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Board Delays Industry's Variance

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk Board of Adjustment is not ready to issue a construction variance to a local industry. The panel voted, unanimously, to table Roquette America's request until August 1. The industry needs the variance to build a new boiler on its property, along Twin Rivers Drive, because the structure would exceed Keokuk's building height requirement. The proposed $100,000,000 project includes 3 buildings, the largest standing 191 feet off the ground, and a 350 foot smoke stack. Board member Chuck Mitchell says Roquette should review its proposal, especially the height of the boiler building. More than a dozen residents, most of whom live near the proposed boiler, turned out for the meeting. Their concerns focused on pollution, safety, noise, and an obstructed view of the river. The board will hold a special meeting August 1 to address Roquette's request again. The industry is also waiting on a permit from the Iowa DNR.