By Sheila Harris sheilaharrisads@gmail.com

According to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in response to recent requests and concerns raised about the proposed locations or operation of seven Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Lawrence and Newton Counties, the DNR has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, May 29, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

According to information found on the DNR’s website, three of the proposed CAFOs are for properties located within a two-square-mile area on Lawrence 2220 and Lawrence 1130, east of Monett. If approved, six poultry barns will be constructed on each property, with a total bird capacity of 291,000 on each farm. Two of the permits are for new construction; the third is a request for expansion of its existing facility.

The remainder of the seven permit applications are for properties located southwest of Wentworth.

The in-person public meeting will be held at Pierce City High School gymnasium, 300 N. Myrtle St, Pierce City, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed permit decisions. Public hearings will be conducted according to 10 CSR 20-6.020, states the DNR’s press release.

Additionally, persons wishing to comment on the proposed permit decisions are invited to submit them in writing to: Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, ATTN: SW Poultry CAFOs Public Comments, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. Comments should be confined to the issues relating to the proposed action and permit(s) and the effect on water quality. All comments must be received or postmarked by 5 p.m. May 30, 2025. The Department will consider all written comments including emails and letters in the formulation of all final determinations regarding the applications. Email comments will be accepted at cafo@dnr.mo.gov.

Copies of all permit applications, hearing information, and other information including copies of applicable regulations are available on the Department’s website at: https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/water-pollution-control-sites-interest, or by request to the address above. For questions, you may contact the department via e-mail at cafo@dnr.mo.gov or by telephone at 573-522-4502.