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January 19, 2000
Vote is 4-1 in favor of uncovered manure lagoonBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer
NEW ULM -- The Brown County Board approved in a 4-1 vote Tuesday the expansion of a rural New Ulm dairy operation. Donald T. Hoffman, who operates a 300-animal unit dairy farm on 20.81 acres of land in section 8 of Cottonwood Township, received permission to expand the facility to accommodate 786-animal units. He also received approval to build a 125x675 ft. by 15 ft. deep earthen, dairy-manure holding basin. "I think Mr. Hoffman has complied with everything he needs to operate it," said Commissioner District 2 James Berg. Approximately 50 concerned neighbors and citizens attended the public hearing during the board meeting and expressed their concerns. Richard Seeboth, District 1 Commissioner, cast the dissenting vote. He said he could not support it because the growth pattern of New Ulm would be in jeopardy by the expanded facility. District 3 Commissioner Charles Guggisberg recommended that a fence be put up around the basin of the manure storage facility. He also suggested Hoffman use straw in his operation so there is more of a likelihood that a "crust" would form on the manure. This crust would then help to control the odor. If Hoffman fails to comply with those recommendations made by the planning commission and the county board, the conditional use permit for his dairy operation may be jeopardized. Neighbors of Hoffman expressed their concerns and questions for air and water quality surrounding the new facility. Jerome Fischer, a neighbor who lives 1 1/2 miles from the approved facility, said, "I'm 100 percent against this lagoon," he said. The neighborhood could become a breeding place for flies and the air and water quality could be affected, said Fischer. "When there's no more clean air or clean water, you take away the quality of life," said Fischer. Although Fischer offered a suggestion that Hoffman install a slatted floor manure system instead of the earthen basin manure holding facility, the board did not approve that proposal. Tom Dietz, who lives 1 1/2 miles north of the Hoffman site, noted that a south wind may carry the odor of the facility to Flandrau State Park (group camp), Schell's Park, and the New Ulm Country Club. "I believe the odor will be very bad," said Dietz. The Hoffman dairy operation of 786 animal units will include adult as well as younger animals. The Pollution Control Agency figures animal units based on the comparative amount of waste produced. A mature dairy cow is 1.4 animal unit, and youngstock dairy is .3 . In response to Seeboth's question about why a covered facility was not chosen, Hoffman said the cost would be prohibitive. Hoffman informed the board that he would use a piston pump in the lagoon. When a piston pump is used, it is more likely that a crust can form over the manure basin. The manure will be agitated twice a year for manure application, according to the conditional use permit. In other business the board: * Approved the expenditure of $9,300 for an upgrade of a computer network for the county attorney. * Approved the purchase of equipment for 2000 for Information Services in the amount of $12,568. * Approved the low bids for construction of the CSB (Community Services Building) interview room at Family Services. New Ulm Building Center was awarded the bid for construction materials at $1,132. Herb Klossner Construction received the construction labor bid at $675. Chuck Baynes/CB Electric received the electrical contractors bid at $357.
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