Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of a swine facility southeast of Adrian in Section 29 of Olney Township, Nobles County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment March 26 through April 25, 2007. The Son-D Farms feedlot currently has a maximum capacity of 2,220 finishing hogs in two barns and 2,350 nursery pigs in two barns. The proposed expansion will add new four barns, each with a capacity of 1,200 finishing hogs. After construction, the maximum capacity of the entire facility will be 7,020 finishing hogs and 2,350 nursery pigs, for a total of 2,223.5 animal units. One animal unit is approximately equal to a 1,000-pound cow. The proposed barns will be total confinement, tunnel-ventilated buildings. Manure will be stored in reinforced concrete pits located beneath each of the barns. It will be pumped out in the fall and injected on cropland as fertilizer. 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 EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on April 25, 2007 to Joel Fischer, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. 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 Son-D Farms Inc. EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900.
· Marshall-Lyon County Library, 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall
· Nobles County Library, 407 12th St., Worthington.
· Adrian Library, 214 Maine Ave. Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Joel Fischer at 651-296-8643; or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY). The Son-D Farms Inc. water quality permit application and associated documents, including the air emissions and odor management plan, animal mortality plan, emergency response plan and manure management plan, are available for review by contacting George Schwint, MPCA Willmar office, 320-214-3793.