What Are Some Local Concerns That I Might Need to Be Prepared to Address?

What Are Some Local Concerns That I Might Need to Be Prepared to Address?

Production of livestock comes with many perceived and real nuisances for the community.  Here are some issues you may wish to address preemptively:

• Livestock facility odor minimization plans – Facility siting considering prevailing winds and neighbor location is a critical step with long term benefits. The UNL Animal Manure Management Team offers many resources include guidance on siting animal facilities to reduce neighbor nuisance. A review of options for minimizing odor can be conducted with the assistance of a National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool and an Iowa State University best practices tool.
• Facility siting to avoid water quality risks – Review your proposed facility location options with local expertise from your Natural Resources District or USDA NRCS office. Your plans should demonstrate how you will minimize both surface and ground water risks.
• Land application plans – Land application of manure expands the community’s interaction with your livestock operation. A plan for minimizing odor nuisances and protecting local water resources during land application will be valuable in responding to neighbor questions.
• Local roads and related infrastructure – Many questions arise about the increased volume of heavy vehicle traffic associated with livestock facilities and the impact on local roads and bridges.  What is the anticipated traffic from feed delivery, animal movement and manure transport? Have you discussed this issue with county and township road supervisors? Have you mapped out intended routes to minimize infrastructure concerns? How will you minimize risks for local school buses and other important community services?