Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Joel Fischer, 651-296-8643 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the expansion of an existing finishing hog facility about 10 miles west of Madison in Section 24 of Cerro Gordo Township in Lac qui Parle County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Aug. 30, 2006. Brad Lundy proposes to expand an existing hog finishing facility from 2,000 to 4,000 hogs, for a total of 1,200 animal units. Similar to the existing barn, manure will be collected in a concrete pit below the new barn. In the fall, the manure will be pumped out and injected on cropland as fertilizer, requiring 352 acres. 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 EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 to Joel Fischer, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343. 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 Lundy EAW are available for review at:

• The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
• The MPCA's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html
• MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Ave. S.W.
• Chippewa County Public Library, 224 So. 1st St., Montevideo

Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Joel Fischer at 651-296-8643 or 800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).