Amherst panel backs revised livestock facilities ordinance [Video]

A revised ordinance for confined livestock facilities is headed to the Amherst County Board of Supervisors with a unanimous recommendation of approval from the county planning commission.

The commission voted at its July meeting to back the updated setback requirements and other regulations related to confined facilities for livestock. Tyler Creasy, director of community development, said the ordinance pertains to any livestock such as cattle, chickens and turkeys, among others.

The proposed ordinance states confined livestock facilities shall prepare and follow a nutrient management plan for responsible and environmentally safe management of all animal wastes and such a plan be must approved by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and any other required agencies.

Disposal of dead animals shall be handled in an approved manner as specified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Animal Health and the state veterinarian, Creasy said.

No one spoke for …