Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Project Manager: Randy Hukriede, (218) 828-6076 Media contact: Nancy Miller, (507) 280-3590 ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed expansion to a swine feedlot in Prairieville Township, Brown County. The EAW is open for public review and comment through July 5, 2006. Brian Braun proposes to expand his existing feedlot by constructing a 51-foot-by-360-foot swine-finishing barn over an eight-foot-deep manure-collection pit. The new barn would house 2,400 head (720 animal units) of finishing swine. Currently, the facility consists of one 51-foot-by-360-foot swine-finishing barn housing 2,400 head and three remodeled barns housing 600 head. After the expansion, the facility would house 5,400 head (1,620 animal units) of finishing swine. Manure from the facility is collected annually and land applied by incorporation. 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 that runs from June 5 through July 5, 2006. Written comments submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 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 whether the project warrants an Environmental Impact Statement, a more comprehensive environmental review. Copies of the Brian Braun Swine Feedlot Expansion EAW are available at:
· the MPCA St. Paul Office, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul;
· the MPCA Mankato Office, 1230 S. Victory Lane, Mankato;
· the MPCA Rochester Office, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E., Rochester;
· Dyckman Free Library, 345 W Main St., Sleepy Eye; and
· the MPCA Web site, http://www.pca.state.mn.us.
Comments on the Brian Braun Swine Feedlot Expansion EAW should be mailed to Randy Hukriede, project manager, Environmental Review and Operations, Regional Division, MPCA, 7678 College Road, Suite 105, Baxter, MN 56425; faxed to him at (218) 828-2594;.or e-mailed to randall.hukriede@pca.state.mn.us (mailed comments are preferred). Persons who have questions about the EAW can call Hukriede at (218) 828-6076 or (800) 657-3864.