Alternative EAW Form for Animal Feedlots ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET

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2 Alternative EAW Form for Animal Feedlots ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Note to reviewers: The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. This EAW was prepared by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), acting as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be prepared. The project proposer supplied reasonably accessible data for, but did not complete the final worksheet. Comments on the EAW must be submitted to the MPCA during the 30-day comment period which begins with notice of the availability of the EAW in the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Monitor. Comments on the EAW should address the accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that are reasonably expected to occur that warrant further investigation, and the need for an EIS. A copy of the EAW may be obtained from the MPCA by calling (651) An electronic version of the completed EAW is available at the MPCA Web site 1. Basic Project Information. A. Feedlot Name: Briard s Hog Farm B. Feedlot Proposer: Robert Briard C. RGU: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Technical Contact Person Cris Skonard Contact Person Jim Sullivan Title President Title Planner Principal Address th Ave NE Address 520 Lafayette Road North Willmar, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Phone (320) Phone (651) Fax (320) Fax (651) skonardeng@charter.net jim.sullivan@pca.state.mn.us D. Reason for EAW Preparation: (check one) EIS Scoping Mandatory EAW X Citizen Petition RGU Discretion Proposer Volunteered If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number and name: Minn. R , subp. 3 E. Project Location: County Clay City/Twp Ulen NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 24 Township T142N Range R44W Watershed (name and 4-digit code): 0902 p-ear1-05 TDD (for hearing and speech impaired only): (651) Printed on recycled paper containing 30% fibers from paper recycled by consumers

3 F. Attach each of the following to the EAW: Exhibit 1. Map of Clay County, showing general location of the project; Exhibit 2. Site diagram on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map, showing significant project and natural features along with stormwater flow path; Exhibit 3. USGS map indicating site location and aerial photograph showing neighbors in the one-mile radius of the feedlot; Exhibit 4. Aerial photographs of land application areas with a one-mile radius indicating neighbors and sensitive features; Exhibit 5. Archeological, historical and architectural resources review information from the Minnesota State Historical Society; Exhibit 6. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) letter regarding review of the Natural Heritage Database; and, Exhibit 7. Air Emission Modeling Report., The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit application and associated documents, which include the Air Emission Plan, Emergency Response Plan, and Manure Management Plan, are available for review at the following locations: The MPCA s St. Paul Office, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minnesota, ; The MPCA s Detroit Lakes Office, 714 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 56501; Hawley Public Library, 421 Hartford Street, Hawley, Minnesota, 56549; and Barnesville Public Library, 104 North Front Street, Barnesville, Minnesota, G. Project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. The proposed project will include two 2,000-head (600 animal units each) swine finishing barns located in Section 24, Ulen Township, Clay County, Minnesota. Both barns will be total confinement, mechanically-ventilated barns. All barns will have an under barn reinforced concrete manure storage tank. Manure will be land applied as fertilizer on an annual basis. H. Please check all boxes that apply and fill in requested data: Animal Type Number Proposed Type of Confinement Finishing hogs 4,000 Total Confinement Sows Nursery pigs Dairy cows Beef cattle Turkeys Layer hens Chickens Pullets Other (Please identify species) Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 2 Worksheet

4 I. Project magnitude data. Total acreage of farm: 1,186 Number of animal units proposed in this project: 1,200 Total animal unit capacity at this location after project construction: 1,200 Acreage required for manure application: 617 J. Describe construction methods and timing. General Project Overview The owner proposes to construct and operate two 102-foot x 164-foot total confinement barns which will house 2,000 swine finishers (600 animal units) per barn with a total of 4,000 head (1,200 animal units) at the facility. Each proposed barn would have an eight-foot deep concrete pit, which would provide up to 12 months of manure storage. The barns will be located over 200 feet south of the right of way on County Road 42. The barns will be oriented east-west and will be tunnel ventilated. Air will be drawn in on the end wall between the two barns and exhausted on the east and west side, respectively, for each barn. The barns will have pit ventilation fans that will draw air from inside the barn down through the slatted floor, where it will exhaust from the manure storage pit. Computers will control the indoor air environment by varying the ventilation rates according to temperature, humidity, and the heat generated by the animals. Supplemental heat will be added, as needed, using liquid propane gas heaters. Construction Methods and Timing Construction of the proposed facility is anticipated to take approximately three months to complete, and the application seeks to begin construction in late summer of The actual construction date will be dependent upon the completion of the environmental review process and issuance of the NPDES Feedlot Permit Initial construction activity would consist of the installation of the building perimeter drainage tile, which will daylight outlet and flow overland to the North Branch Wild Rice River. Following installation of the perimeter tile, soil will be excavated where the concrete pits are to be constructed. Once the pit is poured, utilities will be installed and the above-ground construction will be completed. All stages of construction will be done according to the engineering plans and specifications prepared for the proposal. K. Past and future stages. Is this project an expansion or addition to an existing feedlot? Yes No Are future expansions of this feedlot planned or likely? Yes No If either question is answered yes, briefly describe the existing feedlot (species, number of animals and animal units, and type of operation) and any past environmental review or the anticipated expansion. This is a new site. There is no future or past stages associated with this project. Mr. Briard rents several other facilities, and owns the animals at these sites. Feedlot permits are held by the barn owners, not Mr. Briard. Theses sites are located near: Cleveland, Minnesota 4,000 swine finishers Richmond, Minnesota 1,800 swine finishers Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 3 Worksheet

5 Mr. Briard owns facilities located near: Frazee, Minnesota 1,200 sows Frazee, Minnesota 4,000 nursery pigs Ulen, Minnesota 3,200 swine finishers 2. Land uses and noteworthy resources in proximity to the site. A. Adjacent land uses. Describe the uses of adjacent lands and give the distances and directions to nearby residences, schools, daycare facilities, senior citizen housing, places of worship, and other places accessible to the public (including roads) within one mile of the feedlot and within or adjacent to the boundaries of the manure application sites. The land is zoned agricultural with numerous rural residences located near the manure application sites. The closest residence is located approximately 2,200 feet northwest of the proposed site. B. Compatibility with plans and land use regulations. Is the project subject to any of the following adopted plans or ordinances? Check all that apply: local comprehensive plan land use plan or ordinance shoreland zoning ordinance flood plain ordinance wild or scenic river land use district ordinance local wellhead protection plan Is there anything about the proposed feedlot that is not consistent with any provision of any ordinance or plan checked? Yes No. If yes, describe the inconsistency and how it will be resolved. Are there any lands in proximity to the feedlot that are officially planned for or zoned for future uses that might be incompatible with a feedlot (such as residential development)? Yes No If yes, describe the potentially affected use and its location relative to the feedlot, its anticipated development schedule, and any plans to avoid or minimize potential conflicts with the feedlot. C. Nearby resources. Are any of the following resources on or in proximity to the feedlot, manure storage areas, or within or adjacent to the boundaries of the manure application sites? Drinking Water Supply Management Areas designated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)? Yes No Public water supply wells (within two miles)? Yes No Archaeological, historical or architectural resources? Yes No Designated public parks, recreation areas or trails? Yes No Lakes or Wildlife Management Areas? Yes No State-listed (endangered, threatened or special concern) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological resources such as native prairie habitat, colonial water bird nesting colonies or regionally rare plant communities? Yes No Scenic views and vistas? Yes No Other unique resources? Yes No If yes, describe the resource and identify any project-related impacts on the resource. Describe any Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 4 Worksheet

6 measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. A national wildlife management area lies approximately one mile north of the land application area in Section 7 of Walworth Township, Becker County. Application of manure will not affect this area as surface topography indicates drainage to the south away from the Management area. A search of the National Heritage database reveals the occurrence of one rare species (Exhibit 6). The Creek Heelsplitter mussel (Lasmigona compressa), classified as a special concern species, has been documented in the South Branch Wild Rice River near the proposed project. The species is generally found in creeks and headwaters to small/medium rivers in fine gravel or sand. It is a widespread species, though uncommon. The mussels habitat has been degraded due to runoff and physical changes within the river. The proposed project site will not alter the physical river environment. The field around the proposed project site will be planted to alfalfa in 2006, which will provide optimal filtering of any rain runoff into the river, and should not negatively impact the river, and perhaps improve surface runoff into the river in the vicinity of the proposed site. 3. Geologic and soil conditions. A. Approximate depth (in feet) to: Feedlot Manure Storage Area Manure Application Sites Ground Water (minimum) (average) >5 >5 >5 Bedrock (minimum) >200 >200 >200 (average) B. NRCS Soil Feedlot Manure Storage Area Manure Application Sites Classifications (if known) 184B 184B 184B C. Indicate with a yes or no whether any of the following geologic site hazards to ground water are present at the feedlot, manure storage area, or manure application sites. Feedlot Manure Storage Area Manure Application Sites Karst features (sinkhole, cave, N/A N/A N/A resurgent spring, disappearing spring, karst window, blind valley, or dry valley); Exposed bedrock N/A N/A N/A Soils developed in bedrock (as shown on soils maps). N/A N/A N/A For items answered yes (in C), describe the features, show them on a map, and discuss proposed design and mitigation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts. Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 5 Worksheet

7 4. Water Use, Tiling and Drainage, and Physical Alterations. A. Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, appropriation of any ground or surface water (including dewatering), or connection to any public water supply? Yes No If yes, as applicable, give location and purpose of any new wells; the source, duration, quantity and purpose of any appropriations or public supply connections; and unique well numbers and the DNR appropriation permit numbers, if available. Identify any existing and new wells on the site map. If there are no wells known on-site, explain methodology used to determine that none are present. The project will include the installation of a new drinking water well at the site. Ground water needs will be supplied by an active, near-surface aquifer known as the Beach Ridge Complex (BRC). 1 The portion of the BRC that is covered by the project is considered to have a high potential for pollution, based on the composition and characteristics of the complex. 2 The project proposers will include design and construction practices that do not adversely impact ground water resources. This classification indicates that the BRC underlying the project site can be impacted by pollutants within weeks to years. Stratigraphy of the BRC is based on domestic well logs from the area. The general BRC structure appears to be composed of clay, clay and sand, clay and gravel, and sand of various size compositions. Based on a review by DNR Water Supply staff, an adequate supply of water is available for the project and surrounding uses. The project is not likely to impact any wetlands or surface waters through the use of ground water resources. The well will be installed by a licensed well driller. It is anticipated that the depth of 100 feet is sufficient, based on depths of other wells within the area. A Water Appropriation Permit is required from the DNR for the use of more than 10,000 gallons per day or one million gallons per year, which includes agricultural uses. The purpose of the permit program is to ensure water resources are managed so that adequate supply is provided to long-range seasonal requirements for domestic, agricultural, fish and wildlife, recreational, power, navigational, and quality control. The program exists to balance competing management objectives, including both the development and protection of water resources. The site will fall under the DNR General Permit In the unlikely event that a well interference issue is identified, the DNR will resolve the crisis based on water use priority. Minn. Stat. 103G.261 outlines the priorities for water use throughout Minnesota. The following priorities are consistent with the statute: 1. First priority users include domestic water supply excluding industrial and commercial uses of municipal water supply, and use for power production; 2. Second priority, a use of water that involves consumption of less than 10,000 gallons per day; 3. Third priority users include agricultural irrigation, and processing of agricultural products involving consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons per day; 1 Trojan, M.D., (1997). Surficial Hydrogeology. Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment, Southern Red River Valley, Minnesota. Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment Series, RHA-3, Part B, Plate 3 of 4. Surficial Geology. Saint Paul, Minnesota. 1:200,000 2 Falteisek, J.D.,. (2000). Sensitivity to Pollution of Near-Surface Ground-Water Systems. Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment, Southern Red River Valley, Minnesota. Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment Series, RHA-3, Part B, Plate 4 of 4. Surficial Geology. Saint Paul, Minnesota. 1:200,000 Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 6 Worksheet

8 4. Fourth priority users include power production in excess of the use provided for in the contingency plan developed under section 103G285, subdivision 6; 5. Fifth priority users include uses, other than agricultural irrigation, processing of agricultural products and power production, involving consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons per day; and 6. Sixth priority uses, nonessential uses. B. Will the project involve installation of drain tiling, tile inlets or outlets? Yes No If yes, describe. Drain tile will be installed around the perimeter of the manure storage pits to control hydrostatic water pressure on the pits pursuant to Minn. R , subp. 4. A construction report that documents the installation of the manure storage system, including the perimeter tile, must be submitted to the MPCA within 60 days of completion of the expansion Project (Minn. R , subp. 5.) The perimeter drain tile will outlet to daylight. Drainage will flow overland approximately 1,500 feet where it enters the South Branch Wild Rice River. C. Will the project involve the physical or hydrologic alteration dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfall structure, diking, and impoundment of any surface waters such as a lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch? Yes No If yes, identify water resource affected and give the DNR Protected Waters Inventory number(s) if the water resources affected are on the PWI. Describe proposed mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts. 5. Manure management. A. Check the box or boxes below which best describe the manure management system proposed for this feedlot. Stockpiling for land application Containment storage under barns for land application Containment storage outside of barns for land application Dry litter pack on barn floors for eventual land application Composting system Treatment of manure to remove solids and/or to recover energy Other (please describe) B. Manure collection, handling, and storage. Quantities of manure generated: total 2,359,000 by species 1 by species 2 Frequency and duration of manure removal: number of days per cycle Total days per year days Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 7 Worksheet

9 Give a brief description of how manures will be collected, handled (including methods of removal), and stored at this feedlot: All manure will be stored in concrete pits beneath the barns. In the fall, the manure will be agitated and pumped out of the barns, where it will be broadcast and incorporated onto the designated agricultural crops. All manure will be applied to meet the crop nutrient demand. C. Manure utilization. Physical state of manure to be applied: liquid solid other, describe: D. Manure application. 1. Describe application technology, technique, frequency, time of year and locations. Manure will be removed once per year in the fall, after the crops have been harvested. It will be agitated in the deep pits, pumped into tanker spreaders, and applied to the fields. The manure will be broadcast and incorporated within 96 hours, where applicable. Manure cannot be incorporated into an established alfalfa field. However, an established alfalfa field will not contribute significant surface runoff. 2. Describe the agronomic rates of application (per acre) to be used and whether the rates are based on nitrogen or phosphorus. Will there be a nutrient management plan? Yes No The manure application rate will be nitrogen based as described in the manure management plan. The application rate will be determined based on testing of manure prior to application. The original application rate is based on the Nutrient Management Planner estimated nutrient content for this type of facility. Soils will be tested to meet MPCA requirements. 3. Discuss the capacity of the sites to handle the volume and composition of manure. Identify any improvements necessary. The proposed concrete pits are designed to store liquid manure. The designs are reviewed and approved by the MPCA consistent with the MPCA feedlot design criteria regulations. The volume of the proposed concrete pits is sufficient to store manure generated by the animals for one year. Only due to unforeseen circumstances will manure need to be removed from the pits more than once per year. 4. Describe any required setbacks for land application systems. The proposed project will operate under a nitrogen-based land application plan that includes soil testing for the presence of phosphorus loading pursuant to MPCA feedlot rules (Minn. R. ch. 7020). In the event that phosphorus-based land application plan is required, the MPCA phosphorus-based setback distances will apply unless a greater setback distance is provided under the Clay County ordinance. The MPCA and Clay County setback distances are included in the project manure management plan and are enforceable provisions of the NPDES Permit for this facility. Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 8 Worksheet

10 MPCA Land Application Setback Distances pursuant to Minn. R. ch Feature Winter Non-Winter With Immediate Incorporation (<24 hrs) Non-Winter Not incorporated within 24 hours With phosphorus management Without Phosphorus management Adequate Vegetated Buffer Inadequate Vegetated Buffer Lake, Stream Intermittent Stream* DNR protected wetlands** Drainage ditch w/o quarry* Open Tile Intake Well, mine or quarry Sinkhole with no diversion Downslope 50 50feet Upslope 300 feet Downslope 50 feet Upslope 300 feet Downslope 50 feet Upslope 300 feet * Intermittent streams and ditches pertain to those identified on USGS quadrangle maps, excluding drainage ditches with berms that protect from runoff into the ditch and segments of intermittent streams which are grassed waterways. USGS quadrangle maps can be found at county Soil and Water Conservation District offices, or can be viewed on the internet at (November 3, 2005). **Wetland setbacks pertain to all protected wetlands identified on DNR protected waters and wetlands maps (these maps are often located in county Soil and Water Conservation District offices, and typically include all wetlands over 10 acres). Clay County has an additional land application setback distance that provides for setback distances from dwellings, churches, campgrounds and any incorporated municipality. The ordinance requires 150 feet if incorporated within 48 hours, or 300 feet if not incorporated. 3 E. Other methods of manure utilization. If the project will utilize manure other than by land application, please describe the methods. Not applicable 6. Air/odor emissions. A. Identify the major sources of air or odor emissions from this feedlot. The major source of air emissions from the feedlot will be manure contained within the concrete pits, located beneath the two barns. Sufficient ventilation for the hogs is important, thus the ventilation will also be considered a source of air emissions. Some odor may be released during land application of liquid manure; however, injecting the manure 3 Clay County Development Code 8-6-3: E a. and b. (2005). Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 9 Worksheet

11 into the soil profile will minimize the release of odorous compounds. Animal mortalities have the potential to be an odor source if improperly managed. The project proposer will store animal mortalities in a confined structure. Mortalities will be stored until they are retrieved by the rendering company. In the event that composting is employed, it will be conducted consistent with the University of Minnesota Extension guidelines to ensure that any potential odor release from the composting facility will not adversely impact nearby residents. The mortality storage structure is not likely to be a source of odors as the duration of the storage is not expected to be more than a few days. Composting is not expected to be a likely source of odors if conducted consistent with University of Minnesota Extension guidelines. B. Describe any proposed feedlot design features or air or odor emission mitigation measures to be implemented to avoid or minimize potential adverse impacts and discuss their anticipated effectiveness. Mechanical Ventilation The proposed swine barns employ mechanical ventilation to regulate air flow within the livestock production unit. Mechanical ventilation provides greater control of air emissions from the buildings and is also highly compatible with air control technology (e.g., biofilters) in the unlikely event that they are needed to control odor and air emissions from the facility. Land Application of Manure The project proposer plans to apply manure from the deep pits to cropland in the fall of the year using an injector applicator for row crop acreage. The project proposer has additional acreage that is currently cropped in alfalfa. In the event that the alfalfa acreage is used for land application, manure will be broadcast on the surface. In order to obtain greater nutrient benefit from the manure, as well as reduce or eliminate potential odor situations, the project proposer will use a land application system that injects manure beneath the soil surface. Injecting the manure into the soil will minimize the release of odorous gases and increase the availability of nutrients for crop use, while minimizing or eliminating potential impacts to water resources. C. Answer this item only if no feedlot design features or mitigations were proposed in item 6.B. Provide a summary of the results of an air emissions modeling study designed to compare predicted emissions at the property boundaries with state standards, health risk values, or odor threshold concentrations. The modeling must incorporate an appropriate background concentration for hydrogen sulfide to account for potential cumulative air quality impacts. Air quality computer modeling was performed that estimated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and odor in the ambient air from the existing and proposed livestock units within the project area. The model estimated pollutant concentrations from the project and ambient hydrogen sulfide background concentrations at the property line and nearest neighbors. A background concentration was added to each of the predicted values to account for pollutants already in the air from other sources and was used in this evaluation to address cumulative air impacts. Background concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may be present from a variety of sources including other feedlot barns, the agitation and pump out of a neighboring feedlot, or the pumping of a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Air emissions from other emission sources may affect the compliance status of the existing and proposed facility, or impact downwind human and environmental receptors. Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 10 Worksheet

12 The background level for hydrogen sulfide that was used in the computer model was developed from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods and derived from ambient hydrogen sulfide air quality monitoring at other feedlot facilities in Minnesota. The model adds the background air pollutant concentration to each of the predicted concentrations. The results of the modeling study indicate that the existing and proposed facility will comply with applicable ambient air quality standards, will not exceed any applicable MDH inhalation health risk values, and is not reasonably expected to be a significant odor source (Exhibit 7). D. Describe any plans to notify neighbors of operational events (such as manure storage agitation and pump out) that may result in higher-than-usual levels of air or odor emissions. A good neighbor policy that included notification of neighbors prior to land application of manure is proposed. An air emissions plan has been developed for this site. E. Noise and dust. Describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities or intensity and any proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts. During construction, normal noise and dust associated with earth-moving equipment and construction will be generated. Adverse impacts as a result of these activities are not anticipated. Following construction, fugitive dust sources are expected to be minimal due to grass seeding, confinement of livestock to the barns, and graveled driveways. The noise levels present after construction will be consistent with other operations in the area. 7. Dead Animal Disposal Describe the quantities of dead animals anticipated, the method for storing and disposing of carcasses, and frequency of disposal. When in full production, the anticipated number of mortalities will be between 80 and 270 dead animals. The buildings will be inspected frequently and dead animals will be removed immediately upon discovery. A rendering service will be utilized for dead animal disposal. All dead animals will be kept from view of the general public until the rendering service picks up the carcass in an 8-foot by 12-foot structure. All dead animals will be disposed of according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health requirements. 8. Surface Water Runoff. Compare the quantity and quality of site runoff before and after the project. Describe permanent controls to manage or treat runoff. All animals will be housed under roof in total confinement barns. Surface water runoff will increase due to an increase in impervious surfaces (i.e., roofs and driveways). Neither the animals nor the waste generated by the animals will come in contact with the runoff. All feed at the facility will be stored in covered bins and will not come in contact with runoff. Quality of the runoff will improve after construction. Clay County requires a 100-foot grass buffer be installed between the site and road right of way. The proposed site is located in a farm field that is currently row-cropped. The field is planned to be planted to alfalfa this year, which will provide excellent filtration and reduce the amount of runoff leaving the field. 9. Traffic and Public Infrastructure Impacts. Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 11 Worksheet

13 A. Estimate the number of heavy truck trips generated per week and describes their routing over local roads. Describe any road improvements to be made. It is anticipated that approximately six trucks per week will visit the site (three for moving animals and three for feed). The trucks will access the site from County Road 42, which is a gravel county road. All trucks will be at or below weight restrictions placed on any public road. No road improvements are anticipated. B. Will new or expanded utilities, roads, other infrastructure, or public services be required to serve the project? Yes No If yes, please describe. Electrical service will be supplied to the site. Propane gas will be used to heat the structures. Propane will be delivered to the site via two 1,000-gallon tanks. The tanks will be connected to the barns via copper tubing. 10. Permits and approvals required. : Unit of government Type of Application Status MPCA NPDES Feedlot/Construction Submitted Stormwater Permit County/township/city Conditional use or other land use permit Submitted DNR Water Appropriation Applied for after EAW approval 11. Other potential environmental impacts, including cumulative impacts. If the project may cause any adverse environmental impacts not addressed by items 1 to 10, identify and discuss them here, along with any proposed mitigation. This includes any cumulative impacts caused by the project in combination with other existing, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that may interact with the project described in this EAW in such a way as to cause cumulative impacts. Examples of cumulative impacts to consider include air quality, stormwater volume or quality, and surface water quality. (Cumulative impacts may be discussed here or under the appropriate item(s) elsewhere on this form.) The land where the barns will be built was originally used for raising row crops. Runoff from the site is expected to stay the same or improve as a result of the construction of storm water sedimentation and erosion control basin(s) on site, along with planting of grass and trees at the site. No cumulative impacts relating to runoff quantity or quality is expected as a result of the construction or operation of this project. Air emissions from other emission sources may affect the compliance status of the existing and proposed facility, or impact downwind human and environmental receptors. The background level for hydrogen sulfide that was used in the computer model was developed from EPA methods and derived from ambient hydrogen sulfide air quality monitoring at other feedlot facilities in Minnesota. The model adds the background air pollutant concentration to each of the predicted concentrations (Exhibit 7). Animal agriculture as an industry is known to contribute to atmospheric acidity (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide), nutrient transport and deposition (nitrogen compounds), global warming (methane, nitrous oxide), and ozone layer depletion; however, little is known about agriculture s contribution to global warming. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that the proposed project would contribute significantly to any of these events. Ground Water Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 12 Worksheet

14 The service life of this project is expected to be 25 years, based on the design of the hog production unit. The annual water consumption predicted for this project is 4.9 million gallons per year, for a total of million gallons of water used over the life cycle of the facility. There is no other related existing or identified future projects within the area. The project water use is not expected to interfere with existing water users or affect surface water resources. Land Application and Surface Waters Land application of manure can be a concern with respect to water quality. The MPCA s impaired waters database was reviewed to determine if the facility would contribute to any existing impaired surface waters or add to the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for surface waters in the watershed. The proposed project, including the land application areas, will be located in the Wild Rice River, which is listed on the TMDL database as waters impaired for turbidity. The project proposer is aware of this condition and has developed the manure management plan accordingly. The project proposer will apply manure in agronomic rates and use injection as the method of land application, which reduces or eliminates the potential for manure and manure-contaminated runoff waters from reaching the surface waters of the state. The manure management plan for the facility has been reviewed and approved by MPCA staff and will be an enforceable condition of the NPDES Feedlot Permit. Cumulative impacts to surface water quality are not reasonably expected to occur as a result of this project. Antibiotics and Other Treatments All sick animals are treated on an individual case-by-case basis with veterinarian consultation, as some livestock may require antibiotics in therapeutic doses. The antibiotics employed in this case may include Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Naxcel. Additionally, livestock will be vaccinated with Mycplasma, APP, Bordetella, and Pasturella (vaccinated in the nursery prior to being moved to a finishing facility). A growth enhancement drug will also be used as part of the project. This drug is known as Paylean and is used occasionally rather than on a daily basis. Pests Manure storage in a deep concrete pit does not facilitate the development of fly infestation. If flies do become a problem, the owner will implement fly control measures. Rodent control is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases carried by the rodents. An effective rodent control will be implemented using selfcontained baiting stations. 12. Summary of issues. List any impacts and issues identified above that may require further investigation before the project is begun. Discuss any alternatives or mitigative measures that have been or may be considered for these impacts and issues, including those that have been or may be ordered as permit conditions. No additional issues. Briard s Hog Farm Environmental Assessment Ulen, Minnesota 13 Worksheet

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