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Despite concerns raised by neighbors, Creighton Brothers insists that the site for their proposed egg operation is the best available.
"We looked at all available locations to expand," said Ron Truex, general manager for Creighton. "And this was absolutely the best location for this operation."
Creighton is proposing two new egg-laying facilities near its existing operation on the west side of CR 950W, a half mile north of CR 200S.
The chicken houses would accommodate up to 480,000 birds.
Truex said Tom Tucker and other neighbors who oppose the expansion "like to talk about our vast land holdings and that we could build somewhere else. But we took all that into consideration," he said. "Unfortunately, there are no places in this county where people don't live."
He said Creighton looked at prevailing wind patterns and found that their largest area of land holdings is directly downwind from the proposed site.
Truex said he has no lack of compassion for the neighbors. He lives near a hog farm and understands their concerns about odors.
"I don't want unhappy neighbors, but you can't build where there aren't any neighbors."
Truex said he wants people to look at the positive aspects of the proposed expansion, including a $10 million initial investment.
"I haven't figured it exactly yet, but I would guess this is going to generate $150,000 a year in property taxes," he said.
He said the operation will require 1.5 million bushels of corn per year, most of which he hopes to buy from local farmers.
The operation also is a valuable source of fertilizer, Truex said, noting that Creighton sells manure to farmers in the area where the expansion is planned.
"And we hope to buy the corn those farmers grow. We hope to be the best market for their corn. Obviously we see some very positive aspects of this project for the community."
As for problems with soil and water contamination in and around William Baker Creek, Truex said he has never been contacted by anyone.
Truex said Creighton does land-apply manure in those areas, but noted that there are other feed lots that drain into the creek that also might be a source of high levels of bacteria.
"We are held to certain standards. All our land application has to be approved. Every issue raised by these neighbors will be addressed" by IDEM, he said.
"We are trying to put up an ag facility in an area zoned agriculture. We have done everything that IDEM has requested. We've supplied manure management plans, water quality monitoring. ... They have told us that we have met all the requirements," Truex said.
"Technically, the permit is on hold. We are waiting to hear from IDEM. If they say something is wrong, we'll address it. If not, we'll apply for a building permit.
"We have no violations with the state on any of our operations. We're not trying to do anything quick or tricky. We're doing everything IDEM has asked."
Truex said he has talked with some of the neighbors and that "most understand."
He has not talked to Tucker.
"I'd be happy to talk to him about it. I think keeping neighbors informed is a good thing."
