MPCA will host public meeting to hear input on proposed dairy expansion near Morris, MN

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host a public meeting to present information and hear comments on the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and feedlot permit for a proposed dairy expansion in west central Minnesota. The meeting is scheduled for 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at The South Side Event Center and Reception Hall, 412 Atlantic Ave., Morris. The MPCA extended the deadline for public comment on the EAW and permit to May 7, 2026 to allow additional time for input following the meeting. Riverview, LLP is seeking to expand its existing West River Dairy facility in Morris from 7,855 dairy cows to a total capacity of 18,855 dairy cows. Animals will be housed in a cross-ventilated barn with clay-lined basins to collect and store manure and wastewater. Liquid manure will be land applied as fertilizer on cropland. The expansion will include covered liquid manure storage basins, water storage basins, and require 13,200 acres of land for manure application. Those who wish to comment on the EAW should consider the EAW’s accuracy, potential impacts from the project that warrant further investigation, or the need for an environmental impact statement. The EAW reviewed potential impacts to air, local geology, soils, groundwater, surface water, and other potential environmental impacts. The public can review the draft EAW and submit public comments by visiting the Smart Comment portal on the MPCA website or by mail to: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency c/o Charles Peterson 520 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN  55155 The public can review the draft feedlot permit and submit public comments by visiting the  Smart Comment portal on the MPCA website or by mail to: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency c/o Mark P. Gernes 12 Civic Center Plz Ste 2165 Mankato, MN 56001 After the public comment period ends, the agency will review all comments and determine whether additional environmental review will be necessary. If the agency determines there is no need for additional environmental review, the project will proceed through permitting.