Board approves drainage plan for Troyer confined feeding operation housing 80,000 chickens

The DeKalb County Drainage Board approved a drainage plan on May 7 for a confined feeding operation proposed by Mark Troyer. Brian Munch of Munch Engineering (S11) said the project would house approximately 80,000 chickens in two buildings roughly 600 by 60 feet, with about 80 feet of separation. He described new overland-flow ditches and piping that collect and slow runoff and route it to the Metcalfe Ditch; from an engineering standpoint he told the board the improvements would reduce uncontrolled runoff by directing and detaining water before it discharges.

Munch said the project would disturb roughly 18 acres for site improvements and that runoff from the new improvements would be collected at a southeast corner, piped under a gravel drive and discharged to the ditch. Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the facility is only for housing animals and Munch confirmed the chickens will be removed to a separate processing location.

The surveyor's office gave a favorable recommendation and the board approved the drainage plan. There was no recorded opposition in the meeting transcript.

Next steps: permit processing and coordination with the surveyor's office for on-site construction and any required erosion controls.