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 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 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.
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 computer modeling, the MPCA expects the expanded feedlot to comply with state air-quality standards.
The proposed feedlot is located within two miles of five public water wells that serve Ellendale and Beaver Lake Park. 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.
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 DNR.
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 at 651-757-2856 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
