Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789 Technical contact: Randy Hukriede, (218) 828-6076 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of a cattle feedlot located about four miles north of Luverne in Rock County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality is open for public review and comment through Aug. 31, 2005. Ahrendt Brothers propose to double their existing 900-head beef cattle operation in Section 14, Mound Township for a total of 1,800 head. A new, 100-foot by 360-foot barn will house 900 beef cattle. A new stormwater retention pond will collect stormwater and any manure-contaminated runoff. Manure will be scraped and surface applied when field conditions support the weight of the tractor and spreader. Manure will be incorporated within 24 hours when applied within 300 feet of sensitive areas. Manure in non-sensitive areas will be incorporated as soon as field conditions allow. A 100-foot setback will be observed at all lakes, rivers, streams or intermittent streams. In addition, a grass buffer at least 16.5 feet wide will be maintained along all lakes, rivers, streams or intermittent streams in areas designated to receive manure. Soil nutrient testing along with regulation of manure application rate and frequency will prevent phosphorus buildup. Because the facility is located about two-thirds of a mile from Blue Mounds State Park, a "good neighbor relations plan" has been developed to limit manure hauling and spreading near the park. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. Comments received during the 30-day public review period will be used to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project, and to decide if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Comments on the Ahrendt Brothers Feedlot EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 to Randy Hukriede, MPCA, 7678 College Rd, Suite 105, Baxter, MN, 56425, or by fax to (218) 828-2594. Copies of the EAW are available for review at:

• MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
• MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html.
• MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900.
• MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Avenue SW.
• Rock County Library, 201 W. Main St., Luverne, Minn.

Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling (507) 537-7146. Questions about the project should be directed to Randy Hukriede at (218) 828-6076, or (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).