Prior to filing a private civil action for an alleged nuisance related to agricultural activities conducted at a concentrated animal feeding facility, the parties to the dispute shall submit the dispute to an arbitrator for nonbinding arbitration. The parties shall pay the arbitrator a reasonable compensation based on the extent and duration of actual service rendered. the cost of the arbitrator's services shall be divided proportionately among the parties.
If the decision reached by the arbitrator is not accepted by all parties to the dispute, the complaining parties may file a civil action and the claim shall proceed as if it had not been submitted to nonbinding arbitration. No oral or written statement prepared for or made in the nonbinding arbitration by the arbitrator or any of the parties, including any mental impression, recommendation, or decision by the arbitrator, is subject to discovery or admissible into evidence in any litigation or proceeding for any purpose, including impeachment. The arbitrator shall be disqualified as a witness, consultant, or expert on any subject that is related to the arbitration.
Effective Date: 03-15-2001