Ryan & Karen Arens Animal Feeding Operation

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPROVE AN REQUEST FOR MAJOR MODIFICATION

 Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Livestock and Agriculture Section Lincoln, Nebraska

 Pursuant to the Neb. Rev. Stat. 54-2425 (4) as amended, the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (Department) is issuing notice to provide an opportunity for any interested person to submit written comments on the proposed decision for the following animal feeding operation. This public comment period will be from July 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026. Comments made should pertain to issues for which the Department has authority under the Livestock Waste Management Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 54-2416 through 54-2435). Ryan Arens Ryan & Karen Arens Animal Feeding Operation (Facility ID: 65177) 89329 Hwy 121 Crofton, NE 68730 The operation’s existing and proposed livestock waste control facilities (LWCFs) are located in the W 1/2, SW 1/4, Section 01, Township 32 N, Range 02 W, Knox County, Nebraska. The existing LWCFs include two underfloor deep pit buildings and one pull pit. The application proposes the construction of one underfloor deep pit building. The application indicates an existing maximum of 2,300 head of Swine greater than or equal to 55 lbs. and 1,200 head of Swine less than 55 lbs., and proposes a new one-time maximum capacity of 2,300 head of Swine greater than or equal to 55 lbs. and 2,400 head of Swine less than 55 lbs. The Department has reviewed the application to ensure compliance with the Livestock Waste Management Act and Title 130 – Livestock Waste Control Regulations. Currently, the Department intends to approve the application for a major modification to the previously issued Construction and Operating Permit. Upon completion of review of any written comments received, the Department will make a final decision on the permit application and respond to any comments. The application and other public information is available for review and copying between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), weekdays at the Department's Office, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Ste 100, Lincoln, Nebraska, telephone (402) 471-2186. Individuals requiring special accommodations or alternate formats of materials should notify the Department by calling (402) 471-2186. TDD users should call (800) 833-7352 and ask the relay operator to call the Department at (402) 471-2186. Please include the above name and legal description of the animal feeding operation. All comments should be sent to: Livestock and Agriculture Section, Nebraska Department of Water, Environment, and Energy, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Ste 100, Lincoln, Nebraska 68521. The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and DWEE does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in or oppose action protected/prohibited by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.