May 6, 2009, Wheaton, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) has completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet on a
proposed 6,640-head dairy feedlot in Traverse County.
May 6, 2009, Wheaton, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet on a proposed 6,640-head dairy feedlot in Traverse County.
The public comment period for the EAW ends May 20, 2009.
Dollymount Dairy LLP is proposing to construct a new dairy facility in Section 4 of Dollymount Township. The facility would accommodate 6,640 head of livestock, totaling approximately 7,350 animal units. The proposed dairy would include one 1,200-foot long by 512-foot wide barn, one 228-foot long by 134-foot wide calf barn, two 80-foot wide by 216-foot long calf barns, and one 425-foot long by 95-foot wide milking parlor/holding pen.
Manure will be collected and processed in an anaerobic digester. Once processed, a separator will remove the solids from the liquid. The solids will be used for animal bedding and the liquid will be stored in two 690-foot long by 450-foot wide by 20-foot deep clay-lined earthen basins. Gases from these basins will be captured to produce electricity.
Also planned is a 700-foot long by 400-foot wide covered feed storage pad. The entire site is 120 acres. If approved, work at the site will begin early summer 2009.
Dollymount Dairy was previously proposed in 2005 but the process was not completed. The current proposal involves the same site but some different plans and construction details.
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 public comment period and/or on new information gathered as part of its own review of the project.
Comments on the Dollymount Dairy EAW should be submitted in writing by May 20, 2009, to Laura Hysjulien, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155 or by e-mail to laura.hysjulien@pca.state.mn.us. Contact Hysjulien to request a copy of the EAW.
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:
- Wheaton Community Library, 901 1st Ave. North;
- MPCA Detroit Lakes office, 714 Lake Avenue, Suite 220; and,
- MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road North.
Additional information on the environmental review process is available on the web at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html.
