Master Matrix

If a county chooses to use the master matrix to evaluate applications for construction permits for large animal confinement operations, the board of supervisors must adopt a “construction evaluation resolution” annually.

According the DNR’s administrative rules, if the board of supervisors wants to use the master matrix between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025, the board of supervisors must submit an adopted “construction evaluation resolution” to the DNR between January 1 and January 31, 2024.

The construction evaluation resolution should be submitted to Kelli Book through mail or email:

Kelli Book
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 East 9^th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
kelli.book@dnr.iowa.gov

Counties will receive a confirmation email for all CERs received.

The board of supervisors can adopt the resolution at any time, as long as it is actually submitted to the DNR during January of 2022.

If a county board of supervisors does not adopt a construction evaluation resolution for 2022, then the county cannot:

1) submit a formal recommendation to the DNR concerning a particular construction permit application; the county can submit comments, but they are not given nearly as much weight by DNR as a formal recommendation would be;
2) send county employee along on a DNR site inspection; or
3) appeal the DNR’s decision regarding a construction permit application to the Environmental Protection Commission.

In addition, if the county chooses to use the master matrix, then applicants must meet stricter environmental standards than they would have to meet otherwise.  So, using the master matrix provides greater environmental protection for the county.