Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for proposed swine facility northeast of Madison in Section 13 of Cerro Gordo Township, 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 May 9, 2007. Brent Dahl is proposing to build two 2,400-head hog total confinement finishing barns for a total of 4,800 head, or 1,440 animal units. Annual liquid manure generation is estimated at 1.4 million gallons. The estimated total storage volume of 1.78 million gallons will provide about 15 months of manure storage capacity. Manure will be collected in an eight-foot-deep concrete pit beneath each barn. It will be pumped out annually in the fall after crops have been harvested and injected into cropland as fertilizer. The MPCA has reviewed the plans and specifications for the liquid manure storage areas and determined that they comply with the requirements of the state's feedlot rules, which were established to protect water quality. As an added precaution, the permit will require that the ground water from the perimeter tile be monitored weekly for signs of discoloration or odor. 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 May 9, 2007 to Kevin Kain, 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 Dahl 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
· Madison Library, 401 6th Ave.
· MPCA Willmar office, 1601 E. Hwy. 12.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Kevin Kain at 651-296-7432, or toll-free 1-800-657-3864. The Dahl's 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.