Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Cathy Rofshus, 507-206-2608, 800-657-3864

Rochester, Minn. --  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for Johnson’s Rolling Acres proposed dairy expansion in Fillmore County.  Comments must be in writing and accepted by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2011.

Richard Johnson proposes to expand his dairy operations from 870 to 1,400 cows and 110 to 500 heifers, with a decrease in calves from 40 to 30.  Johnson plans to build a new barn, change an existing manure-storage basin, add a manure-storage basin, and expand areas used to store feed and bedding material.  In addition, the expansion would include features to collect and store silage leachate and rainwater to prevent pollutants from washing into nearby streams.  The dairy is located in Norway Township in northeast Fillmore County, near Peterson.

After expansion, the dairy would generate 11 million gallons of liquid manure a year.  Johnson plans to apply manure from the storage basins to cropland twice a year.  The dairy would have three manure-storage basins with a total storage capacity of 21.1 million gallons.

The existing and proposed dairy facilities are surrounded by land zoned for agriculture, though 25 residences are located within one mile of the proposed expansion and manure-application sites.  Based on a computer modeling study, the MPCA expects the new facility to comply with state air quality standards, with odors below levels usually considered unpleasant.

Two historical sites – the Norway Township Stone House and Highland Prairie Church Park – are near cropland used for manure application.  Manure applications must follow setbacks in the Fillmore County Feedlot Ordinance to minimize impact to nearby resources, including historical sites.

The expansion area and manure application sites include sinkholes and exposed or shallow bedrock, which can lead directly to groundwater used for drinking wells.  Federal and state laws require setbacks to prevent bacteria from manure draining to groundwater through sinkholes and exposed bedrock.

The proposed expansion and manure application sites are located in the Root River watershed.  The State of Minnesota lists the Root River, its South Fork and a tributary, Money Creek, as impaired waters.  The manure-management plan includes best management practices to prevent and minimize any effects to water resources.  In addition, new controls for collecting rainwater should reduce pollutants washing off the site.

The EAW provides information about how the proposed project could affect the environment and helps determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement, a more comprehensive environmental review, is needed.  Interested parties may comment on the EAW during the public notice period from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2011.

Copies of the Johnson’s Rolling Hills EAW are available at: MPCA Rochester office, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E.; MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road N.; and on the MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us.

Send questions and comments on the Johnson’s Rolling Hills EAW to Charles Peterson, planner principal for Environmental Review and Feedlot Section, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul MN 55155.  Peterson can also be reached by e-mail at charles.peterson@state.mn.us.

In addition to the environmental worksheet, this project requires a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System Permit.  This permit will also be available for comment Jan. 11 to Feb .9, 2011.  Comments on the permit, which must be in writing, should go to Steven Schmidt, pollution control specialist, MPCA, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E., Rochester, MN 55904 or steven.schmidt@state.mn.us.