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DECORAH — Driftless Water Defenders, an Iowa-based environmental nonprofit, has filed a legal challenge against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors over its decision to rezone land for the construction of a dairy manure digester biogas facility. The group argues that the board's decision to amend the zoning ordinance — changing the land's designation from agricultural to industrial — is flawed and poses a risk of increased pollution to local water sources. The petition, filed by attorney James C. Larew on behalf of Driftless Water Defenders, was submitted to the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County. The organization is requesting a Writ of Certiorari, which would compel the board to release all relevant documents tied to the rezoning decision, including video footage of the public hearing and emails related to the process. Driftless Water Defenders is seeking to have the decision invalidated and remanded for further review. In their lawsuit, the nonprofit alleges that the board's approval of the rezoning request was arbitrary, discriminatory and not based on substantial evidence. The group also claims the public was not given a fair opportunity to express concerns during the hearing and that the rezoning is inconsistent with the county's comprehensive zoning plan. The petition asks the court to overturn the board's decision, award legal costs to Driftless Water Defenders, and grant any other relief the court deems appropriate. The case is set to be heard in the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.

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Driftless Water Defenders File Petition Against County Supervisors