State accepts comments on Putnam County turkey farm's permits

MONROE TOWNSHIP — Oak Forest, a turkey farm located at 1767 Road 24, Continental, owned by Cooper Hatchery, Inc., is proposing a draft permit to operate renewal.

Located in Putnam County’s Monroe Township and the Auglaize River Watershed, the facility has an existing design capacity of 74,000 turkeys housed in eight barns.

An operating record is included to detail all necessary forms and information for Ohio Department of Agriculture compliance. The ODA inspects the facility and records to ensure adherence to its rules and the permit.

The ODA invites comments on a draft PTO renewal for the Oak Forest facility at 1767 Rd 24, Continental, Putnam County.

Any person may submit written comments and request a public meeting on the draft permit online via tinyurl.com/3c7fy93y.

The Division of Livestock Environmental Permitting will receive comments by Nov. 15. The PTO will be valid for five years if the final permit is issued.

The renewal includes a manure management plan outlining required inspections and monitoring. The facility generates approximately 2,203 tons of turkey manure annually, stored in the turkey barns and a dedicated storage barn.

Manure will be distributed to local farmers to recycle nutrients as an organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

An insect and rodent control plan is included to minimize the presence and negative effects of insects and rodents.

A mortality management plan is required for the disposal of dead livestock. The facility will continue to utilize on-site incineration as the primary method.

An emergency response plan is essential for efficiently handling accidents or emergencies to protect the environment, wildlife, and water supplies.