P&Z Tables Controversial Gage County Swine Operation

By Gordon HopkinsThe Gage County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board opted to table recommendations for a proposed CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) near Liberty after hearing testimony during a public hearing Tuesday evening, August 29, 2023.P&Z heard public comments about a special use permit for the Island Grove Summit Swine operation, proposed by Iowa-based Summit Pork. The planned CAFO is expected to hold an estimated 6,200 animals in section 25 of Island Grove Township, just north of Liberty and near the Gage-Pawnee County line.The proposed swine operation has garnered some opposition. Resolutions from both Island Grove township and the Village Board of Liberty opposing the permit were presented to P&Z.The reason for tabling the decision is to give P&Z time to investigate some of the concerns raised. Chief among those concerns is the question of roads and bridges. Many opponents believe the road cannot handle the increased traffic. Steve McDowell, who lives in the area, told the bard, “So, when the frost comes out in the spring, I can't go down that road in my four wheel drive pickup, much less a load of hogs on a semi. Its just unfeasible.”Another areas resident, Clint Rule, pointed out that the bridge weight limit is 30 tons. He asked, “How can the weight limits be enforced?”It was also noted by attendees that the road is a school bus route.P&Z also wants to review the potential water contamination and consider a decommissioning plan. P&Z will meet again on September 26.Recently, the Gage County Board approved another swine operation, this one along South 82nd Road, between Pickrell and Adams.

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