Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Jim Sullivan, (651) 297-1788 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed swine production facility about six miles southwest of Clinton in Big Stone County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Aug. 30, 2006. The Lismore Hutterian Brethren Inc. proposes to build two swine barns: a 480-foot by 128-foot mechanically-ventilated farrowing barn, and a 439-foot by 153-foot mechanically-ventilated finishing barn. The total capacity would be 4,790 finishing hogs, 1,176 sows and 2,400 nursery pigs, totaling 1,999 animal units. Existing turkey barns house 18,000 turkeys under five pounds and 49,500 turkeys five pounds and over. Manure will be stored in reinforced concrete pits under the barns, with enough capacity for 18 months. The manure will be injected into the cropland following fall harvest according to a manure management plan. The total acreage of the farm, 1,954 acres, provides sufficient cropland for the 907 acres required for land application of manure. 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 the Lismore Hutterian Brethren EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30 to Jim Sullivan, 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 the Lismore Hutterian Brethren 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.
· Ortonville Public Library, 412 2nd St. NW, Ortonville, Minn.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Jim Sullivan at 651-297-1788; or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).