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 a proposed swine facility about 11 miles southwest of Worthington in Section 21 of Ransom Township in Nobles County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment March 24 through April 23, 2008. Son-D Farms Inc. is proposing to build two new swine finishing barns measuring 102 feet by 192 feet, with maximum capacities of 2,400 head each, for a total of 4,800 head, or 1,440 animal units. One finishing hog is equal to 0.3 animal units. The proposed barns will be total confinement, tunnel-ventilated buildings. Manure will be stored in eight-foot-deep, reinforced concrete pits located beneath each of the barns. It will be pumped out in the fall and injected on cropland as fertilizer. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period the EAW is open to public review and comment. Comments should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on April 23, 2008 to Nancy Drach, 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 a more comprehensive environmental review, known as an Environmental Impact Statement, is needed. Copies of the Son-D Farms Inc. 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 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 Nancy Drach at 651-297-8236 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. The Son-D Farms Inc. water quality 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.