State Lawmaker Objects to Hog Barn Permits

BIG STONE CITY, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota lawmaker who lives a mile from the site of a planned hog barn in Grant County is questioning the state's permitting process.

Rep. Kathy Tyler, of Big Stone City, is asking Gov. Dennis Daugaard for a study of the regulations and complaint process of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The department in April approved a water pollution control permit for the proposed 6,500-sow hog facility. Tyler says the agency's process is outdated and too focused on the interests of business. She says the department "bends over backwards to get agriculture facilities in our state."

The Argus Leader reports that the governor's office defends the department's permitting process and says a study of the agency isn't needed.

Source: State Lawmaker Objects to Hog Barn Permits