July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Action on CAFO bonds rejected
Jay County Planning Commission
The Jay County Planning Commission reviewed proposed new regulations on confined feeding operations, but declined to move ahead on the proposals.
Board members reviewed materials submitted by rural Portland resident Carter Leonard, which asked to require confined feeding operators to post a bond that would cover financial costs in the event of an environmental spill or other accident.
"I'm more afraid of spills," Leonard said. "I'm more afraid of mishandled materials. I try to involve all people in being responsible for their operations.
"In order to get a permit, you (would) have to show insurance of financial responsibility," he said, summing up his recommendations.
Leonard included information from zoning documents in Union and Grant counties, which each have requirements for bonds in their zoning ordinance.
Portland resident Tom Young, who also shares concerns about the environmental effects of confined feeding, added his opinion by comparing the suggestion to auto drivers, who are required to carry liability insurance.
"There are risks that we are exposed to by the businesses around us," he said. "There needs to be some way of showing responsibility in case of an accident."
Board president Jim Zimmerman, a confined feeding operator in Jefferson Township, said the majority of people in animal agriculture already are under stringent regulations on environmental matters and that he believes it is unfair to add another financial obligation to farmers.
"We (farmers) take steps to be environmentally friendly," he said. "I think personally we (farmers) do a pretty good job maintaining most (regulations).
"You're requesting an additional expense to us on what we're already covering," he added, stating that especially in this market, some farmers are struggling to stay out of the red.
Board member Paula Confer agreed.
"Everyone tries to do the best they can," she said. "My big concern is what happens if these guys go bankrupt?
"To add another expense ... I think that needed to be handled a year ago," Confer said, noting that if an amendment to the zoning ordinance was passed, all current operators would have to be grandfathered in and exempt.
And having researched the cost of a bond for confined feeding operations prior to the meeting, added, "It is costly."
Bill Milligan, director of Jay/Portland Building and Planning, said that many smaller producers, which statewide statistically tend to have more accidents, likely don't have enough assets to justify requiring a bond.
"They couldn't get the bond," he said.
The board thanked Leonard for his suggestions, but decided not to take any action on them.
In other business Thursday, the planning commission:
•Decided to retain the same officers and representatives from 2009: Jim Zimmerman, president; Scott Hilfiker, vice president; John Knipp, secretary; Patricia McLaughlin, recording secretary; and law office of Hinkle, Racster and Lopez, legal counsel.[[In-content Ad]]
Board members reviewed materials submitted by rural Portland resident Carter Leonard, which asked to require confined feeding operators to post a bond that would cover financial costs in the event of an environmental spill or other accident.
"I'm more afraid of spills," Leonard said. "I'm more afraid of mishandled materials. I try to involve all people in being responsible for their operations.
"In order to get a permit, you (would) have to show insurance of financial responsibility," he said, summing up his recommendations.
Leonard included information from zoning documents in Union and Grant counties, which each have requirements for bonds in their zoning ordinance.
Portland resident Tom Young, who also shares concerns about the environmental effects of confined feeding, added his opinion by comparing the suggestion to auto drivers, who are required to carry liability insurance.
"There are risks that we are exposed to by the businesses around us," he said. "There needs to be some way of showing responsibility in case of an accident."
Board president Jim Zimmerman, a confined feeding operator in Jefferson Township, said the majority of people in animal agriculture already are under stringent regulations on environmental matters and that he believes it is unfair to add another financial obligation to farmers.
"We (farmers) take steps to be environmentally friendly," he said. "I think personally we (farmers) do a pretty good job maintaining most (regulations).
"You're requesting an additional expense to us on what we're already covering," he added, stating that especially in this market, some farmers are struggling to stay out of the red.
Board member Paula Confer agreed.
"Everyone tries to do the best they can," she said. "My big concern is what happens if these guys go bankrupt?
"To add another expense ... I think that needed to be handled a year ago," Confer said, noting that if an amendment to the zoning ordinance was passed, all current operators would have to be grandfathered in and exempt.
And having researched the cost of a bond for confined feeding operations prior to the meeting, added, "It is costly."
Bill Milligan, director of Jay/Portland Building and Planning, said that many smaller producers, which statewide statistically tend to have more accidents, likely don't have enough assets to justify requiring a bond.
"They couldn't get the bond," he said.
The board thanked Leonard for his suggestions, but decided not to take any action on them.
In other business Thursday, the planning commission:
•Decided to retain the same officers and representatives from 2009: Jim Zimmerman, president; Scott Hilfiker, vice president; John Knipp, secretary; Patricia McLaughlin, recording secretary; and law office of Hinkle, Racster and Lopez, legal counsel.[[In-content Ad]]
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