MPCA reviews environmental effects of proposed dairy feedlot in Morrison County

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) assessed the potential environmental effects of a proposed dairy feedlot in Morrison County and released a draft environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for public comment.

3C Dairy, LLC plans to house 3,600 dairy cows near Little Falls on land currently used for row-crop agriculture. The cows will be housed in a ventilated barn with a milking parlor. Liquid manure will be stored in a lined storage area. Construction will include six stormwater basins, which protect against manure runoff.

The draft EAW reviews the potential impacts to air, geology, soil, groundwater, and surface water. Key elements include:

• The project will require a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit from the MPCA.
• A manure management plan will determine how manure is applied to land, including observing setbacks to not apply manure too close to waterways and wells.
• Air modeling analysis includes the estimated emissions of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and odors from the project.

The MPCA uses the EAW, written comments received, permit applications, and other relevant information to decide whether an environmental impact statement (EIS) should be ordered. If the agency determines there is no need for additional environmental review, the project will proceed through permitting. 

During the Walz administration, the MPCA has completed 52 EAWs, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment while enforcing state law.

The public can review the draft EAW and draft NPDES permit and submit comments by visiting the MPCA website or by mail to:
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
c/o Megen Kabele
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN  55155

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