By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has granted a permit to Riverview ND LLP for the establishment of Abercrombie Dairy, a large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) in Richland County.
This decision follows public concerns about the operation's potential environmental impact, particularly regarding water quality and manure management.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The DEQ's review of the permit led to several updates to address water quality concerns. Marty Haroldson, Permits Program Manager, stated, “That was re-evaluated and added, so there’ll be one monitoring well upstream, and two downstream to put in. That was added into the permit.”
The facility’s nutrient management plan was also reviewed, ensuring sufficient cropland acreage to utilize manure as fertilizer. During the review, three fields in the plan were found to be in a 100-year floodplain. As a precaution, these fields were removed from the plan.
Remaining Challenges
While the DEQ has approved the permit, local challenges persist. One significant issue is identifying a reliable water source for the 12,500-head dairy facility. Haroldson noted, “Anything that is outside of the department's purview. Riverview will still need to make sure that they go through those aspects, one big point of contention being the water source.”
The DEQ’s approval marks a significant step forward for Abercrombie Dairy, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. However, the facility must address remaining local concerns to move forward successfully. The permit reflects a balance between agricultural development and environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for future projects in the region.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-vm
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle