Riverview Dairy Expansion Faces Environmental and Economic Concerns
Riverview Dairy, headquartered in Morris, Minnesota, is seeking to significantly expand its West River Dairy operation. The proposal aims to increase the number of cows from 7,855 to almost 19,000, making it the largest dairy farm in the state. This expansion has sparked concerns over its environmental impact, particularly regarding waste management and water usage.
Locals and conservation groups have expressed worries about potential pollution of the Pomme De Terre watershed. They are requesting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts thoroughly. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), responsible for such evaluations, has not mandated an EIS for a concentrated animal feedlot since a similar proposal by Riverview in 2015, which was canceled prior to EIS initiation.
The expansion plan includes the construction of a new barn to house up to 11,000 cows and the addition of three new liquid manure storage areas, increasing the facility's capacity by 150 million gallons. The manure would be used as fertilizer on nearby fields, a common practice that carries risks of water contamination, especially in areas relying on private wells.
Water requirements for the expanded operation would reach 226 million gallons annually, sourced from an off-site well, equating to about 75% of the water usage of the entire city of Morris. The original timeline suggested construction could begin in spring 2026, but the significant public interest and over 900 comments submitted to the MPCA have already led to extensions in the review process.
Economically, the expansion has raised alarms among local farmers and residents who fear the dominance of large-scale dairy operations could threaten smaller farms. Over the past two decades, the U.S. has seen a decline in dairy farms by more than half, while the average number of cows per farm has increased by 160%. Critics argue that the growth of these mega-dairies is detrimental to community vitality and rural economies.
The MPCA's decision on the EIS and feedlot permit is expected to consider public input, with a new deadline for comments set for May 7. The agency aims to address the concerns raised while balancing regulatory requirements and environmental protection.
