|
Mankato, Minn. --
Rebco Pork, Inc. is proposing to build a hog feedlot southeast of Courtland in
Nicollet County. The feedlot would consist of two total-confinement barns, each
with 2,400 hogs. Manure would be stored in reinforced concrete pits under each
barn.
As required by state
rules, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) completed an Environmental
Assessment Worksheet (EAW) on the proposed feedlot. The public may comment on
the proposed feedlot EAW until 4:30 p.m. on July 8, 2015.
State agencies use
the EAW to decide whether a more complete Environmental Impact Statement is
needed. The worksheet covers site location details, nearby resources, and other
elements, including wells, soil types, water use, manure management, air and
odor emissions, and traffic.
Manure management is one concern with feedlots. According to the
EAW, the feedlot would generate 1.7 million gallons of manure per year. The
total manure storage capacity would be 2.7 million gallons, with the extra
storage designed to prevent overflow problems.
In the fall, the manure would be pumped to tankers for
application to 893 acres of cropland as fertilizer. Farmers accepting
manure must follow all manure application setbacks to avoid impacts to
sensitive areas, such as wildlife management areas. MPCA guidelines require
incorporation of manure within 24 hours of application.
The new feedlot
would be in section 12 of Courtland Township, southeast of Courtland, in an
area zoned for agriculture. Nicollet County Zoning Ordinance 715.4
specifies that new animal feedlots maintain a minimum setback of one-eighth mile
from neighboring residences and one-half mile from schools and private schools,
excluding home school sites or churches. Sixteen residences, one church and
cemetery, and a private school are located within one mile of the proposed
feedlot. The nearest neighbor is one-third mile northwest of the site.
Air quality is
another concern with feedlots. Based on a computer simulation, the new feedlot
would meet state air quality standards and would not significantly increase
odors. The project is located to minimize potential adverse odor and air
emissions impacts.
The worksheet for
this project is available by searching for “Environmental Assessment Worksheet” on the MPCA website. It’s also available by calling Beth Tegdesch at 651-757-2100. Comments, which must be in writing, should go
to Charles Peterson at charles.peterson@state.mn.us, or mailed to him at MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul,
MN 55155-4194.
In addition to the EAW, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s draft feedlot
operating permit is available for public comment. Comments must be in writing and should be submitted to Richard Gruenes, richard.gruenes@state.mn.us, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul, MN 55155-4194. The National
Pollution Disposal Elimination System permit is available by going to the MPCA Public Notices webpage. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on July 8.
Broadcast version:
Rebco Pork is
proposing to build a hog feedlot southeast of Courtland in Nicollet County. The
feedlot would consist of two total-confinement barns, each with 2,400 hogs.
Manure would be stored in reinforced concrete pits under each barn.
The Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet on the
proposed feedlot, which is available for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on
Monday, July 8. For more information go to the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency website and search for “Environmental Assessment Worksheet”.
###
The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
| 
