DNR director criticizes hog zoning laws

IOWA - Iowa's top environmental official, speaking in one of the state's top hog-producing counties, this week criticized the tactics of farm organization lobbyists and accused Iowa lawmakers of setting up a "smoke screen" to give an "illusion of local power over livestock operations."

The Hardin County Board of Supervisors invited Jeff Vonk, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, to Eldora. Supervisors asked for his help in making sure residents' health and the environment are protected as new livestock confinements are built in their area.

"We're concerned about quality of life," said Hardin County Supervisor Erv Miller.

The county already produces a million hogs a year - 3 percent of Iowa's hogs, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

There are 18,000 residents in the county. The county's $88 million hog industry employs 554 people. When meatpacking and other associated jobs are factored in, the job number tops 2,500.

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Source: DesMoines Register

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