West River Dairy Expansion

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Comment From: Jessie Pinney

4/16/26 @ 6:18 AM

The impact of the amount of water for the 18,000 dairy operation is a major impact. Also, the fact that the manure is spread over such a large area is another reason for environmental impact study. I know this is just looking at the environment, but ...↓

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Comment From: Scott Wirtzfeld

4/15/26 @ 3:32 PM

Dear MPCA,
My name is Scott and have just began working with Riverview on a project unrelated to the expansion of the dairy in question. Up to this point this company has been a class act to work with. They do not cut corners and are constantly tr...↓

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Comment From: Nicole Wenzel

4/15/26 @ 12:48 PM

Hello MPCA,

The MPCA must recognize the fundamentally new nature of the Riverview Dairy Expansion threat to our land and water resources and give this permit greater scrutiny than it ever has to previous proposals. This proposal by Riverview, LLP m...↓

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Comment From: Darlys Vogt

4/15/26 @ 9:34 AM

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Comment From: Laura Cullip

4/15/26 @ 8:48 AM

To Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,

I am writing as a concerned citizen, landowner, and farmer in MN regarding the West River Dairy Expansion. My concerns are environmental, economic, and to the overall health of the MN community. Nationally and ...↓

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Comment From: Ah-li Monahan

4/15/26 @ 7:46 AM

I am very concerned about the proposed dairy in the area near Morris, Minnesota. It is more than double the animal units of the next largest dairy operation in Minnesota. As such, it risks more harm to the area than our current CAFOs. It would be l...↓

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Comment From: Tiffany Nesbit

4/15/26 @ 6:49 AM

Please do not expand and please complete a full environmental review.

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Comment From: Gwendolyn Fassett

4/14/26 @ 11:49 PM

This CAFO proposal needs an environmental review, a SERIOUS environmental review! Almost twice the number of cows as the current largest operation in the state? As much water as the city of Morris? I don't know why we're even considering this prop...↓

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Comment From: Jessica Renner

4/14/26 @ 9:40 PM

Yes, we need a full environmental impact statement!!

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Comment From: Allison Greenwald

4/14/26 @ 9:28 PM

Hello,

I have many concerns about this expansion and believe that a full environmental impact report is absolutely necessary.

This expansion would keep cows in total confinement which raises serious animal rights concerns. In addition, increasing ...↓

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Comment From: Jeanne Landkamer

4/14/26 @ 8:45 PM

Dear MPCA,

I am very concerned about the expansion of CAFOs in Minnesota. They pollute area waters and make large areas unlivable because of the toxic air quality. They put small producers out of business. They have a record of intimidating and har...↓

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Comment From: Flat Rate Inc. (Jason Henrich)

4/14/26 @ 4:56 PM

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Comment From: Sarah Johnson

4/14/26 @ 4:37 PM

I strongly encourage the MPCA to conduct a very thorough environmental review for this gigantic operation. I think we need to be more supportive of smaller, family farms frankly. But at least please don't rubber stamp this factory farm. Thank you!!

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Comment From: William Scott Gorman (William Gorman)

4/14/26 @ 4:30 PM

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Comment From: Dorothy Dolezal

4/14/26 @ 3:30 PM

I strongly disapprove the use of CAFO facilities, as they are cruel to the animals and harmful to our environment. There is nothing that could convince me that this is an appropriate way to farm.

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Comment From: Chloe Stotler

4/14/26 @ 12:30 PM

This expansion is enormous and needs to be reviewed in depth before proceeding. The proposal should undergo a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

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Comment From: Mark Muller

4/14/26 @ 12:03 PM

Large CAFOs are an affront to family farmers and our soil and water. Riverview represents the wrong direction for Minnesota agriculture. Please require the CAFO to go through a full environmental impact process.

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Comment From: Amy Cordry

4/14/26 @ 12:00 PM

If built, the facility will hold 18,855 dairy cattle, bringing the total animal units to 26,397 in one place. This proposed expansion would be nearly double the size of the next largest livestock operation in our state in terms of animal units. This ...↓

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Comment From: Katharine Winston

4/14/26 @ 11:21 AM

This is a HUGE undertaking - DON'T MESS IT UP! Protect your citizens, communities, and rural lands: In Minnesota and across the country, increasing attention is being drawn to the animal agriculture industry and the anti-competitive practices that ar...↓

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Comment From: Martha Archer

4/14/26 @ 11:01 AM

This proposal by Riverview must be required to undergo a full environmental impact statement (EIS). This expanded Riverview facility would be more than 60 times the size of the average Minnesota dairy. This makes it a fundamentally new and particula...↓

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Comment From: Susan Darley-Hill

4/14/26 @ 10:58 AM

This project begs extreme scrutiny for the potential of many and varied negative impacts it will most certainly have on traditional, smaller scale farming operations, on appropriate land use, on water supply (sucking up a staggering volume) and pollu...↓

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Comment From: Martha Krikava

4/14/26 @ 10:53 AM

Riverview, based out of Morris, Minn., is one of the largest milk producers in the country. The firm now owns 16 permitted dairy CAFOs in Minnesota alone, and these facilities house a total of more than 135,000 cows, according to the Star Tribune. Th...↓at accounts for nearly a third of the state's entire dairy herd. Riverview also has a major presence in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Arizona.

An EIS will allow the proposal's negative impacts on water quality and quantity, local roads, and existing independent family dairy farms to be fully analyzed before the project is allowed to seek a permit. According to the documents filed by Riverview, the proposed operation would:

Be allowed to pump up to 226 million gallons of water per year from an off-site well. For reference, the City of Morris, which is home to over 5,000 people, is permitted to pump up to 300 million gallons of water a year.
Have liquid manure storage encompassing 250 million gallons of waste.
Require 13,200 acres of farmland for manure application.

This project must not go forward without an Environmental Impact Statement and review.
Riverview has a recent history of manure spills in western Minnesota. In Arizona, the company recently agreed to pay $11 million to residents affected by the dairy's overpumping. The proposed Stevens County site sits within five miles of eight different protected waterfowl and wildlife production areas and is part of the Pomme de Terre River watershed, just 25 miles from its confluence with the Minnesota River. A facility of this scale located in such a vulnerable area calls for a thorough environmental review.

Just as importantly, an EIS of the West River Dairy Expansion proposal would address socio-economic impacts. Minnesota is already losing dozens of dairy farms annually due to inconsistent and often below cost-of-production milk prices. Massive dairy operations, like the one Riverview is proposing to build, have glutted the market and tightened Big Milk's stranglehold on the industry, allowing them to push small and medium-sized family farms out of business and off the land. This operation would only exacerbate the situation and accelerate the loss of dairy farms in our state, decimating Main Street economies in the process.

In Minnesota and across the country, increasing attention is being drawn to the animal agriculture industry and the anti-competitive practices that are being used to benefit a small minority of parties along the food supply chain. From lower milk check amounts and issues related to accessing processing at a fair price, to higher prices at the grocery store, everyone — farmers, the communities they are a part of, and eaters — is being negatively affected by this.
Thank you for your consideration of my concern and request.

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Comment From: Amy Nankivil

4/14/26 @ 10:52 AM

The Riverview CAFO Proposal Needs an EIS prior to building the first livestock operation in the state to hold over 20,000 animal units.

This operation, which is proposed for Stevens County, would be nearly double the size of the next largest livest...↓

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Comment From: Donna Wermus

4/14/26 @ 10:51 AM

Riverview has a recent history of manure spills in western Minnesota. In Arizona, the company recently agreed to pay $11 million to residents affected by the over pumping of the dairy operation. The proposed Stevens County site sits within five miles...↓

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Comment From: Tom Beer

4/14/26 @ 10:38 AM

The fact that we don't know the likely impacts of the West River Dairy expansion on air quality, soil pollution and water quality begs the necessity of a full, objective and timely environmental analysis. I urge the MPCA to allow this. Thank you, Tom...↓

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Comment From: Micky McGilligan

4/14/26 @ 10:34 AM

In Minnesota and across the country, increasing attention is being drawn to the animal agriculture industry and the anti-competitive practices that are being used to benefit a small minority of parties along the food supply chain. From lower milk che...↓

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Comment From: Mary Steinbicker

4/14/26 @ 10:20 AM

The Riverview Dairy expansion requires, at a minimum, an environmental review.
Coming from a farm community, I cannot conceive of what it will take to safely remove manure for that many animals. And the cruelty of confinement is inhumane.

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Comment From: Michael Crinion

4/14/26 @ 9:27 AM

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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

4/14/26 @ 8:35 AM

I am a citizen of the state for 40 years and I wish to register my opposition to the RiverviewLLC cowfarm proposal. This proposed increase would have a severe effect upon the state, causing for example overloading of manure in water and alga blooms, ...↓

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Comment From: Brady Koehl

4/14/26 @ 7:39 AM

To Whom it My Concern,

First off, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Brady Koehl, & I have now lived in Stevens County for 32 years & counting (with a brief hiatus to attend college in Marshall, MN). I am a resident of Hancock, MN – I am a fat...↓her, husband, farmer, accountant, city council member, & community volunteer. This isn't really my cup of tea to make a public comment, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought there were some things I needed to say on this matter.

I do want to start off by saying, I understand & acknowledge the environmental concerns. As farmers in greater MN, this is something that we are conscious of every day. As everything scales, & the size of the equipment, livestock herds, & everything in between grows larger – this can seem very intimidating & can be perceived in a negative way by many. I am here to tell you we are hyper aware of this. However, I take comfort in knowing that an operation like Riverview has already done more than their share of due diligence on a project of this nature, including the necessary research in the background, permitting, etc. to make sure that this is done in the correct way. This type of operation already operates under strict regulatory oversight, & the systems are in place to meet MPCA requirements.

Further, I wanted to dig a little bit into some of the specific concerns. I have heard comments about the size of the dairy, & the emissions from the animals., etc. Keep in mind – this dairy will be large, but half of the dairy is already in existence! Yes, the dairy that will be operating after the expansion will be the largest in MN. But it is not all new construction – half is already operating smoothly today. On top of this, I would encourage you to explore some of the positive things that Riverview is already doing to offset many of these concerns. From ensuring the operation is energy efficient as possible – this is something that is done in the name of cost – to capturing the methane gas & re-purposing this in an environmentally friendly way, the operation is only helped by reducing these things.

I have also heard concerns with the manure that will be a biproduct of this increased herd. As a farmer that has used this bi-product, the misconceptions of this being a negative for the land & water are often mis-cast. Regardless of the form, farmers need fertilizer as part of their crop plan. The larger percentage that comes from organic matter sources, the more positive of an impact there is the potential for on the land. Also – as a farmer that is in the business of organic production, this manure becomes a necessity & helps drive the growth in that area of our business.

Finally, the water. This is a concern, & I know this is something that has been seen around the nation. However, in a highly rural area like Stevens County, the water issues that are often tied to overuse or strain on local water systems in more densely populated or drought-prone areas have not come to light. As we become more efficient with our water use, more intentional with our practices, & are conscious of the numerous issues with water around the nation, & around the world – this is being considered, measured, studied, & remedied wherever possible. On top of this – Riverview has a plan in place to re-use much of the water that is in the end-product that is a key cog of this expansion plan. I would encourage you to ask their representatives about this, as it is a very cool concept.

Finally, to anyone reading this that is not familiar with Stevens County, I would encourage you to come & pay us a visit. This area is special & is uniquely positioned to pursue this kind of opportunity. We tend to join as one in support of projects of this nature, & we recognize the many benefits that Riverview has brought to our community, our families, & to the many individuals that are involved with the economics of the area. On top of that, on the drive west past the existing west-river dairy, I am reminded of the beauty of the countryside that we are lucky enough to live in. When you drive past, yes, you will note the operation. But I would encourage you to reach out & ask for a tour & explore more before you develop an opinion. If you would like to talk about this – feel free to reach out to me – I am happy to discuss both sides of the arguments for & against this expansion. I am always open to more information.

Sincerely,

Brady Koehl
[email protected]

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Comment From: Mike Quale

4/14/26 @ 6:59 AM

My name is Mike Quale; I want to express my support for their operation and their proposed expansion in Stevens County.
Riverview runs a top tier operation. Their facilities are clean, they care for the land, they support local communities, and they ...↓

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Comment From: Beth Stanford

4/13/26 @ 2:25 PM

To whom it may concern: this expansion concerns every person in our state. Please do not approve this extensive expansion. When is large enough enough? If approved this time, others will push for theirs. We're fighting data centers which are destruct...↓

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Comment From: Kim and Deborah K. Larson

4/13/26 @ 1:31 PM

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Comment From: Jim VanderGiessen (Jim VanderGiessen)

4/13/26 @ 11:12 AM

Please see attached letter in support of this project.

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Comment From: Kelly Fredrickson

4/13/26 @ 10:22 AM

I vehemently oppose this expansion. It will be an environmental hazard that poisons our communities. I cannot articulate how much damage this will do!

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Comment From: Shane Reynolds

4/12/26 @ 12:42 PM

I am writing in support of Riverview's dairy expansion at West River Dairy and to oppose the imposition of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in this case.

The existing Environmental Assessment Worksheet process, combined with the Minnesota DNR...↓

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Comment From: Devin Hammer

4/12/26 @ 10:15 AM

My name is Devin, and I have worked for Summerville Electric for 16 years and have collaborated with Riverview on three previous new projects, in addition to providing ongoing service work at their sites. From what I have observed, the existing facil...↓

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Comment From: elizabeth reach

4/12/26 @ 7:35 AM

i am disgusted. too many cows. not enough work for workers, family farmers. again, disgusted. the environmental impact of this would be devastating. this is the largest cafo i have ever heard of. inhumane. makes me want to give up all hope. do not bo...↓

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Comment From: Susan Scherer

4/11/26 @ 2:10 PM

Having lived in rural areas for much of my life, small businesses, whether they are agricultural, recreational, or anything that offers a comfortable livelihood, a safe place to live and raise a family, is an essential choice for any person. Increas...↓

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Comment From: Kathy Herron

4/11/26 @ 1:03 PM

Factory farms are a danger to our farmland, our animals, and our people. The concentration of animals and their waste is not manageable in the magnitude proposed. Please stop this.

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Comment From: Sandra Sheets

4/11/26 @ 10:07 AM

I live in Stevens county. I grew up here and live in the farm my grandfather grew up on in this county. Our farm is near an existing riverside operation just across the border into Traverse County and we have learned that Riverview is also trying to ...↓

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Comment From: George PLIML

4/11/26 @ 9:08 AM

The United States continues to experience business consolidation within the agriculture sector. An example is that only four companies control 100% of the beef processing industry. This does not help the family farm at all, in fact it puts additional...↓

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Comment From: Pat Peschman

4/11/26 @ 8:56 AM

I am writing to encourage you to deny the permit for the West River Dairy Expansion, a proposed massive operation. The environmental impacts of CAFO's is well known and cannot be denied. Negative impacts to water quality, increased greenhouse g...↓

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Comment From: Kay Drache

4/10/26 @ 10:27 PM

I grew up on what was then considered a large beef operation of around 1000 head of cattle. The very idea of a confined operation of the size proposed by Riverview is appalling. Please do not let this expansion go forward.
Thank you for your attentio...↓

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Comment From: Leona Hanson

4/10/26 @ 10:05 PM

Huge animal confinement of any kind has gotten way out of control. It's unhealthy for the animals, the enviroment and humans. The stench in the air most days is unbearable if you live within a short distance of these farms or buildings. It's disgusti...↓

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Comment From: Roslyn Hjermstad

4/10/26 @ 9:10 PM

Thank you for taking comments about the proposed Riverview Dairy expansion project. The gigantic scale of the proposal rings alarm bells for me, so I am vehemently opposed. As a good first step, there must be a full and rigorous Environmental Impac...↓

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Comment From: Mary Polta

4/10/26 @ 8:59 PM

I am so opposed to the West River Dairy Expansion. What an eyesore and a problem of smells, water use, inhumane animal care and environmental pollution. Minnesota is a better state than polluting land.

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Comment From: Barbara Hyk-Zimmer

4/10/26 @ 8:46 PM

I have been a STRONG opponent to factory farms. They are BAD for the environment, BAD for the cows (if unhealthy for cows... unhealthy for humans) As a society we are very unhealthy and THIS is one of the causes. Another is GMO's, as well as chemical...↓

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Comment From: Dana Jackson

4/10/26 @ 8:29 PM

The Riverview dairy cattle expansion should not even be considered unless the business prepares a full environmental impact statement. This is not just a dairy expansion proposed, it is a huge animal factory expansion with a potential for disastrous...↓

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Comment From: Holly Windle

4/10/26 @ 6:06 PM

No, this is just too big a dairy for a responsible operation. This is a profit-driven proposal for concentration of cows that would make it unlikely that considerations about manure run-off or healthy animals would be part of the operation. Well-man...↓

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Comment From: Author, Dodge County, Incorpor... (Sonja Trom Eayrs)

4/10/26 @ 4:34 PM

According to Farm Action, dairy farms have grown increasingly consolidated with a small percentage of large operations producing the majority of the milk supply.
2.5% of dairies (the 834 dairy operations with more than 2,500 cows) produce nearly 45% ...↓

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Comment From: Bonnie Nelson

4/10/26 @ 4:17 PM

I am totally against this expansion.
Cows are not 'units'. They are living creatures that feel pain and mental stress. Confining cows the way Riverview does is not only immoral, but also a very sad reflection on how our species disregards basic compa...↓

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Comment From: Emily Bruce

4/10/26 @ 3:55 PM

I'm deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale of this proposal, as well as the company's track record with damaging water resources in the southwestern US. This project must be required to undergo a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Ple...↓

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Comment From: Dennis Cuchna

4/10/26 @ 3:54 PM

I am completely opposed to this expansion.
The actual and potential hazards are massive.
The increased traffic and manure handling are mind boggling.
Thank you

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Comment From: NutraDrip (Kurt Grimm)

4/10/26 @ 8:53 AM

Riverview continues to be a champion of workplace safety, environmental stewardship, efficiency and an economic development workhorse. Our company offers solutions that allow dairies to apply manure in a way that is more environmentally friendly. Ma...↓

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Comment From: Matt Sattler

4/10/26 @ 8:40 AM

I support Riverview's West River Dairy expansion project. Additional comments and background in the attached letter. Thank you.

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Comment From: Carol Pietrick

4/09/26 @ 9:55 PM

I cannot believe this expansion is even being considered! A feedlot of 18,855 cows is the population of a city. An 11,000-cow dairy is a city. How many small farmers will be put out of business because of this expansion? The lives of these cows d...↓

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Comment From: Liza Eng

4/09/26 @ 9:12 PM

I am deeply concerned over the proposed expansion of West River Dairy operations. I respectfully ask that you preform an Environmental Impact Statement on this dairy expansion. The dairy expansion is massive and that alone should trigger an EIS. The ...↓

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Comment From: Gretchen Tuck

4/09/26 @ 5:18 PM

We need to support our small family farms for so very may reasons!
In 1995, Minnesota had 9,000 dairy farms. By 2025, that number has fallen to 1,605. As farms have grown larger, many small family dairies have disappeared, and our rural communities f...↓

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Comment From: Anthony Vannelli

4/09/26 @ 4:57 PM

I am writing in support of the West River Dairy expansion. They are on the modern edge of technology in their industry and provide well-paying skilled jobs. The idea that they are willing to re-invest into the state of Minnesota is a positive rathe...↓

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Comment From: Chenoa Marks

4/09/26 @ 4:48 PM

I am writing as a resident and student in Morris with concerns regarding the proposed Riverview West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County.
Given the scale of this project, I believe that a full Environmental Impact Statement must be conducted befo...↓

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Comment From: Christopher Westerman

4/09/26 @ 4:00 PM

We love our Riverview LLP neighbors! Not only do they bring a necessary economic driver to our small community (which as a small business owner helps support myself, employees, and family) but they are also great at keeping the countryside beautiful!...↓

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Comment From: Todd Klein

4/09/26 @ 2:13 PM

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Comment From: Vick Konkin

4/09/26 @ 1:08 PM

its important to support the livestock industry in our state. Its vital for food security, providing essential nutrition to millions in our and neighboring states. these farms also provide the jobs needed for the rural communities and economies. i do...↓

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Comment From: Kaleb Heins

4/09/26 @ 1:02 PM

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Comment From: Nic McPhee

4/09/26 @ 12:31 PM

Subject: Public Comment on the West River Dairy Expansion Project (Riverview, LLP)

To the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County. As this p...↓

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Comment From: Joni Heins

4/09/26 @ 11:51 AM

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Comment From: Ivan Regalado

4/09/26 @ 11:35 AM

Riverview is a great company, I'm excited hearing this because I know will be many families benefits from this project, I have the opportunity to work with Riverview for more than 15 years, and this company has everything that a family needs to grow,...↓

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Comment From: Kevin Meixel

4/09/26 @ 11:28 AM

We here at Meixel Farms, and Meixel Truck sales support the west river dairy expansion. They
always have practical logistics planning, and clear milestones to help scale production smoothly.
We enjoy doing business with them because of their commitme...↓

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Comment From: Levi Strahm

4/09/26 @ 11:27 AM

The expansion of West River dairy would boost our local economy. It would provide more farmers in the area with the opertunity for manure.

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Comment From: Interstates (Mike DeRosier)

4/09/26 @ 11:12 AM

See attached letter:

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Comment From: Javier Garcia

4/09/26 @ 11:06 AM

I agree to built this expansion because Riverview have really good core values and help our community in many ways like give job opportunity, buy locols supplies and help people from the towns also. In my opinion is gonna be help for everyone in many...↓

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Comment From: Karalyn Indrelie

4/09/26 @ 10:53 AM

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are degrading Minnesota's air and water, while disproportionately harming rural and low‑income communities through chronic public health impacts such as respiratory illness, contaminated drinking water, ...↓

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Comment From: Tim Baumgartner

4/09/26 @ 10:11 AM

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Comment From: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative (Tim Trotter)

4/09/26 @ 10:10 AM

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Comment From: Owen Anderson

4/09/26 @ 9:45 AM

My name is Owen Anderson. I am writing in support of Riverview's proposed West River Dairy expansion in Steven's County. I have had the privilege of working with Riverview over the past two summers, most recently going through the intern program. The...↓

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Comment From: Diane Baum

4/08/26 @ 10:36 PM

This expanision comes at a cost to our other smaller dairy farms in and around Morris, as well as sustainability of the aquifer to provide enough water for our future. Groundwater contamination is also a huge concern- I do not feel that this project ...↓

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Comment From: Shelley Kremer

4/08/26 @ 10:32 PM

Due to the scale of this project I believe a full environmental review is paramount. My dad grew up on Barrett Lake and my family has a home there now. We have seen the water decline over time and want to make sure this project doesn't cause the de...↓

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Comment From: Earth day Earth day

4/08/26 @ 9:58 PM

To whom this may concern.

I'm writing in opposition of this expansion at this site and all other sites owned by Riverview.

To be fair to everyone I think EIS needs to be done there and at all their other sites. If riverview is the company they say ...↓

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Comment From: Dylan Reese

4/08/26 @ 9:35 PM

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Comment From: Scott Herrly

4/08/26 @ 9:35 PM

As a Minnesota resident I oppose factory farms. They are highly inhumane, a source of pollution, and put family owned farms at risk.

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Comment From: Todd Novy

4/08/26 @ 6:55 PM

Knowing the Pomme de Terre river, its watershed and the surrounding communities I can only believe that expanding this business would be reckless and enormously detrimental (if not catastrophic) to both the environment and resources of the area. This...↓

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Comment From: Ginny Halloran

4/08/26 @ 6:25 PM

This is exactly the opposite of what should be happening with our farming operations. Bigger is not necessarily better, money/profit should not be the determining factor in advocating for the common good. We live in a democracy and it's about t...↓

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Comment From: Annicka Westrich

4/08/26 @ 5:25 PM

Due to the overwhelming amount of water and land that would be needed for this expansion and the amount of manure that would be created by this expansion, I'm strongly against it. Also, this expansion would push out even more small dairy farmers.

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Comment From: Mitchell Coulter

4/08/26 @ 5:25 PM

4/8/2026

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
c/o Charles Peterson
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Dear Charles Peterson

My name is Mitch Coulter. I have worked in Minnesota agriculture my entire life. I grew up in west central Minneso...↓

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Comment From: Corey Rost

4/08/26 @ 5:10 PM

To Whom it may concern,
I have had the pleasure of working with Riverview Farms for the past six years, and during that time I have consistently been impressed by the professionalism, organization, and high standards maintained across their operation...↓

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Comment From: Melanie Steele

4/08/26 @ 4:47 PM

I am opposed to factory farming and request that you not allow this factory farm to move forward. In addition to the suffering Of animals, factory farms cause environmental harm and damage.

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Comment From: Numidia INC (Rinse Elsinga)

4/08/26 @ 4:44 PM

Numidia has a strong and valued commercial relationship with Riverview. We work with Riverview as a trusted, professional partner and greatly value their long-term vision, operational standards, and commitment to responsible agricultural development....↓

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Comment From: Lauren Blauch

4/08/26 @ 4:14 PM

The current process that is outlined for permitting a dairy facility of this size in Minnesota is already one of the exhaustive and comprehensive processes in the entire nation to ensure our natural resources and our local communities are protected. ...↓

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Comment From: Sam Cnossen

4/08/26 @ 3:48 PM

Good morning—
I haven't read every comment that has been written here, but I wanted to share a few thoughts based on my own experience. I'm 63 years old, and I've had my share of failures along with some real blessings. I have a wife, children, and f...↓riends in this community, and I respect the people who live and work here. I am grateful to have this opportunity.
I've been involved in the dairy industry my entire life—my dad was a dairyman. Over the years, I've owned my own dairy, worked for other dairymen, and spent time with a company that helped dairies around the world manage operations using computers and software. Today I'm an owner and partner in Riverview, using what I've learned to support the people I work alongside every day.
My failures have helped shape me, and being part of Riverview has helped me grow as well. We are a large operation, and I understand how easy it can be to see things as "them" and "us." But please know this: we are a group of owners and partners, and each of us is a person with a family. We come to work every day thinking about our families and our coworkers—how we can help one another inside the company, and how we can do right by our neighbors outside of it.
Every one of us has triumphs, failures, and family. We work hard to maintain a culture of safety—not just for compliance, but because it is what is best for our people. Our core values—strong work ethic, spirit of humility, keep it simple, integrity, and candor—are displayed on our common walls as a reminder of who we strive to be.
When we build a new facility, we do it to provide for our families and to create opportunities for others as well. We design our sites with safety, comfort, and care in mind—for our people, for the animals, and for the environment. We follow environmental guidelines and regulations closely, and we use best practices to carry out this work responsibly.
This project is an opportunity to create more good jobs in a place where people can build a stable life and raise their families. Some of those employees may be coming from other countries, and I'm proud our community can be part of giving them that chance. I also want to invite you to meet us personally, take a tour, and see for yourself what we do. And if you see us around town, please feel free to stop and visit—we are always willing to talk.
If you would like to hear directly from us about what is being proposed at West River Dairy, I would like to personally invite you to our informational open house. It is an opportunity to visit face-to-face, learn more about the project, and ask any questions you may have—including the difficult ones.
If you have concerns, please bring them. If you are supportive, I appreciate that as well. Either way, I'm asking you to come learn more about the project and have your questions answered. One thing that I know for sure is every single person that is doing any of the jobs that y'all have concerns about. They enjoy their job and will be doing that job to the best of their ability. This is a come-and-go open house—please stop in when it works for you:

Informational Open House — West River Dairy
April 9, 2026
5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Morris Armory
722 Iowa Ave.
Morris, MN 56267

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you'll stop in, introduce yourself, and give us the chance to talk.

Thank you for listening.
Sam Cnossen

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Comment From: Terry VanDerPol

4/08/26 @ 3:24 PM

I believe this expansion to the largest livestock operation in the state warrants an Environmental Impact Study to ensure a robust examination of all the impacts on the land, water and community.
1. Water use. 226 million gallons per year is huge. C...↓

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Comment From: A1 Development Solutions (Paul KOSTBOTH)

4/08/26 @ 3:19 PM

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Comment From: Kim Larson

4/08/26 @ 3:12 PM

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Comment From: Laura Thielke

4/08/26 @ 2:41 PM

Please require a full Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed West River Dairy Expansion. The thought of over 20,000 animal units in one location is blowing my mind. I have several concerns. Will that many animals in one place require more va...↓

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Comment From: Author, Dodge County, Incorpor... (Sonja Trom Eayrs)

4/08/26 @ 2:03 PM

See attached written comments.

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Comment From: Rodrigo Machemehl

4/08/26 @ 1:17 PM

I've worked with Riverview, know their expansion projects, and I really could saw the commitment and how serious the project is. Critical backbone of our community, generating jobs, and helping the economy!

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Comment From: Guido Niederoest

4/08/26 @ 12:53 PM

There is no reason why this mega project should be allowed without an independently performed Environmental Impact Statement. There are a number of rivers and waters in the area that would be negatively impacted by a manure spill as has happened in o...↓

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Comment From: Patricia Bouta

4/08/26 @ 12:27 PM

I think an Environmental Impact Statement needs to be required for the West River Dairy Expansion so that everyone would know the impact to the water, land, neighbors, and other dairy farmers.
That large of an operation would change the land and the ...↓

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Comment From: Randi Wingert

4/08/26 @ 11:45 AM

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Comment From: Carla Anderson

4/08/26 @ 11:12 AM

I encourage the MPCA to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West River Dairy Expansion. I was born in Morris (Stevens County) and lived there until I was 20. I have visited the area most months of my life to see family and friend...↓

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