FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – Webster County officials are seeking changes to Iowa’s process for reviewing hog confinement operations, arguing the current process has few restrictions and almost no local control. The Messenger reports the request comes after a large number of new hog confinement applications in the county prompted county supervisors and residents an update to the animal confinement rules.

Recommendations for changes include an increased distance from confinements to residential properties and waterways, as well as a three-mile distance from cities or subdivisions. The Webster County Board plans to present a list of recommendations to Republican state Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink at this week’s Iowa State Association of Counties legislative meeting.