Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Project Manager: Randall Hukriede, 218-828-6076 Information Officer: Nancy Miller, 507-280-3590 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Rochester, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed swine feedlot expansion in Watonwan County. The EAW is open for public review and comment through Sept. 14, 2005. Brent and Mona Kueker currently own and operate a 3,000 head wean-to-finish swine facility in South Branch Township. The existing site consists of three total confinement barns, each measuring 51 feet by 160 feet. The Kuekers propose to add another 3,000 head wean-to-finish facility in Long Lake Township, approximately 1.25 miles to the southwest of the existing site. The proposal includes three additional barns measuring 51 feet by 160 feet. The total facility size after the expansion would be 6,000 wean-to-finish hogs housed in six identical barns. The EAW provides basic information about how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. Interested parties may comment on the EAW during the 30-day public notice period from Aug. 15 to Sept. 14, 2005. Written comments submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, become part of the public record. The EAW and written public comments help to evaluate the proposed project's potential for significant environmental effects and to determine if the project warrants an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review). Copies of the Kueker Swine Facility EAW are available at the following locations:
· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency St. Paul Office, 520 Lafayette Road North (or call 651-297-8510 to have a copy mailed)
· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rochester Office, 18 Wood Lake Drive SE
· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Mankato Office, 1230 South Victory Lane
· Watonwan County Library, 215 5th Street South, St. James
· Truman Public Library, 101 East Ciro Street
· Trimont Public Library, 190 Main Street
· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Web site at http://www.pca.state.mn.us
Forward specific questions and comments on the Kueker Swine Facility EAW to Randy Hukriede, Project Manager, MPCA Regional Division, 7678 College Road, Suite 105, Baxter, MN 56425. Hukriede can be contacted by phone at 218-828-6076 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864, and by e-mail at randall.hukriede@pca.state.mn.us. Questions and comments can also be faxed to 218-828-2594.