Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of a beef feedlot in Renville County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Sept. 12, 2007. The Revier Cattle Company proposes to expand an existing beef cattle feedlot operation located about seven miles south of Olivia in Section 17 of Norfolk Township. The existing feedlot consists of open lots and partial confinement barns capable of housing 4,500 cattle. The proposed project will include the construction of two total confinement barns over 12-foot deep concrete pits for manure storage. Each new barn will house 3,000 head, for a total increase of 6,000 animals. Solid manure from the existing open lots and liquid manure from the pits will be applied as fertilizer to crop land at proper rates and setbacks from ditches, tile intakes and other waterways. Runoff from the open lots is stored in an earthen basin where it is pumped out and applied to pasture land. 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 Sept. 12, 2007 to Chai Insook, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155-7794, 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 Revier Cattle Company EAW are available for review at: -- The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N. -- MPCA Willmar Office, 1101 E. Hwy. 12. -- MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html -- Olivia Public Library, 405 S. 10th St. Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Chai Insook at 651-296-7718, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. Information about the permit application and associated documents, including the air emissions and odor management plan, animal mortality plan, emergency response plan and manure management plan, is available by contacting George Schwint, MPCA Willmar office, 320-214-3793.