Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Dan Olson, 218-846-8108 Toll-free 1-800-657-3864 Marshall, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) on a proposed expansion of the SLT Cattle Company - Ted's Place feedlot located in Nobles County near Marshall. The public comment period for the EAW ends Oct. 21, 2009. The existing beef finishing facility has a capacity of 1,596 animal units housed in a combination of open lots and confinement barns. One animal unit is equal to 1,000 pounds of animal body weight. Proposed is an expansion project that would add two additional confinement barns with a capacity of 400 head each. After construction the total capacity of the facility would be 2,560 animal units. Liquid manure will be stored in reinforced concrete pits beneath the finishing barns and in solid manure packs in the calf and grower barns. The proposed project would begin in the fall of 2009 with completion in the spring 2010. The EAW is a preliminary environmental review of how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. The EAW also helps the MPCA determine if an Environmental Impact Statement, a more in-depth environmental review, is needed. The EAW is necessary for the MPCA to issue a permit for the project. The MPCA may make changes to the permit based on input it receives during the EAW public comment period and/or on new information gathered as part of its own review of the project. Comments on the SLT Cattle Company - Ted's Place feedlot expansion should be submitted in writing by Oct. 21, 2009, to Kevin Kain, MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155 or by e-mail to kevin.kain@state.mn.us. Copies of the EAW can also be obtained by contacting Kain, who can also be reached at 651-757-2482 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. Copies of the EAW are available for review on the Web at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html, as well as at the MPCA Willmar office at 1601 Highway 12 East, Suite 1, or and the MPCA St. Paul office at 520 Lafayette Road North.