Dundy County Planning Commission sends Blackshirt Feeders CUP to DC Commissioners

After a four-hour public hearing, the five members of the Dundy County Planning Commission approved sending the conditional use permit for Blackshirt Feeders, LP on to the Dundy County Commissioners for final approval.
Primary owners of the proposed feedlot are Eric and Carrie Behlke, Calvin Booker and Kee Jim-GK Jim Farms.
Behlke is a former Dundy County resident and graduated from high school there.
The planning board did add 13 stipulations onto the permit:
1. Approval continuant upon Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy approval.
2. Separation distances are subject to NDEE finding the facility is an aerobic facility, otherwise, if anaerobic then the separation distances need to be re-examined.
3. There needs to be a fly and dust mitigation plan in place.
4. The applicant shall have a road maintenance agreement with the county board in Chase County and Dundy County prior to beginning construction.
5. The facility will not be converted to a standard feedlot with dirt pens without modifying the CUP and having a new public hearing.
6. No land application on frozen land.
7. Prior to application of liquids or manure, the facility shall notify all adjacent properties within one-mile of the application a minimum of 24 hours prior.
8. No dead animals shall be allowed to stay at the facility or be composted on the property without prior approval.
9. All water runoff and liquid waste shall be contained on-site as proposed and all grades shall be such to create positive drainage from parts of the facility.
10. The applicant shall provide Dundy County and Chase County an annual report regarding capacity and issues addressed during the proceeding year.
11. The applicant shall be required to forward all complaints received to Dundy County for review. Dundy County and Chase County will share any complaints they receive with the applicant.
12. When complaints are delivered to either party, the facility manager and Dundy County shall meet and determine the most appropriate mitigation strategy.
13. The NRD must approve the feedlot’s water use.
The Dundy County courtroom was packed with more than 70 people, including Chase County residents, and others gathered in the hall outside during public comments.
With planning commission approval, the CUP moves on to the Dundy County Commissioners. Commissioner Scott Olsen said the commissioners definitely won’t act on the matter at their Feb. 7 meeting and may put action off until March.
Additional details will be provided in a story in next week’s Republican.