A Freeborn County hog producer is proposing to expand an existing feedlot in Hartland Township. Buendorf Hogs proposes to expand its existing 2,400-head finishing feedlot by adding a second 2,400-head barn, for a total of 4,800 finishing hogs.

As required by state rules, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency prepared an environmental assessment worksheet on the proposed expansion. The public may submit written comments on the Buendorf feedlot expansion environmental assessment worksheet until 4:30 p.m. April 13.

A National Pollutant Disposal Elimination System general permit for construction and operation of the expanded feedlot will be on public notice during the same time period.

State agencies use the environmental assessment worksheet  to help decide whether a more complete environmental impact statement is needed. The environmental assessment worksheet  covers site location details, nearby resources and other elements, including wells, soil types, water use, manure management, air and odor emissions, and traffic.

Buendorf Hogs proposes to store manure in reinforced concrete storage pits constructed below the new barn, similar to the existing barn. Following a manure management plan, they will pump the manure in the fall and inject it into cropland for use as fertilizer. Manure application sites are located in Hartland Township in Nobles County, Berlin Township in Steele County and Byron, New Richland, and Otisco townships in Waseca County.

The worksheet for this project is available by searching for “environmental assessment worksheet” on the MPCA website. It’s also available by calling Beth Tegdesch at 651-757-2100. Written comments may be sent via e-mail to Laura Hysjulien at laura.hysjulien@state.mn.us, or mailed to her at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194.