Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

News media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789 Technical contact: Randy Hukriede, (218) 828-6076 Toll-free: (800) 657-3864 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a cattle feedlot expansion in Redwood County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment Sept. 26 through Oct. 26, 2005. Brandon Kerkhoff plans to expand a cattle feedlot southeast of Redwood Falls by 1,000 head, which will increase the total number to 2,750. The current feedlot consists of open lots and one barn. An open lot runoff containment system with a settling basin, and a total confinement barn to house 751 cattle are currently being built under a permit issued on June 30, 2005. The new proposal would add a second barn for 750 cattle and increase the density on the open lots by 250 head. Manure solids from the settling basin, open lots and barns will be periodically removed and land applied. Liquid runoff, which has passed through the settling basin, will be stored in an earthen storage basin and will be used to irrigate adjacent cropland. All manure and liquid runoff will be applied according to a manure nutrient management plan approved by the MPCA The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the Kerkhoff EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 to Randy Hukriede, MPCA, 7678 College Rd., Suite 105, Baxter, MN, 56425, or by fax to (218) 828-2594. The MPCA will use these comments 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. Copies of the EAW are available for review at:
· MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Ave. S.W.
· MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900
· Redwood Falls Public Library, 509 S. Lincoln
· Marshall-Lyon County Library, 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling Jennie Olson, (651) 297-8611. Questions about the project should be directed to Randy Hukriede at (218) 828-6076, or (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).