Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of an existing dairy west of Hatfield in Pipestone County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Dec. 5, 2007. Newalta Dairy plans to expand its existing facility in Section 34 of Gray Township from 660 head to a total of 2,572 head. The expansion will consist of one 396 foot by 103-foot free stall barn, two 468-foot by 103-foot free stall barns, one 384-foot by 103-foot special needs building, and one 750-foot by 375-foot clay-lined earthen manure storage basin 12 feet deep. Manure will be removed once a year in the fall after the crops have been harvested and injected into cropland as fertilizer. 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 Dec. 5, 2007 to Dana Vanderbosch, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. 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 Newalta Dairy 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
· Pipestone County office, 416 Hiawatha Ave. S.
· Marshall-Lyon County Library, 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall
· MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Dana Vanderbosch at 651-297-1796, or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY). The permit application and associated documents, including the air emissions and odor management plan, animal mortality plan, emergency response plan and manure management plan, are available for review by contacting George Schwint, MPCA Willmar office, 320-214-3793.