Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789 Technical contact: Kevin Kain, (651) 296-7432 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed swine feedlot in northern Renville County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment through July 20, 2005. RAN LLC, represented by Roget Punt, plans to build two barns on a five-acre site in the northwest part of Section One, Wang Township. The barns will measure 110 feet by 184 feet, each housing 2,400 finishing hogs for a total of 4,800 hogs. An estimated 1.5 million gallons of manure will be collected annually and stored in eight-foot-deep concrete pits beneath the barns. After harvest in the fall, it will be pumped and injected on 392 acres of cropland. Computer modeling of air quality impacts indicates that emissions of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia will comply with state air quality standards. The operators will notify neighbors and make any necessary schedule adjustments for manure removal and land application. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open for public review and comment. Comments on RAN LLC's EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on July 20, 2005 to Kevin Kain, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to (651) 296-7782. 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 RAN LLC's EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Ave. S.W.
· Olivia Public Library, 405 S. 10th St.