Richland Township vs. KENOMA Farms & 2400 hogs

Raising a Stink is the headline in The Joplin Globe,Sunday, June 10, 2007, describing the probable litigation between Richland Township (Barton County, MO) and KENOMA LLC, owned by Francis Forst. In April 2007, Richland Township voters overwhelmingly approved new zoning regulations (81% YES). the new zoning regulations limit the number of hogs allowed to 800 head for 160 acres. KENOMA's plans for a 2400 head operation on 11 acres, don't quite adhere to the new zoning regulations. Apparently, KENOMA originally submitted to Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) an application, on March 1, 2007 for 4800 hogs on the 11 acre tract. MDNR told KENOMA that they (MDNR) do not regulate operations less that 2500 head, and KENOMA withdrew their application. Is it any coincidence that KENOMA now plans to build a 2400 head operation?
Members of the Richland Township Planning and Zoning board (Greg Harris-Chairman, Zach McGuire, Doug Haile and Tim Isenmann)along with their attorney, John Price (Springfield, MO) are discussing strategies to enforce the zoning restriction, including litigation. Curiously, Barton County Commissioner, Dennis Wilson, appears to be supporting KENOMA Farms, by quoting the Premium Standard Farms vs Lincoln Township of Putnam County case, as well as being quoted as saying, "You can have as many rights as you have dollars. You need the money or a really loud voice. If (the township) wants to do it and they've got the money, that's fine. It's just, how far do they really want to push this?"

The Lamar Democrat, Clash Between Proposed CAFO and Richland Township Looms, June 2, 2007 identifies the site as being on Southeast 60th Road, approximately 1.5 miles west of Route T. Another description refers to the site as 6 miles southeast of the City of Lamar. It goes on to state that KENOMA's plans are for seven surrounding barns, each with 2,600 weaned pigs at each site. Township Board member, Doug Haile is quoted as saying, "We have the full resolve to go forth to meet any legal challenge and the confidence that our resolution will prevail." Township Board Chairman Greg Harris, contends the odor will devalue rural property for residential purposes, and since the site is roughly six miles southeast of Lamar, it will have the same effect on Lamar property. With prevailing winds from the southeast during the summer months, he describes Lamar as being in the “bulls eye.” (his word)

Original post, Zoning Issue for 4,800 hog farm (Barton County), April 13, 2007