Riverview LLP is seeking to expand its existing West River Dairy facility near Morris from 7,855 cows to a total capacity of 18,855 cows. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has completed a required environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the project.
In addition, Riverview has applied for a feedlot permit for the West River Dairy facility. This permit includes proposed construction of animal holding areas, liquid manure storage areas, permanent stockpiles, and feed storage areas at the facility.
Location
Community meeting
A public meeting about the EAW and feedlot permit was held on April 28, 2026, at The South Side Event Center and Reception Hall in Morris.
- (April 28, 2026)
Review public comments
The comment period has closed for the draft permit and environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the proposed West River Dairy expansion. MPCA staff will review all comments and determine whether additional environmental review or changes to the draft permit will be necessary.
Our role
Certain proposed projects — based on their nature, size, location, or other factors — must go through the environmental review process before any required permits or approvals can be issued.
An environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) is a document designed to lay out a project’s basic facts and assess its potential for significant environmental effects, which determines if an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required. An EAW is not a decision and does not determine whether the project moves forward. It is an information-gathering document used to inform decision-makers including those issuing land use and environmental permits that are required for the project. The MPCA uses the EAW, written comments received, permit applications, and other relevant information to decide if an EIS should be ordered. The MPCA commissioner makes the final decision.
Feedlot permits authorize construction and operation of an animal feedlot facility in accordance with permit requirements to protect our lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Those permits are designed to protect human health and the environment and follow current state and federal laws and regulations. The MPCA ensures that the public and all stakeholders have the opportunity to learn about, understand, and provide feedback on the permits it issues.
In February 2026, the MPCA released both the EAW and a draft feedlot permit for Riverview LLP’s proposed expansion of its West River Dairy facility.
The feedlot permit requires the facility to be designed, operated, and maintained to prevent manure, process wastewater, and stormwater from polluting water, except in an extreme storm event. Operators are required to apply manure to farm fields at agronomic rates, observe water setbacks, and maintain records of land application activities, including location, timing, and rate of application.
The MPCA opened 30-day public comment periods on both the EAW and draft feedlot permit, ending March 13, 2026. The agency extended the comment period to April 9, 2026, based on public interest.
On April 7, the MPCA set a public meeting date for April 28, 2026, to present information about the EAW and processes and hear public input. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to provide written comments. It will also provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide oral comments, which will not be recorded as part of the public comments. The MPCA further extended the comment periods to May 7, 2026, to include written comments submitted during and after the public meeting.
Next steps
After the public comment period ends on May 7, the agency will review all comments and determine whether additional environmental review or changes to the draft permit will be necessary. If the agency determines there is no need for additional environmental review, the project will proceed through the permitting process.