Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789 Technical contact: William Lynott, (651) 296-7794 Toll-free: (800) 657-3864 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared Environmental Assessment Worksheets for two proposed swine feedlots southwest of Worthington in Nobles County. The EAWs, which describe potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, are open for public review and comment through Sept. 27, 2005. New Fashion Pork LLP proposes to build two similar facilities housing 4,000 finishing hogs each. One would be located at the Doug Fransen farm in Section 36 of Dewald Township, and the other at the Mark Engelkes farm in Section 1 of Little Rock Township. Manure would be collected and stored in pits underneath the barns. It would be pumped out and injected into cropland in late fall or early spring according to established application rates and setbacks from waters. Air emission modeling indicates that air emissions will not exceed the standard for hydrogen sulfide. Other steps to control odor will include the use of feed additives and barn sanitation to reduce dust. An 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 New Fashion Pork EAWs should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005 to William Lynott, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155, 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 EAWs are available for review at:
· MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900
· MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Avenue SW.
· Nobles County Library, 407 12th St., Worthington
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling (507) 537-7146. Questions about the projects should be directed to William Lynott at (651) 296-7794, or (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).