Jill Schramm/MDN Marty Haroldson, director of Water Quality, and Sarah Waldron Feld, manager of permits, both with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, listen to testimony on a proposed hog operation in the courtroom of the Pierce County Courthouse in Rugby Monday, April 20.

Representatives of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality heard from residents with strong feelings on both sides of a permit application for a hog farm in the northeastern corner of Pierce County on Monday, April 20.

Opponents lined up with studies showing harmful health and environmental impacts from concentrated animal feeding operations. The application from Dakota SAO II proposes up to 9,282 pigs at a facility to be built 9.5 miles east of Wolford.

“This facility will house more hogs than there are people in both Towner and Pierce counties combined. All these hogs will be concentrated in about a four-acre area,” said Lincoln Larson, who lives near the proposed facility site. “Multiple studies have recently been completed showing a statistically significant increase in disease rates of people living near hog operations like this one.”

“There are approximately around 405 acres of waterways that could be impacted,” Spirit Lake Nation Chairwoman Lonna Street said in opposition to a permit. “The impact that I’m talking about is not theoretical. It’s inevitable.”

“We are confident in our existing state laws – environmental laws that are in place that are rigorous,” said project supporter Bryan Dean, Velva, board member for the N.D. Corn Growers Association. “We have to trust in our regulatory institutions and our structures, and if there are some deficiencies, they should be addressed at the legislative process. Full and fair consideration on such projects should be given, not only for those producers and public members affected but for the growth and economic development of our communities.”

Jill Schramm/MDN Lincoln Larson reads his testimony in opposition to a proposed hog farm at a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality hearing Monday, April 20, in front of a room filled with people interested in the topic.

Monday’s hearing saw 49 people in attendance, including about 18 who offered testimony.

“It is wrong that we have these guys – people that are not from North Dakota – come here and take away our way of life,” said Janelle Engstrom of York and Rugby. “They are from Iowa. This should not be happening. Whether the politicians say that it should be happening or not, the people are saying that it should not be happening.”

While opponents raised concerns about a large draw on the local water supply, runoff pollution into Hurricane Lake from manure fertilization and whether the company’s shareholder numbers comply with state law, a neighbor of the company’s existing Cando facility called them a good neighbor and other supporters stressed their faith in the permitting process.

“Our state law, when it comes to animal feeding operations, are some of the most stringent in the nation,” said Tom Bodine, N.D. deputy agriculture commissioner.

Amber Wood, director of the N.D. Livestock Alliance, Bismarck, supported the permit application due to its compliance with the state’s rules for animal feeding operation, state water quality standards and conditional use permit requirements of Pierce County.

Jill Schramm/MDN Lonna Street, chairwoman of the Spirit Lake Tribe, speaks in opposition to a proposed hog operation in Pierce County at a hearing before the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Monday, April 20.

“The engineered design plan, including manure storage systems, composting and nutrient management plan, gives today’s farmers and ranchers extremely beneficial use manure, while ensuring land and water is sustained for generations to come. The natural nutrients contained in manure are valuable fertilizers for crops, and the organic matter is crucial to improving soil health. Access to manure also reduces North Dakota crop producers’ dependency on commercial fertilizers, giving them more control over one of the most expensive and fluctuating input costs. These benefits combine to increase crop yields and bolster the next generation of North Dakota farmers,” she said.

“This project represents responsible livestock development that strengthens both the local economy and environmental stewardship,” said Towner rancher Joey Bailey. “There is a significant demand for locally grown feed ingredients, directly supporting North Dakota farmers and rural businesses. On top of using our feed that is already made here, grown here, swine manure is very sought after by local farmers.

“Rather than turning away from agriculture, we should be working to improve and support it. This hog farm represents not just a single project, but a commitment to keeping our community productive, resilient and forward looking. Projects like this help keep agriculture strong,” she said.

Sam Wagner with Dakota Resource Council, Bismarck, said the state’s rules don’t necessarily equate to environmentally friendly.

“It really is what is most politically expedient,” Wagner said. “We’ve seen multiple regulations being pulled back from the DEQ over the last seven years that I have been an organizer here. When we talk about ‘Well, there are soybean processors that need to have this business,’ that’s not under DEQ’s purview.”

The public comment period on the permit application is open until Tuesday, May 5. The NDDEQ plans to respond to all comments. The agency may ask for adjustments within the permit but aims to make a determination within 90 days, if possible.

Mitch Baum, representing Dakota SAO II, said if a permit is approved, the facility would take a year to construct. However, he said, the company is focused at this point on the permit process.