facility would add to Cherry County saying for each $1 million in sales, 11.1 jobs are directly impacted throughout the county. Additionally, the Cherry County Comprehensive Plan defines such multiplier as 6.7 percent which would have a direct annual impact of more than $5 million.
Eric Ogren talked about manure as fertilizer which is highly regulated. They will go to a sampling depth of 0-8 inches and 8-24 inches and use UNL guidelines and NRCS 590 standards prior to nutrient application.
Application processes use precision application equipment, which improves the soil health. They’re looking at a spring application using a nutrient dragline system.
Valentine Feeders will be using two types of fan systems to control odor. It was pointed out that a lagoon would have been $800,000 cheaper but by using the underground storage, the product will be better.
The setback for the facility was also discussed and Cherry County permits require a one mile setback east and west; and a two mile setback north and south; 100 percent of the neighbors within the setback have approved of and signed easement forms and approve of the facility according to the presentation.
They stated that the Cherry County Regulations 501.05, 15, D require the authorization to exceed the 2,000 animal units may be approved by the County Board of Commissioners if the owner of the proposed confined feeding use can provide assurances acceptable to the Board of Commissioners that more properties will not be subjected to unreasonable levels of odor for unreasonable durations periods. There are several organizations who will have professional oversight on the finished project and include NDEE, NRCS, NRD, and Settje Agri-Services and Engineering, Inc.
They further stated that the site is zoned for ag use, not in a floodplain, not over a shallow aquifer, close to productive feedstuffs, and has the perfect climate for swine production; and that they have met or exceeded the requirements.
They respectfully requested the County Commissioners to approve the conditional use permit.
Commissioner Tanya Storer asked abut the concrete pits and what would be in place should they leech; since sand moves.
Mr. Settje explained that the first floor will have 3,500 psi, calcium, and under that are footers for piers, rebar, and that the floor is the most critical. The second part is the walls which will be 10 inches wide with a 12 foot setting wall. There will be no cold joints on poured walls which would be the only potential for leeching. Epoxy will be applied to the floor and corner joints. He further stated that they have to meet NDEE standards and there will be an engineer on site along with “surprise” visits. Concrete is the highest importance.
Ground water checks will also be done to insure that leeching isn’t occurring.
Public testimony allowed each person three minutes to speak.
Robert Palmer is a neighbor and concerned about the application, along with the amount of traffic. No study on the road or what it will cost the county. “Nothing against the family - they’re a fine family.”
Tony Beck is a well driller and said he’s not for or against the construction, but explained the formation of the Sandhills. He said under the sand is what’s called the cap rock formation or the top of the Ogallala Aquifer. “It’s exceptionally dense. Water can’t go through it.” He further stated that he’s not their well driller but wanted to share good information.
Tag From mentioned the traffic and pointed out that while the area isn’t in a flood plain - look what happened in 2018. He further stated that the people who signed the easements don’t live there.
Rick Weber said he’s seen what happens economically in this town. As a business owner he said, “Any time you can add $5 million to the economy...everything they do is first class. They’re a pillar of the community donating to schools, funding...I don’t have a horse in this race. This is our home. If I thought it would harm it I wouldn’t be for it. Mr. Settje is first class. This isn’t a foreign operation you’ve had to deal with. Please consider the economic impact.”
Jerry Adamson spoke next and said he’s a cattle rancher. “I’m surprised I haven’t heard property rights. It’s that simple for a neighbor to make a buck or two.”
Ed Brown said, “The Planning and Zoning made a wrong decision. They didn’t ask one question. Would you honestly vote for this north of town Mr. Ward? This will be a cost to Cherry County. How is this good for Cherry County? Who is this good for?”
County Commissioner Ward said that he’s personally giving up ~$300,000 by not bidding. Jamie From said there is a lot of trash, and that property values in Custer County decreased due to their open pit and piles of dead pigs. Marla Shelbourn said that water flows to the Niobrara River and was disappointed when her solutions weren’t used.
Rob Parkhurst said to drive through Ainsworth and Broken Bow. He was referencing their feed lots and the smells they have. “This is going to smell less than any of them. This is based on fear. Please have an open mind.”
And so it went...good for the economy - bad for property valuations. The issue of smell which was stated to be subjective. And the added expense for the county when immigrants and their families are hired to work at the facility.
The public hearing was closed at 6:07 p.m.
The County Commissioners tabled the adoption until March 9, at 11:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
