Hog producer Curt Schilling is proposing to expand his feedlot production from a 2,400-head finishing facility by adding a second 2,400-head barn, for a total of 4,800 finishing hogs.
Schilling proposes to store manure in reinforced concrete storage pits below the new barn, similar to the existing barn.
Following a manure-management plan, he will pump the manure in the fall and inject it into cropland for use as fertilizer.
Schilling's manure-application sites are in Grand Prairie Township in Nobles County or Kanaranzi Township in Rock County.
As required by state rules, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) on the proposed expansion.
The public may submit written comments on the Schilling feedlot expansion EAW until 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2015.
A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) general permit for construction and operation of both the existing and new feedlot facilities is on public notice concurrently.
State agencies use the EAW to help decide whether a more complete Environmental Impact Statement is needed.
The EAW covers site location details, nearby resources and other elements, including wells, soil types, water use, manure management, air and odor emissions, and traffic.
The worksheet for this project may be seen on the MPCA's Public Notices webpage. It’s also available by calling Beth Tegdesch at 651-757-2100.
Written comments should be sent by email to Kevin Kain at kevin.kain@state.mn.us or mailed to Kevin Kain, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul, MN 55155-4194.
On Aug. 19, 2015, the MPCA posted the draft NPDES/SDS permit on its Public Notices webpage at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/yrwc6a9.
Written comments on the NPDES/SDS permit should be sent to George Schwint (phone 320-894-5866) by email at george.schwint@state.mn.us or mailed to George Schwint, MPCA, 1601 E. Hwy. 12, Willmar, MN 56201.
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