Media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789
Technical contact: Kevin Kain, (651) 296-7432
Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a large dairy proposed in Dublin Township, Swift County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Sept. 14, 2005.
East Dublin Dairy LLP, proposes to build a new feedlot with four barns and a milking parlor for 6,600 dairy cows. Manure will be scraped twice daily from the free-stall barns and flushed to a concrete holding tank. A crust will form on top of the holding tank and gases from the tank will be treated through a biological filter to reduce odor. In fall after harvest, manure from the tank will be injected as fertilizer into cropland, with 8,222 acres available.
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 East Dublin Dairy's EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2005 to Kevin Kain, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road 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 East Dublin Dairy's EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Ave. S.W.
· Benson Public Library, 200 13th St. N.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling (320) 214-3786. Questions about the project should be directed to Kevin Kain at (651) 296-7432, or (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).
