Kathy Tyler addressed the Grant County Commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday, March 15, to voice her concern about manure pipes on landowners right-of-ways.... Kathy Tyler Addresses County Commissioners

courthousespringKathy Tyler addressed the Grant County Commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday, March 15, to voice her concern about manure pipes on landowners right-of-ways. Tyler said, because the county is rural in nature and predominantly agricultural, there is the potential for extensive use of roads, which can lead to serious damage to roads and bridges. In an effort to reduce the amount of damage, pipes/hoses are often installed to transport manure to fields.

Tyler explained county and township landowners own property to the middle of the roadways in Grant County and said her concerns center on trespassing and the disturbance of her and other’s property. She asked the commission to propose an ordinance requiring CAFO’s and other farming operations to obtain permission from landowners before laying pipes. “This is a property rights issue and just common courtesy. If they are good neighbors, I would have no problem giving them permission,” she stated.

The commission felt they needed time to do research before taking action, but Tyler reminded the commission she had presented the issue to them last November and nothing had been done. After further discussion, the commission voted to implement a Limited License for Use of Road Right-of-Way Permit. “We need to take baby steps and tweak this as time goes on,” stated commissioner Clayton Tucholke.

Tyler was told by Sheriff Kevin Owen, also present at the meeting, if she observed violations, he would refer her back to the commission. The commission said the step after that would be court proceedings.

In other items, the commission approved a right-of-way application to cross public roads for the Big Stone South to Ellendale (BBSE) Transmission Line Project. Terry Fasteen of KLJ Engineering Company displayed maps showing which roadways the project would cross.

Additional routine business was conducted for the remainder of the meeting. The commission will meet next on April 5. The County and Consolidated Board of Equalization will begin meeting April 12.

Staff Writer

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