On Tuesday, the Madison County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special-use exemption that clears the way for a 4,000-hog confined animal feeding operation in Duck Creek Township.

The petitioner, Rick Jarrett of Elwood, first appeared before the board in May and his request triggered intense debate. A group of opponents formed Elwood Concerned Citizens and hired an attorney to appeal one of Jarrett’s permits from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

The matter was continued twice by the board and a third motion for continuance died for lack of support Tuesday before the board approved Jarrett’s petition. Elwood Concerned Citizens plans to continue the appeal process.