Permitting Process of a Confined Feeding Operation

We have a new permit application for a proposed 9000 hog confined feeding operation in Northwest Grant County. There is a group of neighbors in this part of the county, and also other concerned citizens throughout the county and state that are quite worried about the environmental impacts we could see being just 2 miles south of the Mississinewa, and with Cart Creek surrounded by impacted fields on both side for over 2 miles. Just a few of the concerns: 1) Risk for water pollution from manure spreading on local fields, 2) Risk for health impacts from the fumes and manure impacts, 3) Risk for water impact from the pull of over 10 million gallons per year when there are old, shallow local wells.

The defense being provided from the proponents and others that operate similar farms is the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the county have rules, set backs, and a permitting process. That is correct. Today, I would like to describe what keeps people and nature safe in this process. I think it may make most people flinch a bit.

IDEM has not denied an application in more than 10 years. Actually there is only one record in the last 20 years in 2011 where a CAFO was denied expansion with new CAFO construction due to past spills on existing farms. We actually received a letter in regards to our concerns voiced that states, "under IC 13-18-10-2(e), IDEM is required to approve construction and expansion of applications that meet applicable requirements". Essentially, no matter the risk to the environment, an application will be approved if the location selected is within the state required setbacks with some general assessments completed to check water and soil.
From the IDEM website, IDEM Regulates (for CAFOs):
Facility design, construction, and maintenance
Facility setbacks from streams, wells, roads, property boundaries, and residences
Manure handling and storage
Manure application rates and setbacks
Monitoring and record keeping
Storm water run-off from the production area
Closure of manure storage structures
The handling of emergency spills
Waste digesters located on a CFO regulated site
IDEM does not regulate: Property values, public roads and traffic, CAFO locations requirements (outside of setbacks), disposal of dead animals, ground water use, odors, and vectors (flies/pests).

IDEM does have regulations, but their regulation are set to allow construction and prevent the facility itself from causing pollution. They do test fields to prevent over saturation of manure contents. They do monitor and inspect every 3-5 years and with complaints, and they do require logs for self monitoring/reporting to comply with the regulations. They do fine operations that are not in compliance. Largely Indiana CAFOs are listed as in compliance. That said, Indiana fines $5,000-$25,000 per instance and brings in $100,000-$200,000/ per year in fines.

Oddly enough, Indiana has also ranked number one in water quality pollution in recent years according theses sources (https://www.21alivenews.com/2025/08/07/indiana-ranked-worst-state-pollution-by-us-news-world-report/) (https://conservationlawcenter.org/our-work/issues/water/). IDEM links that to the high amount of testing done in Indiana, but many other sources link it to the large amount of industrial, agricultural, and even human waste contamination from old septics and poor sewer systems.

The concerns here are that our own regulations and laws do not prevent pollution. They ask for a reasonable reassurance that the plan is not to pollute. I don't personally believe anyone has plans to cause harm by building these industrial sized farms. I do believe the risk of accidents is high and the rules and regulations monitoring are low. If there is a spill, the financial penalty will not correct pollution of the environment. It will not revive any wildlife.
I think anyone reading this would have concerns if there was a proposal made within a quarter mile of your home or properties, when you know the rules are so lax.

Grant County passed a 6 month moratorium on new and expanding Confined Feeding Operations on 08/19/26. The goal is to revise the setbacks, and it has been stated they will match the state guidelines which are more lax than our current county setbacks. I urge you to contact the Grant County Area Plan and your commissioners to voice concerns about where a CAFO can be placed and how it will be monitored for safety. We have a voice to impact these updated rules and restrict future plans that could impact populated areas and areas of wildlife.

The current proposed CAFO at the corner of 500W and 600N will be heard for approval or denial on 09/14/26 at 7p at the Grant County Area Plan. We have heard it said several times of late, "Grant County has to pass something". Let us not sacrifice our quality of life and risk our environment for the wellbeing of a political goal to have a "win".
Concerned citizens can contact the Grant County Area Plan and the commissioners with concerns.
Grant County Planning Commission
7656684765
areaplan@grantcounty.in.gov
Grant County Commissioners
Coliver@grantcounty.in.gov
Cpoling@grantcounty.in.gov
Rstewart@grantcounty.in.gov

You can also support the concerned neighbors by joining our group and signing our petition.
Neighbors For Responsible Agriculture: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1052987150599951
Petition opposing current the CAFO: https://c.org/z74hNww6DW