Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of a beef feedlot in Nobles County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Oct. 8, 2008. R&R Thier Feedlots Inc. proposes to expand an existing beef cattle feedlot from 2,920 to 5,000 head. The operation is located about two miles west of Rushmore in Section 26 of Olney Township The existing feedlot consists of 7.2 acres of open lots, one 100-foot by 720-foot total confinement barn, and an above-ground, 1.9 million gallon capacity, fiberglass lined tank to store stormwater runoff and semi-solid manure from the open lots. Manure generated in the confinement barn is stored in a manure pack. The proposed expansion will consist of eight, 250-foot by 180-foot open lots with runoff controls, and two, 250-foot by 120-foot open lots with runoff controls. The open lots will be surrounded with four-foot cement sidewalls and a concrete apron. A retention pond for the runoff will be built with a storage capacity of 8,122,000 gallons. Solid manure and runoff liquids will be applied as fertilizer to crop land at proper rates and setbacks from ditches, tile intakes and other waterways. 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 Oct. 8, 2008 to Nancy Drach, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155-7794, 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. · The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Marshall Office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900.
· MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Nancy Drach at 651-297-8236, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. Information about the permit application and associated documents, including the air emissions and odor management plan, animal mortality plan, emergency response plan and manure management plan, is available by contacting George Schwint, MPCA Willmar office, 320-214-3793.