Proposed dairy farm raises water quality concerns

By Scout Nelson

In the event that the Abercrombie project and a comparable farm in Traill County move forward, the number of dairy cows in North Dakota may surpass historical heights. The business behind the Abercrombie project, Riverview, predicts that it would enhance associated industries like haulage and manure management and create 45 new jobs. Not every resident is persuaded despite these financial assurances.

Dylan Johnson, a lifelong resident of Abercrombie township, lives just a mile from the proposed farm and voiced concerns about the project. "We're really concerned with the smell, our water quality, and potential contamination from manure,"

Johnson explained. He also pointed out that many community members only recently learned of the project and believe Riverview has not been transparent with residents.

A significant worry raised by residents is the risk of manure contamination in water sources, especially during flooding events. This could potentially affect larger downstream cities, including Fargo.

In response, the Abercrombie Citizens for Responsible Growth has collected 273 signatures, requesting a public hearing from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. The group is pushing for more transparency from Riverview and will be discussing their concerns at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Abercrombie Community Center.

Residents hope that the public hearing will shed light on the project's potential environmental impact and provide a platform for their concerns to be addressed.

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