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The red indicator on this map shows the location of a feedlot owned by Hunter Farms LLC. A public comment period is now open to take comments on an expansion planned at the site. Source: Google Maps
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting public comments about Hunter Farms LLC’s plans to expand a feedlot in Section 11 of Elmer Township south of Hatfield.
According to the MPCA, the plans include construction and expansion of animal holding areas, liquid manure storage area, permanent stockpiles, a feed storage area, and a vegetative treatment area. The animal unit capacity at the site would be increased from 995 to 1,945 head of beef cattle that would be housed in a total confinement barn, partial confinement barn and open lots, according to the MPCA.
Liquid manure generated by the animals would be stored within earthen lined storage structures, solid manure generated by the animals would be stockpiled with land application fields, and processed wastewater and manure contaminated runoff from the facility would be stored within lined structures and treated via vegetation. Manure generated at the facility would be applied to surrounding cropland at agronomic rates, according to the MPCA.
The MPCA is the permitting authority for feedlots with more than 1,000 animal units. Pipestone County Environmental Administrator Kyle Krier said 40 of the 409 feedlots in Pipestone County are permitted by the MPCA.
The MPCA Commissioner has made a preliminary determination to issue a permit for the expanded site for a term of approximately five years. The permit would require the facility to be designed, operated and maintained to prevent discharge to waters, except in an extreme storm event. The operators would be required to apply manure at agronomic rates, observe water setbacks, and maintain records of land application activities, including location, timing and rate of application.
Jesse Hunter said the expansion project is expected to begin shortly after the permit is received and be completed later this summer.
A public comment period for the project opened April 29 and ends on Thursday, May 29. Those interested may submit written comments on the draft permit, petition the MPCA to hold a public informational meeting and petition the MPCA to hold a contested case hearing. Written comments may be submitted online at mpca.commentinput.com/comment/search; or by mail to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, c/o Nick Timmerman, 504 Fairgrounds Rd, Ste 200, Marshall, MN 56258-1688.
Comments or petitions must state the commenter’s interest in the permit application or the draft permit; the action the commenter wishes the MPCA to take, including specific references to the section of the draft permit the commenter believes should be changed; and the reasons supporting the commenter’s position, stated with sufficient specificity as to allow the MPCA to investigate the merits of the position.