Overview

AK Feeders in Canyon County sought to expand its operation from an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) with fewer than 1,000 beef animals to a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) with more than 1,000 beef animals. To achieve this, they had to navigate the Canyon County CAFO permitting process, which included a neighborhood meeting, a Siting Team evaluation, and a public hearing.

AK Feeders was working with a local land planner who recognized that working with a skilled engineering team would be critical for the process and project's success. So, they reached out to our team at AGPROfessionals based on a referral from the feedyard's nutritionist.

AGPROfessionals Engineering Expertise

We met with the owners to start laying out the facility and provide options for them to meet their ultimate goals. Once the draft designs were completed, the owner and land planner held a neighborhood meeting to share the plans for the facility and gather input on the project. Our team of experts worked closely with the feedyard's land planner and attorney to understand the concerns related to truck traffic and the vicinity of neighboring houses. The design was then tweaked to address those concerns.

Once the application was completed with the Canyon County Planning Department, a Siting Team evaluation was scheduled. AGPROfessionals Engineering Team provided on-site representation to walk the site, review the engineering design, and address any concerns they might have. The design we shared incorporated protecting groundwater and surface water, in addition to meeting the needs of the county setback requirements.

This project involved the layout of the feed yard, the development of a Grading and Drainage Plan, and the specification of pond liner requirements. We produced engineering documents and management plans for the CAFO permit application. In addition to the technical documents, AGPROfessionals provided representation at the Planning and Zoning hearing. The Planning and Zoning Commissioners approved the project; however, the neighbors appealed to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). AGPROfessionals attended the BOCC appeal hearing and provided engineering expertise during the process. The BOCC upheld the Planning and Zoning Commissioners' decision, and the project could begin construction.

Results

We are proud that our client was able to obtain the CAFO permit and start construction for the expansion, and we are very pleased to have thoroughly addressed the concerns to provide a positive outcome for our clients. Our engineered letter documenting how the feedyard will be built to protect the environment and verbal testimony resulted in the BOCC upholding the decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

"Excellent Engineering Team! Highly Recommend!! Valene and her team of professionals provided our client with the necessary engineering documents and management plans required for a recently approved Confined Animal Feeding Operation permit application in Idaho. They have the boots on the ground know-how and engineering skills to help producers navigate through the complex approval process for a CAFO permit with the many federal, state, and county agencies involved. I would not hesitate to reach out to them for assistance for any Dairy or Beef operation needing to expand or start from ground zero. They were necessary for our success in front of the County Commission and were even present at hearings to speak on our client's behalf."

- Matt Wilke, Owner White Barn Real Estate"

Final Words

Are you facing engineering, planning, or permitting obstacles? AGPROfessionals has the expertise, experience, and proven track record to be your partner in reaching your goals. Give us a call!