Madison, Neb. — Madison County commissioners are grappling with the idea of whether they should change a zoning requirement pertaining to how close fertilizer storage facilities should be to neighboring communities. Under consideration is changing the county’s setback from 1,320 feet to 300 feet. Homeowners, however, are strongly opposed to the idea of building a fertilizer plant in their back yards. Helena Chemical, Memphis, has expressed interest in building a $5 million facility in the area, providing that the setback rules change. Lee Klein, chairman for the Madison County board of commissioners, told Green Markets that people are emotional when it comes to fertilizer production, and that it’s difficult to change their perception. Klein added that residents don’t have anything to worry about because the proposed fertilizer plant would be heavily regulated by the EPA. Last month, the commission postponed the zoning issue to June 19; however, at least 80 residents appeared at the Madison County Courthouse, with those in favor of changing the zoning laws and reducing the setbacks arguing that failure to do so would push potential fertilizer business to other counties. Those opposed were residents of the Warnerville township (near Norfolk), who are saying that they don’t want chemicals and industry close to their homes.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain