NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Minnesota dairy declared health hazard
Minnesota public health officials have declared the
Excel Dairy near Thief River Falls a public health hazard.
Minnesota public health officials have declared the Excel Dairy near Thief River Falls a public health hazard.
According to a report in the Fort Mill Times, people who live around the 1,525-cow dairy have been complaining of foul smells and health problems ranging from headaches to breathing problems. Some have been order to vacate their homes by doctors.
Officials at Excel Dairy say the problems started in late spring when the dairy was ordered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) to empty one of its manure pits to check for leakage.
In order to control odor, the dairy was ordered this past summer to cover its manure pits with straw or a cover. The dairy refused, stating the covers wouldn’t work and would cause worse problems. The state and MCPA launched a lawsuit against Excel in late June. The matter is still before the courts.
