Proposed Scott County hog farm sparks pollution concerns

BENTON, Mo. -- The proposed installation of a hog-farming facility in Scott County has residents concerned.

Five people attended the Scott County Commission meeting Tuesday to discuss the possibility of pollution.

First District Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn said locals who attended the meeting were concerned about waste from hogs contaminating the water supply.

The company is owned by multiple family farms, represented by the management company Pipestone.

Pipestone director of veterinary medicine Steve Menke said the company manages 65 farms like the proposed facility, and regulations set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be met and exceeded.

The facility, which will be located roughly one mile west of Morley, Missouri, plans to contain hogs inside at all times and to store any waste underground.

Menke said the waste products will be available as fertilizer for local farmers, and the waste will "never see the light of day."

Menke confirmed the company has performed a battery of tests to predict any impact to the community and said the tests showed no harmful environmental impact.

Officials with Pipestone predict significant economic growth in the local community.

Pipestone officials said benefits of the hog farm will include new jobs for residents and the purchase of local grains to feed the hogs.

Menke and Ziegenhorn confirmed the facility will need 750 tons of soybean meal, multiple bushels of corn and 15 full-time employees.

Menke said the company was brought to the area by the Missouri Soybean Association in an effort to stimulate the local soybean market.

This location was found favorable by Menke, who noted the availability of grain and low swine density.

Menke also said many residents are familiar with the production and care of domestic animals, such as cows and chickens.

The county has no restrictions to cover new industry, Ziegenhorn said, but the commission always welcomes citizens to meetings.

Pertinent address:

Morley, Mo.