Final hearing on Aurora Dairy set for Tuesday

    Chase County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the county courtroom to take input on a conditional use permit (CUP) for an organic dairy seeking to locate northwest of Imperial.
    Aurora Organic Dairy is seeking a Class II CUP, which allows for up to 5,000 animal units, on the west half of Section 11, Township 7 North, Range 39 West.
    This permit requires a one-mile setback from neighboring residences. The setback is calculated from the corner of the home nearest the facility.
    In late March the county planning commission conducted their own public hearing on the application.
    While much of the public input voiced opposition to the permit, the planning commission determined Aurora Dairy met the requirements for a Class II permit.
    On a 4-1 vote, their recommendation for approval was forwarded to the commissioners.
    The planning commission determines whether an application meets the specific requirements for each conditional use permit. Their recommendation, either for or against approval, is then forwarded to the commissioners who ultimately make the final decision.
    Tuesday’s public hearing will be conducted as part of the commissioner’s regular meeting. The hearing was originally set for March 27 but the courtroom was unavailable due to district court.
    Other conflicts occurred in April and officials wanted to avoid planting season in May so a June date was chosen.
    The company, based on the Colorado front range near Greeley, is planning two barns, each holding 1,440 head of milking cows. The facility will also hold up to 620 head of dry cows, heifers and calves.

 

 

The Imperial Republican

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PO Box 727

Imperial, NE 69033