The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued a permit to operate a concentrated animal feeding operation to Rodney and Michelle Ozbun in Barry County. Some residents in the area opposed the permit because of its impact on Roaring River.
The permit issued to Ozbun Farm allows for operation of four barns with a total capacity of 65,600 pullets.
The Department of Natural Resources said in a statement that it reviewed the operating permit application and found it complies with Missouri law governing CAFOs and meets all legal and regulatory requirements and demonstrates the operation will protect waters of the state.
The DNR issued a construction permit to Michelle Ozbun in March that authorized the construction of four chicken confinement buildings. However, that permit was appealed to the Administrative Hearing Commission and on July 25 — after the four confinement buildings had been constructed — the commission ordered a stay on the construction.
