Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Nancy Miller, 507-280-3590 Rochester, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for a proposed expansion to the Matt and Ellen Voxland Feedlot in Goodhue County. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 27, 2008. The Voxlands propose to expand a facility located in Section 24 of Holden Township. The facility currently houses 2,900 head of finishing swine, 1,200 head of weaned nursery pigs and 200 broiler chickens. The first phase of the proposed expansion would include replacement of an existing barn and an increase to 4,800 head of finishing swine. The second phase would include construction of a new barn and an increase to 2,400 head of weaned nursery pigs. The size of the broiler flock would not change. The EAW provides basic information about how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment and helps determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement, a more comprehensive environmental review, is needed. Interested parties may comment on the EAW during the public notice period from July 28 to Aug. 27. Written comments must be received at the MPCA St. Paul office by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 27. Copies of the Voxland Feedlot Expansion EAW are available at the MPCA Rochester office, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E.; the MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road N., and on the MPCA Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html. Send questions and comments on the Voxland Feedlot Expansion to Nancy Drach, Environmental Review and Operations, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., Saint Paul, MN 55155. Drach can also be reached by phone at 651-297-8236, fax at 651-297-2343 or by e-mail at nancy.drach@pca.state.mn.us.