88 Iowa Counties Adopt Master Matrix Resolution for 2015

Message is clear say CCI members: Iowans want local control over factory farm siting and construction

Our members called on all 99 counties in Iowa to pass a resolution allowing them to use the Master Matrix in 2015; Supervisors in 88 counties responded to the call and passed the resolution, just 11 counties refused to pass the Matrix.

The Master Matrix is one of the tools communities have in the fight against unwanted factory farms, a scoring system for proposed sites that the builder must pass prior to construction. This resolution provides communities with a basic level of protection against the construction of factory farms in their neighborhoods. The 11 that did not pass are:

• Osceola,

• Plymouth,

• Warren,

• Decatur,

• Mahaska,

• Iowa,

• Wapello,

• Keokuk,

• Washington,

• Des Moines, and

• Lee.

The 88 Iowa counties that passed the Master Matrix resolution can now make an official recommendation to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to deny a proposed site. Factory Farm Applicants in counties that adopted the Master Matrix must meet stricter environmental standards than they would have to meet otherwise. This gives communities more leverage to fight back against factory farm proposals.

“It’s not local control, but the Master Matrix is one of the tools we have in standing up to factory farms that want to pollute our air, our water, and our quality of life.”, said Barbara Kalbach, a 4th generation family farmer and Iowa CCI member from Dexter, “Local folks should have the final say, but until the legislature takes action we’re stuck with the Master Matrix to get our voices heard when corporate agriculture tries to build another factory farm in our community.”

The biggest push-back CCI members heard from counties that chose not to adopt the Master Matrix was based on the complaint that the Iowa DNR ignores recommendations made by counties despite their utilization of the Master Matrix. Supervisors and residents in these counties feel as if they have no say in what takes place in their own back yard. Not only does this show the need for local control; but for a DNR that recognizes the voices of Iowa citizens standing up to these corporate polluters.

Iowa’s more than 20 million hogs confined in thousands of factory farms produce nearly ten billion gallons of toxic manure every year.  There have been more than 758 manure spills since 1996 and Iowa currently has more than 630 polluted waterways.