Comments invited on proposed swine expansion in Steele County

For release: Dec. 12, 2011
Contact: Cathy Rofshus, 507-206-2608

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Comments invited on proposed swine expansion in Steele County

Rochester, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet prepared for Matt Holland’s proposed swine expansion in southwestern Steele County.  Written comments must be received by the MPCA by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2012.

Holland proposes to double his swine operation from 2,400 to 4,800 finishing hogs.  He also maintains a beef herd of 20 cow/calf pairs on pasture.  For the expansion, Holland plans to build a total confinement barn with a manure pit underneath.  The feedlot is located in Berlin Township, 1.26 miles west of Ellendale.

After expansion, the feedlot would generate 1.9 million gallons of liquid manure a year.  Holland plans to remove manure from the pits beneath the barns once a year in the fall for application to nearby cropland.  The feedlot would have two manure-storage basins with a total storage capacity of 2.5 million gallons, reducing the likelihood of overflow or emergency applications during the winter.

Although the feedlot is surrounded by land zoned for agriculture, 41 homes are located within one mile of the feedlot and manure-application sites.  The closest home is about one-third mile from the feedlot.  Based on a computer modeling study, the MPCA expects the expanded feedlot to comply with state air-quality standards, with odors below levels usually considered unpleasant.

The proposed feedlot is located within two miles of five public water wells that serve the city of Ellendale and Beaver Lake Park.  According to the worksheet, the Minnesota Department of Health expects no impact to drinking water quality as a result of the expansion.  The health department is also aware of 38 domestic wells within two miles of the feedlot.  Several domestic wells are located with 200 feet of the manure-application sites.  To prevent contamination of the well water, applicators must follow best management practices and setback requirements when applying manure to the fields.

With the expansion, the feedlot will use 6.1 million gallons of water from an on-site well every year, requiring a water appropriation permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) provides basic information about how a 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 from Dec. 12, 2011 to Jan. 11, 2012.

Copies of the EAW are available at the MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road N.; the MPCA Rochester office, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E.; and on the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us

Send questions and comments on the Holland EAW to Charles Peterson, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul MN 55155.  Peterson can also be reached by phone at 651-757-2856 or email charles.peterson@state.mn.us.

In addition to the EAW, this project requires a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System Permit.  This permit requires plans for manure management, dead animal disposal, and odor control.  This permit will also be available for comment through Jan. 11, 2012.  Comments on this permit should be sent to Steven Schmidt, MPCA, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, or steven.schmidt@state.mn.us.

Broadcast version

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invites comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet prepared for a proposed expansion to Matt Holland’s swine expansion in southwestern Steele County.  Written comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on January 11, 2012.

Holland proposes to double his swine operation from 2,400 to 4,800 finishing hogs.  The feedlot is located in Berlin Township in Steele County, one and one-quarter miles west of Ellendale.  For the expansion, Holland plans to build a total confinement barn with a manure pit underneath.  The manure would be removed once a year for application to nearby cropland in the fall.

The review examines the potential environmental effects of the project.  The project also requires a federal and state permit, which are open for comments.  For more information, visit the website of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at www.pca.state.mn.us.

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