West River Dairy Expansion

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Comment From: Yaasika Quist

4/08/26 @ 11:02 AM

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 feel that loss in real ways.
Among the organic farms, only two remai...↓

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Comment From: Erika Gilsdorf

4/08/26 @ 10:45 AM

Hello,

I find it interesting that you write 'we value your comments'. I have been attending numerous county meeting, shared videos about public comments against CAFOs, attended numerous meeting and discussions and the opinion of people don't reach ...↓the decision makers interested in purely money and profit. I find it disgusting and appalling that treating livestock in these manners of concentrated animal feeding operations where animals are trapped inside, the manure is collected below them because they never leave and their conditions are horrific. But, why should we care about animals? It's about money, right? Profit, right? What about the environment? Why should we care about that? It's about money, right? Profit, right? Do we need to care that the animal waste has to go somewhere and that regulations of how that is handled safely without impacts to pollution, harm to our rivers, lakes and groundwater is not even close to being safe and regulated? What about setting a precedent for this area that prioritizes care of animals, care of our waters, care of our communities...does that matter? Or, is it profit and greed all put under the nice umbrella of 'economic growth' and 'feeding the people'. There are better ways that don't harm animals, land, water, and yes...people. These large operations are overtaking small family farms, bringing traffic, pollution, roads and extra impact to local community structures. Is that what you want? It seems so. The voice of a CAFO owner, seems to continually outweigh the voice of many. And, animals don't have a voice so it is as if they don't count. It's disgusting. It's time that MPCA takes a stand on stopping the pollution. What?! Stopping pollution? That's crazy. It seems like you're open to discussing pollution and degradation of our natural systems and the animals that we live and rely on for a company's growth and expansion. This is not just one decision but the tipping point of many more to follow. It's like an open door saying, hey, all you CAFO's, come on over to West Central Minnesota. They don't have the courage to stand up and demand something different. A better way. It's a free for all to use and abuse and when we've used it up, maybe we'll move up to Canada? I mean, Iowa is already taking it in the shorts with their CAFO's. I'm fairly confident no one has read this. But, if you have, seriously, do not let this expansion happen. It's disgusting, appalling, and needs to be rejected. Please, please, stand up for what is right and just to our animals, our communities, and our lakes, rivers and natural world. There is no turning back from this decision.

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Comment From: Isidro Granados

4/08/26 @ 10:30 AM

MPCA,

I have been working with Riverview for more than 16 years, as a First Generation American, this kind of projects have provided an unvaluable opportunity for my daughter who is studying college at SDSU, my two boys who are also Americans and on...↓

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Comment From: Judy Gregg

4/08/26 @ 9:16 AM

The damage that this facility would do to the environment...especially to the water quality should be enough to deny a permit to this organization. The unnatural environment created for these animals to live in sounds like an animal concentration cam...↓

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Comment From: John Kopp

4/08/26 @ 9:10 AM

I have been working alongside Riverview as a vendor for many years. They take care of everything the right way and have a very clean way of doing it. I support this expansion because it is good to see dairy growing in our community's. They also provi...↓

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Comment From: Mary Jo Forbord

4/08/26 @ 8:42 AM

Dear MPCA,

I am writing to formally request that the MPCA mandate a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed West River Dairy expansion. As the largest livestock operation in Minnesota's history, the cumulative environmental risks—...↓specifically regarding Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs)—far exceed the scope of the current Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW).

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the MPCA classify hormones as CECs. MDH data indicates that these substances already affect 90% of tested Minnesota lakes, and a U.S. Geological Survey study found the Mississippi River in Minnesota has the highest rate of "feminized" fish--male fish that develop female characteristics, such as eggs in their testes. The cause is attributed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that act as estrogens, causing sexual disruption.

The scale of the West River Dairy expansion poses the following significant risks:

- Hormone Output: Pregnant and lactating cows produce large amounts of estrogen and related hormones. An 18,000-cow herd produces approximately 15 pounds of estrogen daily. Hormones are potent in very small concentrations. In addition, large dairies routinely use synthetic hormones to maximize lactation and control the cows' reproductive cycles, which further increases this biological load.

- Environmental Persistence: Estrogens in dairy wastewater are notably persistent and often fail to biodegrade under the anaerobic conditions found in manure storage lagoons.

- Public Health Implications: These hormones bioaccumulate in the food chain. Human exposure through contaminated drinking water is linked to impaired fertility, developmental malformations, and hormone-sensitive cancers.

- Private Wells: Rural residents relying on private wells are particularly vulnerable. No one monitors our wells for safety, so the full financial and health burden of testing and harm falls directly on us. Most municipal systems are incapable of filtering out these contaminants, so well owners are particularly disadvantaged by lack of regulatory oversight to keep our water safe. We deserve better. Our state prides itself on its water, pure water at that. If our water is no longer drinkable because others have profited from making it so, regulation and justice must prevail.

Having grown up along Shakopee Creek in the adjacent watershed to the proposed expansion, I have witnessed the degradation of local watersheds firsthand; the Shakopee is now a designated critical nutrient hotspot. Nearby is Dublin Dairy, one of Riverview LLP's 8000 cow dairies. Do we have CEC data for Shakopee Creek? A blueprint for protecting our water and preventing contamination may become apparent if we choose to look. Perhaps we have hardly begun to accurately assess the environmental impact of dairies of this size, placing them ahead of CEC data collection and the safety of our drinking water.

If this expansion is green-lighted, hormones and endocrine disruptors will enter our water system at an unprecedented scale, affecting us all. Along with raising already elevated levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and E. coli, the West River Dairy expansion represents a permanent threat to regional water security. I urge the MPCA to require a comprehensive EIS to study these cumulative impacts.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Forbord
Prairie Horizons Farm LLC

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Comment From: Carolyn Anderson

4/08/26 @ 7:50 AM

This proposal is harmful to man and beast. We all need clean water and air. Please do not permit this.

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Comment From: Brian Eisenschenk

4/08/26 @ 7:27 AM

I've been working in the dairy industry for 25 years, Riverview is a top notch company. Expansion is necessary to keep up with the demands of the industry. I'm in favor of their expansion!

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Comment From: Sheyla Ramirez

4/08/26 @ 6:56 AM

To whom it may concern.

I want to express my support to the West River Dairy Expansion project; I have known about Riverview for over 8 years. This includes touring their farms in different states.

This opportunity has given me an insight of Rive...↓

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Comment From: Tyler Young

4/08/26 @ 5:36 AM

Growth is necessary as demand rises

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Comment From: Kelsey VanOverbeke

4/07/26 @ 11:53 PM

My name is Kelsey VanOverbeke and I would like to not only express my support for the expansion project at West River Dairy, but also give my personal & professional experiences interacting with Riverview directly & indirectly. I grew up on a farm n...↓ear Campbell, MN which some of our family land is near the Campbell Dairy location. I have worked in the local agriculture industry in MN, ND & SD mainly within the counties of Wilkin, Traverse, Grant, Ottertail, Big Stone & Stevens in MN; Richland, Sargeant, Barnes in ND & Roberts in SD for 20 years as a professional agronomist with a B.S. degree in Agriculture Economics & also Crop & Weed Science from NDSU, Certified Crop Advisor including credential of certification to work with large dairy operations, Technical Service Provider for the NRCS including 590 & 595 mainly for Nutrient Mgt & IPM. I work with 32 farms that account for about 285,000 acres of farmland mainly in an 80 m radius of Fairmount, ND.
My first experience with Riverview was when the Campbell Dairy was proposed. From a farm girl perspective of it being my hometown, you always wonder who is this "new business" that is moving in and change is hard for anyone to accept. However, the way Riverview was honest & transparent with their intentions as well as the legal steps they had to take to even have the project considered, let alone a permit approved, exceeded the expectations of myself and so many others that I heard from in the community and through the daily conversations of my job. As they always say, "Good intentions are overrated. Good actions is where the proof of character exists." Riverview showed our community of Campbell MN the proof of their character as a business and as people; not just in the business interactions but also their support for the community and working with neighbors both farmer neighbors and non.
Fast forward to current interactions with Riverview management, local dairy location management and staff in the Red River locations & Stevens locations, farm operations management and staff as well as their agronomists, contracted operators, etc; my impression of Riverview as a dairy operation, farm operation & the people in general keeps exceeding my expectations with every interaction I have with them. Again, as an agronomist I interact with many farm managers, operators, staff, etc on a daily basis & what I can confidently say about Riverview Personnel is that they carry themselves in a professional, ethical manner in which they always are more than happy to hear any questions, concerns, recommendations, etc anyone has to offer. They follow their legal & moral duties without wavering. I cannot say that about too many businesses otherwise that go to the extent that they do. They have a large business to run, but unlike most people I see with that much responsibility, they always seem to make time to spend time in their community, with local growers & neighbors, youth, etc whether it be in a community parade event to show support or a winter meeting providing an educational presentation and open discussion with their very knowledgeable Master Agronomist whom I have a great deal of respect for.
Knowing the massive amount of agronomic benefits having manure in your crop rotation can provide in various ways as well as the diversity of the alfalfa in crop rotations and silage as an option as well; the Riverview Dairy locations in our Red River Valley area have provided intangible benefits & measurable returns to the local farmers who participate in a relationship with Riverview. I know through direct conversations with growers in that area that tell me if Riverview had not been approved to set up their dairy location in our local home area of Campbell & Nashua (Campbell Dairy & North Ottawa Dairy); there would have been some tough decisions to make on some farms to either rent out or sell in some cases. However, because Riverview set up a dairy and offered silage & haylage acres including the option of manure, those farms are still in operation today and thankful the opportunity was there for them to diversify their operations and their source of nutrients to help with the biology of their soil as well as the organic matter & water holding capacity that had been struggling in recent years. I have seen this first hand in fields I work with directly that there are many agronomic advantages to the soil health & biology mainly through carbon sequestration that the alfalfa provides, improvements in Organic Matter & C:N balance in creating a balanced soil biology for microbes to excel in creating better soil health and mineralization, etc. I walk alfalfa fields weekly and am so thankful that we are able to grow it in the Valley where it typically would not have any reason to be grown otherwise. Many alfalfa crops that come out of rotation also allow for us to not have to apply as much nitrogen for a crop year or two as the residual N is consistently sufficient as a large percentage of the next year's corn crop needs. This is extremely important in times like we are in now with extremely high fertilizer prices to be able to have growers access alfalfa acres and manure. The growers that I work with that have the least cost of production per bu produced are ¾ of the time a grower that works with one of the Riverview Dairy locations to grow silage, haylage and access manure. This is the kind of options we need in agriculture for these local farms to survive and leave their legacy for the next generation.
Growers (and I) rest assured that the recommendations of the manure management team have been intensively reviewed to be in compliance with the BMP's each location & field has to follow in order to be in compliance. I have no doubt that the West River Dairy location follows & will continue to follow the same strict protocol that all the other locations know to follow as well. Their team, from upper management to field applicators all keep in communication on compliance along with rigid record keeping and submitting documentation to the proper entities. I know, because I have been a part of the process of these steps and their professionalism exceeds my expectations every interaction where we work together to make plans for a grower.
They don't take the requirements of any of the permitting process lightly and anyone who wants to work with them in executing the agronomic needs at hand, also knows that they are to follow the guidelines. Even their haylage & silage operations are run extremely safely & efficiently so that there is very little room for error or injury or damage otherwise. My brother runs a cart for an operation that carts for silage at one of the locations and he said that safety, efficiency, cleanliness & communication are all keys to a successful season that Riverview stresses. If you've ever toured any of their facilities in the RRV, Steven's, Swift, etc you already know they run a clean, organized & first class operation in the care they take with their animals, the cleanliness of the facilities inside and out and also by the way everyone carries themselves in a kind & professional manner.
The obvious characteristics of Riverview is that if you know how this all works; you know they they or any other operation for that matter cannot set up an operation like the West River Dairy without following ALL of the proper protocols and procedures legally. The key thing that most people overlook, assume or just flat out do not have experience with is the fact that they also prove to me and others that they not only follow their legal obligations but they follow their moral obligations to the environment, the local communities, their personnel, their farming neighbors & to the generations yet to come. I believe that is just as important to know about them that I hope more people get to experience and know about the Riverview people. Thank you for your consideration of supporting & approving the West River Dairy. Kelsey VanOverbeke

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Comment From: Kyle Staebler

4/07/26 @ 11:11 PM

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Comment From: Sandra O'Brien

4/07/26 @ 10:46 PM

I am very concerned about the negative impact on the environment if West River Dairy is allowed to expand as requested. It goes against everything I have learned about Minnesota farms working towards sustainability. The extra manure and methane would...↓

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Comment From: Corey Roberts

4/07/26 @ 10:06 PM

For what reason does Riverview need to keep expanding their dairies? They are already running small farmers out of business. The same small dairies that built communities. The same communities that are becoming ghost towns because places like rivervi...↓

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Comment From: Nick Meierhofer

4/07/26 @ 9:38 PM

I am in favor of this expansion. Great company.

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Comment From: Ethan Hoffman

4/07/26 @ 9:34 PM

I am in favor of the expansion.

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Comment From: Thomas Obar

4/07/26 @ 9:30 PM

I am in favor of the expansion of the dairy.

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Comment From: Crystal Prom

4/07/26 @ 8:10 PM

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to dissuade the use of an EIS with regards to the expansion of Riverview in Stevens County. I, as an experienced dairy consultant in the Upper Midwest, have visited several Riverview sites and found them to be cl...↓

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Comment From: Jennifer Zeltwanger

4/07/26 @ 5:58 PM

Subject: Support for West River Dairy Expansion

My name is Jennifer Zeltwanger and I've lived in Darnen Township, Stevens County for 17 years about two miles from Riverview Dairy. Our home is about eight miles from West River Dairy.

Based on our e...↓xperience as neighbors, I support the West River Dairy expansion. No EIS is needed as the state environmental review process is rigorous and very sufficient. I reviewed the over 600 pages of documents in the EAW with input from numerous industry professionals and am impressed with the amount of time, effort, energy, and cost that has already gone into the permitting process to get to this point. As a fellow cattle producer, I fear the precedent that could be set by requiring a farm that has clearly already met all the requirements set out by the MPCA to obtain their permit to move into a new level of regulation. I respectfully encourage your support and approval of this important project and believe the expansion will continue to reflect the same level of care and professionalism Riverview has demonstrated time and again.

As very close neighbors to Riverview Dairy, we've been able to see how the dairy is managed and maintained in a clean, professional manner. Our house is across the road from a field farmed by Riverview for cattle feed and is on the harvest truck routes. Truck traffic has been handled responsibly, and local roads are kept in good condition through pre-season application of chloride for dust control and box scraping to remove mud or repairing as needed. This happens around all the sites in our county, including at West River Dairy.

Having the three local Riverview dairies has provided stable employment opportunities in our community for service providers, construction companies and other local businesses. Expansion at West River Dairy builds on this by bringing in additional jobs, families, and opportunities. Small towns like ours need growth to support our schools, businesses, and civic leadership needs so a quality business like Riverview adding additional passionate staff members who participate in the community is a boon for Stevens County.

After living near another of Riverview's dairies in Stevens County for nearly two decades, we have had no negative impacts on our lives (not on our well, our land value, our family, our community). In fact, I would say the opposite is true. Having Riverview's dairies in our area has brought more opportunity and diversity to our community and enriched our experiences living in the Morris area. I urge your support of the approval of the West River Dairy Expansion in Stevens County.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Zeltwanger

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Comment From: Jackie Colesworthy

4/07/26 @ 4:49 PM

I am opposed to this operation for several reasons. Having this many animals on a feedlot is inhumane treatment. The waste from them would be damaging to the environment, and I would never drink an ounce of milk from such an operation. Restorative, r...↓

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Comment From: Kay Fuller

4/07/26 @ 4:18 PM

I have switched from regular ultra pasteurized milk to low temp pasteurized milk from small farms. I am opposed to larger and larger dairy farms. It seems like smaller dairy farms could employ as many people and it would be boom to small business. It...↓

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Comment From: Patricia Cole

4/07/26 @ 4:06 PM

To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the Riverview dairy operation in Morris, Minnesota. As a concerned citizen who worked for over 40 years as a Registered Professional Engineer, ...↓

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Comment From: Jeff Steiner

4/07/26 @ 3:32 PM

Please see attached in support of the West River Dairy Expansion to proceed without requiring an EIS.

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Comment From: Paul Burck

4/07/26 @ 3:08 PM

The proposed Riverview Dairy expansion is so huge that it should be required to complete an Environmental Impact Statement before a permit is granted by the MPCA.

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Comment From: Complete Filtration Resources (SHANE WIERCINSKI)

4/07/26 @ 3:05 PM

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Comment From: Cassie Dudley

4/07/26 @ 2:58 PM

I am writing in earnest opposition of this expansion and in favor of an obligatory EIS. Progress can no longer equal capital growth and expansion if we are to continue to inhabit this planet. Shortsighted economics are causing incredible suffering to...↓

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Comment From: Lori Peterson

4/07/26 @ 2:19 PM

Do not allow this monstrosity to expand!!! Horrific for animals and the environment.

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Comment From: Sean Gallant

4/07/26 @ 2:18 PM

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Comment From: Amie Tatosian

4/07/26 @ 2:14 PM

We should be supporting small, local farmers, not promoting and allowing for massive operations like this one. This is beyond the environmental impact of having so many animals in a small area, it is also about caring about our local farm families th...↓

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Comment From: Audrey (Audrey Kruger)

4/07/26 @ 2:06 PM

I vehemently oppose this expansion. Small, regenerative farms are the only future I want to see in farming.

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Comment From: Michelle Peterson

4/07/26 @ 1:50 PM

I want to continue living in a state with higher standards than other states. I want to be proud of the environmental firsts Minnesota can show in this Era of backsliding.

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Comment From: Cody Suter

4/07/26 @ 1:43 PM

Cody Suter
To Whom this may Concern. I live 1.5 miles from a Riverview Dairy. They run a top tier operation, clean facilities, care for the land, do what is right for the local communities, and give great care to the livestock in their operations. T...↓

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Comment From: E.A. Bonelli + Associates (Scott Savage)

4/07/26 @ 1:28 PM

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Comment From: Kathleen Von Rueden

4/07/26 @ 1:25 PM

These large livestock produce huge pollution to ground water risk, manure spill risk and crowded living conditions for livestock.

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Comment From: Cody Harford

4/07/26 @ 1:08 PM

I am commenting to express concern about the proposed Riverview West River dairy. This 18,500‑cow facility would add to Riverview's already extensive operations in Minnesota, where the company houses more than 133,000 cows—about one‑third of the stat...↓

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Comment From: William Henke

4/07/26 @ 1:02 PM

Hello and thank you for allowing the public to comment on this project. In my opinion this project should not be allowed to proceed. I believe that this project is environmentally dangerous in terms of the mammoth amount of manure that it will distr...↓

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Comment From: Margie Diggins

4/07/26 @ 11:44 AM

I'm against forcing animals into these crowded, non pastured, conditions for the sake of more efficient milk production. Cows should be out in green pastures under sunshine & called in twice a day to be milked, like I was raised on our small hobby f...↓

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Comment From: Steve Veverka

4/07/26 @ 10:44 AM

I am writing this communication to express my full support for the expansion of the Riverview West River dairy expansion. Modern agriculture is complicated. No ag business in Minnesota navigates that complicated system better than Riverview . The fac...↓

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Comment From: Kathy Arthun

4/07/26 @ 10:33 AM

Dear MPCA Officials,

I am writing as a concerned resident to strongly urge the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion of Riverview, LLP's dairy concentrated animal ...↓

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Comment From: Dooley's Natural Gas (Nathan DeLeeuw)

4/07/26 @ 10:31 AM

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Comment From: Valley Queen Cheese Factory, I... (Evan Grong)

4/07/26 @ 10:18 AM

Please see attached letter.

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Comment From: Kent Bosch

4/07/26 @ 9:02 AM

I am commenting to support Riverview's expansion project near Morris. We consider ourselves lucky to farm in close proximity to two of Riverview's newer facilities in Chippewa County Minnesota. Our county was void of livestock for the most part befor...↓

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Comment From: Tony Domnick

4/07/26 @ 8:58 AM

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Comment From: Garrett Luthens

4/07/26 @ 8:53 AM

Dear Mr. Peterson,

I am a dairy farmer, and I am writing in support of Riverview LLP's proposed expansion of West River Dairy near Morris, Minnesota. My family owns and operates Skyview Dairy, a second-generation dairy that has been in operation sin...↓ce 1968, when my father started milking seven cows.

I am not writing this letter merely to support one company's project. I am writing because a growing milk supply benefits every dairy farmer in this state, and because Minnesota's environmental regulations are comprehensive, robust, and fully capable of protecting the environment without the need for an Environmental Impact Statement.

The economics of our industry are straightforward: when milk supply grows, processors invest. When processors invest, every dairy farmer — regardless of size — has a stronger, more reliable market for their milk. We are seeing significant growth in dairy processing capacity across the Upper Midwest and throughout the country right now, and a growing milk supply is needed to support those investments. The U.S. dairy industry has a great opportunity in front of it to grow. Minnesota should be leading that opportunity, not creating barriers to it.

I know from personal experience what it means to have a strong dairy industry behind you. When Skyview Dairy wanted to increase the size of our herd in 2008, the dairy community came to our support and spoke on behalf of the industry's positive financial impact on communities and the counties where we operate. A growing milk supply allows us to maintain the economic ecosystem that makes dairy viable for all of us.

Calls for an Environmental Impact Statement: they are not warranted by the facts or by the law.
Minnesota already has one of the most robust environmental review and permitting systems for livestock facilities of any state in the country. This project has undergone lengthy and rigorous analysis through the EAW process. And the expansion will operate under an Individual NPDES Feedlot Permit — more stringent and site-specific than the general permits most Minnesota feedlots operate under — requiring zero discharge of pollutants to waters of the state. Coupled with the DNR's protective groundwater permits, the environment will be protected.

Furthermore, the individual permit set to be in place here was developed after a collaborative process with the MPCA to develop enhanced permit requirements. That kind of good-faith engagement with regulators should be encouraged, not punished by an unnecessary EIS that would only delay a well-reviewed project.

I believe a strong, growing dairy industry is good for every farmer in this state. The West River Dairy expansion supports that. It creates jobs, provides a market for locally grown crops, and supplies locally produced fertilizer (manure) to.

I respectfully urge the MPCA to follow the facts and the science. The EAW is thorough and complete. The environmental protections are robust and enforceable. No EIS is needed. Please allow this project to move forward without further delay so that Minnesota's dairy industry can continue to grow — for our communities and for the next generation of farm families.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this comment.

Garrett Luthens Skyview Dairy

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Comment From: Abby Konz

4/07/26 @ 8:53 AM

Concern over one business owning 1/3 of the dairy cows in Minnesota. Also concerns over that much manure in one area as well as the water demand.

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Comment From: Tara Nelson

4/07/26 @ 8:27 AM

I'm interested in MN investing in less dairy expansion and more wildlife conservation. There are awesome wildlife areas in Morris MN that I am worried could be impacted long term

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Comment From: Faith Rudnitski

4/07/26 @ 7:55 AM

The concentration of 18,855 dairy cows at one site and storage and spreading of the resulting liquid manure creates a risk of contamination of ground and surface water in the Pomme de Terre rivershed. An expansion of this size should be investigated...↓

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Comment From: David Hauge

4/07/26 @ 6:38 AM

Groundwater contamination issues shud b forefront of such expansion. That much manure in one location, creates potential problems overtime. Is a digester plan involved. Maybe the greatest issue will be the affect on smaller dairies. A farm of this ma...↓

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Comment From: Aubree Derksen

4/06/26 @ 11:53 PM

There needs to be analysis regarding water availability across industries given aquifers stretch across the region, the state and across state lines. Riverview is not happening in a vacuum, it is happening in the context of data centers that are also...↓

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Comment From: Sharon Mansur

4/06/26 @ 10:25 PM

I support the Land Stewardship Project's recommendation that this proposal by Riverview, LLP must be required to undergo a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A facility of this scale located in such a vulnerable area calls for a thorough envi...↓

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Comment From: Katherine Myers

4/06/26 @ 10:15 PM

This dairy expansion recently came to my attention, and it's very concerning to me as a citizen of Minnesota. I value our clean water and beautiful land. I fear a massive dairy of this size will only increase water consumption and nitrate levels. The...↓

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Comment From: Paula Boogaard

4/06/26 @ 9:19 PM

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ATTN: Charles Peterson 520 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155

My name is Paula and I am writing in support of the proposed West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County.

Operations like Riverview's create consiste...↓

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Comment From: Elias Hultgren

4/06/26 @ 9:17 PM

I am writing today in support of the Riverview application to expand West River Dairy. As a young man trying to get my start in farming in the area shared with Riverview, I have seen first-hand the opportunities working with their dairies brings to ...↓

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Comment From: Becca R.

4/06/26 @ 9:15 PM

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ATTN: Charles Peterson 520 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155

My name is Becca and I am writing in support of the proposed West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County.

Through their work in the agricultural sect...↓

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Comment From: Karen rom

4/06/26 @ 8:52 PM

Absolutely an EIS for starters; tho I live in Wisconsin now, I am well aware of the huge negative impacts CAFOs have everywhere; there are good reasons for supporting small farms, understanding why we need to limit our appetites for meat and dairy, ...↓

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Comment From: Jane Bartlett

4/06/26 @ 8:51 PM

This is a bad idea all around. The site is in an environmentally sensitive watershed, there aren't people to work in the dairy, and most importantly we don't need it. Please vote "no".

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Comment From: Lyn Kerschen

4/06/26 @ 8:28 PM

Concerning the West river Dairy Expansion, an environmental impact study needs to be done. Morris is located along the watershed that channels many streams and lakes into the Pomme de Terre River. Many of these waterways are categorized as impaired b...↓

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Comment From: Carrie Redden

4/06/26 @ 8:22 PM

PDF letter attached

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Comment From: Debra Ost

4/06/26 @ 7:32 PM

I am strongly opposed to the proposed expansion of the West River Dairy which would create a "farm" totaling 18,855 dairy cows (over 26,000 + AU). I grew up on a small dairy farm in southeastern Ottertail County. Our livestock were treated humanely, ...↓

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Comment From: Kara Lundin

4/06/26 @ 7:16 PM

I oppose this expansion because it is an extreme environmental hazard, puts public health at risk, increases the elimination of family farms, and I do not support the poor animal welfare that happens at these large farms.This is not how we should be ...↓

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Comment From: Maureen Mullen

4/06/26 @ 6:32 PM

A dairy farm of this size is not a farm, it's an industrial facility. The water use and the pollution potential is outrageous. The treatment of 18,000 animals in a production facility is inhumane. This is not farming!

We need to support sustainable ...↓

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Comment From: Steven Landwehr

4/06/26 @ 5:53 PM

The Environmental Assessment Worksheet for this project looks very thorough and complete. Riverview has been a great role model in the industry at both designing and operating facilities that meet the strict guidelines that MPCA has laid out, the do...↓

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Comment From: Robert Padula

4/06/26 @ 3:38 PM

I strongly support the West River Dairy Expansion near Morris, Minnesota by Riverview Dairy.

Riverview LLC has been an exemplary business and a role model for Agriculture companies. This local Minnesota Agribusiness has been open and honest in pr...↓omoting their expansion plans to the general public prior to expanding and has gone above and beyond the legal thresholds to ensure compliance with the strict state feedlot rules and environmental requirements. If a proposed site has apprehension by local nearby residents, the company arranges for meetings and site tours of other facilities nearby to assure the local residents how a new site will operate. They have routinely been a good neighbor and work hard to maintain a positive relationships in the local area/community. Family members of the dairy, farmers who supply feed to the dairy, the on-site workers and others who supply supportive services to Riverview LLC are active members in the community; Positive community relations are part of the business model. The people investing in Riverview are local owners, not "outside investors" - they are citizens that live in the communities where their dairy operations exist. It is not just the dairy owners, but all the supportive service providers that also live in the community. The Lauriston Dairy site is very close to MN highway 40 and is highly visible showing the public how they operate all the facilities. One only needs to drive near their other facilities to see that all of them are well kept, maintained, neat & tidy demonstrating Riverview's commitment to being good neighbors in the local community.

Dairy farming in the area helps diversify agriculture away from the prevalent "mono-crop" rotation of Corn/Soybeans. This decreases the reliance on agricultural exports and provides a local outlet and value-added benefit to the crops grown locally. Not only will this benefit the farmers in the area, but all the supportive services that rely upon Agriculture and diversification of crops grown in the area will benefit. Diversification of agriculture in the area is also beneficial to wildlife and pollinators.

From the environmental and regulation point of view, feedlots of this size and capacity are heavily regulated and scrutinized to ensure compliance with the strict state regulations for water usage, runoff containment, manure management, dust, odor, pest control and animal health/well-being. This is done well before the first shovel of dirt is moved, prior to construction. The state does not allow a site to begin construction until all the environmental and regulatory permits have been granted. Riverview has always been open and upfront with expansion projects, complying with all the necessary local, state and federal guidelines. They employ staff that are trained and certified to maintain the requirements to ensure compliance. Being a large existing operation, they are constantly under the microscope and subject to outside scrutiny. If there is an area that needs improvement, staff and sites are willing to work with local, state and federal agencies to correct any issues and problems; in fact they seek out ways to be proactive, rather than reactive.

As a livestock farmer and former University of Minnesota Extension Service Livestock Production Systems Agent in West Central Minnesota, I managed a 10 county manure management in West Central Minnesota for 4 years. I know that Riverview has a proven track record of positive compliance and how they have been innovative and proactive in ensuring environmental safety and protection of the environment and local resources. The owners and farmers associated with Riverview also live in the community, and want to ensure that operations are not just "technically legal" but beneficial for the land and everyone who depends on it.

In closing, I fully and whole-heartedly support the expansion of of West River Dairy.

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Comment From: Amanda Mayer

4/06/26 @ 3:02 PM

I'm a concerned citizen of Minnesota that recently learned about the proposed expansion of the dairy farm. I feel the potential impact on our MN natural resources by this private company's expansion of operations is potentially enormous. To me, this ...↓

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Comment From: James Murphy

4/06/26 @ 2:58 PM

To whom it may concern. I am writing to provide some thoughts about Riverview LLP's proposed expansion in Morris of the West River Dairy.
I cannot speak to a lot of what I am reading in the various Minnesota publications' articles about this expansi...↓

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Comment From: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (Andrew Morley)

4/06/26 @ 1:58 PM

Please see attached letter.

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Comment From: Kris Mielnik

4/06/26 @ 1:55 PM

Please see attached letter for the West River Expansion

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Comment From: Troy Metzger

4/06/26 @ 12:44 PM

After reviewing the comprehensive Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed West River Dairy Expansion, I am writing to support this project and am confident that the EAW document provides a thorough and well‑supported analysis of the proje...↓

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Comment From: Sally Carlson-Bancroft

4/06/26 @ 12:34 PM

This is way too big of a livestock operation. Can the company divide it into smaller pieces? Also, it would present unfair competition with traditional family farms. What will become of Princess Kay if all that's left are giant corporations?

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Comment From: Sean Indrelie

4/06/26 @ 12:03 PM

The dairy industry couldn't even survive without generous support from taxpayers, and this is how they repay us? Polluting our air and water? Rural Minnesota smells like feces because of farms like this. Bring back the sea of grass, save the soil and...↓

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Comment From: Laurie Golden

4/06/26 @ 12:00 PM

Please complete an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Riverview Dairy Expansion.
My family lives in an area with 6 Riverview Dairies. Given the high concentration of dairies and heavy daily water use, how will water quality and supply cha...↓

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Comment From: First PREMIER Bank (Dave Rozenboom)

4/06/26 @ 11:36 AM

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Comment From: MN National Farmers Board (Joe Neaton)

4/06/26 @ 11:14 AM

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Comment From: Judy Lubenow

4/06/26 @ 11:09 AM

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Comment From: Lonnie Fosso

4/06/26 @ 11:07 AM

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Comment From: Dick Metzger

4/06/26 @ 10:29 AM

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Comment From: Patricia Rhoades

4/06/26 @ 9:57 AM

Please require a full environmental impact statement on the proposed expansion of West River Dairy. Riverview Dairy is already the largest factory farm in the state with a history of manure spills. This expansion would generate significant greenhouse...↓

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Comment From: Tri County Insulation, Concret... (Corey Poepping)

4/06/26 @ 9:40 AM

Please see the attached document.

Thanks,
Corey Poepping
Owner / President
Tri County Insulation, Concrete Lifting & Painting

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Comment From: AgCountry Farm Credit Services (Shane Frahm)

4/06/26 @ 9:25 AM

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Comment From: Robert Lee

4/06/26 @ 9:17 AM

I work with a Riverview dairy, I sell the silage and purchase manure from them. They are a good neighbor and have had a positive impact on my farming operation. Having diverse end users for our crop is important for stability of the corn market. I am...↓

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Comment From: Adam Yucuis

4/06/26 @ 8:45 AM

I'm of the opinion that Riverview must be required to undergo a full Environmental Impact Statement for their proposed West River Dairy Expansion. That potential number of cows all located in one concentrated area would produce a very large amount of...↓

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Comment From: C Ewalt

4/06/26 @ 8:21 AM

We don't support this. It is not reasonable to expect the environment can survive the mass of this assault.

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Comment From: Louise Malecha

4/06/26 @ 7:49 AM

My name is Louise Malecha. I am a lifelong dairy farmer from rural Minnesota, a co-founder of a multi-generational dairy enterprise, and now a founder of a family-based food business rooted in agriculture.

Having spent decades in production agricult...↓

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Comment From: Sue Kulberg

4/06/26 @ 7:27 AM

I am a resident of and farm land owner in Stevens County. I care about our environment for us and future residents of generations to come.

An EIS definitely needs to be done on this proposed project. Why wouldn't one be done on a project of this si...↓

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Comment From: Nick Elms

4/05/26 @ 9:10 PM

Multiple EIS's should be done for a proposed dairy of this magnatude! This dairy may likely have generational impacts to the local environment and watershead and needs to be thoroughly reviewed!

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Comment From: Cheryl Rempel

4/05/26 @ 8:56 PM

At the very least, I am in favor of requiring an EIS for this project before any further decisions are made on allowing the expansion. I lived in Stevens County for 30 years. It's unfortunate that Riverview does not have the integrity to support in d...↓

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Comment From: Ashley Nietfeld

4/05/26 @ 7:09 PM

Allowing this expansion is immoral. They are damaging the dairy industry everyday. There is already too much milk on the market and they just keep growing and for what? They don't care for the livestock they're all just managers with who knows what a...↓

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Comment From: Samantha Deseth

4/05/26 @ 6:16 PM

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a resident living within a few miles of the proposed West River Dairy expansion in Synnes Township. I am writing to respectfully request that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency require a full Environmental Impact Sta...↓tement (EIS) before any permits are approved for this project.

My primary concern is water—both the quantity being withdrawn and the quality that will remain for nearby residents. The scale of this proposed expansion raises serious questions about groundwater sustainability. The amount of water required for a facility of this size has the potential to impact local aquifers, private wells, and long-term water availability in our area. As a nearby resident who relies on groundwater, I am deeply concerned that the current level of environmental review does not fully evaluate these risks.

Equally important are the potential health impacts associated with this project. I am the parent of a medically complex adult child with special needs. Recent lab work has shown elevated levels of pesticides in his system. This makes environmental exposures a critical and personal concern for our family. Any increase in contaminants—whether through manure application, runoff, groundwater movement, or air emissions—could further compromise his already fragile health.

Given the scale of this operation, the volume of manure to be generated and applied to surrounding land, and the uncertainty around cumulative impacts, I do not believe that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet provides sufficient analysis.

A full EIS is necessary to:

Thoroughly evaluate groundwater withdrawal impacts on local wells and aquifers
Assess the risk of contamination from manure, nutrients, and associated chemicals
Examine cumulative environmental and health impacts over time
Consider the vulnerability of sensitive populations, including children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

This decision will have long-term consequences for our community's health, water resources, and quality of life. As someone directly affected and responsible for protecting a medically vulnerable child, I urge the MPCA to take a precautionary approach and require a full Environmental Impact Statement.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Sam Deseth

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Comment From: Kevin Mills

4/05/26 @ 6:08 PM

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Comment From: Mike Deseth

4/05/26 @ 5:55 PM

After review and research of this situation and reading many of these comments, if this expansion is such a benefit for the community, no one should be afraid to do an EIS. Many commenting in support seem to be businesses involved directly with River...↓

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Comment From: Gabi Joos

4/05/26 @ 4:47 PM

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Comment From: Jane Amberg

4/05/26 @ 3:41 PM

I am not in favor of the proposed West River Dairy Expansion. My three main reasons include animal welfare, manure runoff with all the environmental concerns associated with that and I oppose factory farming.

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Comment From: Todd Malecha

4/05/26 @ 2:50 PM

Hi My Name is Todd Malecha,
We are life long residents of Pope County and life long multi Generational dairy farmers.
I am writing in support of Riverview LLP's proposed West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County.
My support is based on belief that...↓

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Comment From: Jackie Junker

4/05/26 @ 12:35 PM

To the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,

I am writing as a concerned citizen regarding the proposed West River Dairy Expansion in Stevens County. While I understand the importance of agriculture to Minnesota's economy, I have serious concerns abou...↓

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Comment From: David Munn

4/05/26 @ 11:41 AM

This expansion is very concerning. A project of this size should require an environmental impact statement. The citizens of Minnesota should be able to expect this level of oversight from the MCPA.

Thank you

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Comment From: Adam Redlinger

4/05/26 @ 11:34 AM

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Comment From: Holly Grap

4/05/26 @ 10:56 AM

Riverview does not have Minneostans in mind for this expansion. They do no support community farmers, and this expansion is an ecological disaster waiting to happen. Riverview has already had manure leakage in a manure storage tank, and their hog and...↓

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Comment From: STEVEN GLANZER

4/04/26 @ 7:44 PM

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ATTN: Charles Peterson 520 Lafayette Road St.
Paul, MN 55155
My name is Steve Glanzer and I am a neighbor/local resident/farmer/business
owner/official in Fordham Township in Clark County I am writing in support of ...↓

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Comment From: SAMMY GLANZER

4/04/26 @ 7:42 PM

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ATTN: Charles Peterson 520 Lafayette Road St.
Paul, MN 55155
My name is Sammy Glanzer and I am a neighbor/local resident/farmer/business
owner/official in Fordham Township in Clark County I am writing in support of ...↓

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Comment From: Shane Seeger

4/04/26 @ 2:19 PM

I recently began working as a contractor on a Riverview Dairy project, and it's immediately clear they operate to an exceptional environmental standard. Their farms are consistently clean, well‑managed, and thoughtfully run, with practices that refle...↓

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