SB 425 - This act modifies provisions relating to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The act creates the following buffer distances between confinement buildings or lagoons and public buildings or occupied residences at CAFOs that are located in a county without a county planning commission that abuts a county with a county planning commission:
• For CAFOs with at least 1,000 animal units, the buffer distance is 1 mile;
• For CAFOs with between 3,000 and 6,000 animal units, the buffer distance is 1.5 miles; and
• For CAFOs of 7,000 or more animal units, the buffer distance is 2 miles
This act repeals the requirement that an operating permit be obtained to operate a new or expanded CAFO facility and instead requires a construction permit be obtained for the construction of a CAFO.
Under the act, the Department of Natural Resources is required to promulgate rules for odor control plans for class IB CAFOs that are identical to rules in place as of August 28, 2019, for odor control plans for class IA CAFOs.
All applicants for a construction permit or an operating permit shall show, as part of their application, that a lawful and permanent organization recognized by the Missouri Secretary of State exists which shall serve as the continuing authority which is financially responsible for the operation, maintenance, modernization, and closure of the facility for which the application is made. Construction and first time operating permits shall not be issued unless the applicant provides sufficient proof to the Department of Natural Resources that the applicant and continuing authority have sufficient financial resources to operate, maintain, and modernize the facility for the expected lifetime of the facility and to close the facility when it ceases operations.
JAMIE ANDREWS