Missouri Feedlot Expansion Approved, Appeal Planned

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved the expansion request by Valley Oaks Steak Company.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved the expansion request by Valley Oaks Steak Company.
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Last week the Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a permit to Valley Oaks Steak Co., allowing the feeding Facility to expand from its current 999 head to 6,999.

A DNR news release on Friday said that "parties adversely affected or aggrieved by the department’s decision ... may appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission by filing a written petition" before July 16.

"I can confidently say we're going to appeal," lawyer and lobbyist Woody Cozad told the Kansas City Star. Cozad has been retained by Powell Gardens to fight the feedlot's expansion. Valley Oaks is located near Lone Jack, MO, just 30 miles from Kansas City.

The company has said its operations are and will be among the most environmentally friendly of any concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, in the nation. According to its permit request, the company would blend the feedlot's manure with wood chips and stored in a warehouse to be processed into marketable fertilizer.

An estimated 800 homes are within three miles of the feedlot, and many residents are already complaining about the odors. However, the DNR says plans proposed by Valley Oaks were within the Missouri Clean Water Law and Missouri Clean Water Commission regulations.

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Beef - General Veterinary - General
 

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