Dakota Resource Council concerned about proposed dairy farm near Abercrombie
ABERCROMBIE, N.D. (KVRR) — The Dakota Resource Council held a press conference with concerned people and water quality advocates over the proposed Abercrombie Dairy.
They are worried about possible groundwater contamination.
The farm by Riverview is proposed to have a 12,500-head dairy cattle operation on top of the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer.
Advocates presented evidence of states like Iowa having similar farm and leakage that contaminated water.
They estimate that up to 80 million gallons of water could leak without a synthetic liner or leak detection system.
“Everyone behind this project sidestepped real questions and pushed this project forward before we knew the full scope of all the risks. Leaving local families to face the unknown without a voice in a decision-making process,” said Cindy Zick, Resident of Abercrombie.
In a statement from the Riverview, they said:
“Claims about manure discharging into the Red River and contamination of groundwater are not true. Riverview cares about the environment and our neighbors. Our farms are designed, built, and operated to contain all manure on-site and protect our waterways. We believe this is consistent with being a good neighbor. Furthermore, it’s required by law—state and federal regulations prohibit manure discharges to waterways.
Abercrombie Dairy’s manure storage basins will be triple-lined with (1) compacted clay, (2) a thick synthetic liner, and (3) an additional synthetic liner for an extra margin of safety. These liners will be impermeable and protective of our aquifers.
Abercrombie Dairy’s manure will be utilized on croplands as a renewable and organic fertilizer, replacing synthetic fertilizers that would otherwise be used. This manure will be tilled into the soil in a manner that uses the nutrients in crop production, so they are not lost to waterways. This process is detailed in a prescriptive nutrient management plan—a condition of our permit that is required by law to ensure proper land application of manure.
We believe this is a great location for a dairy, with strong support from local farmers and community members. This site has been reviewed and approved by North Dakota’s rigorous permitting process as well.
The most important thing we want people to know is that we desire to be good neighbors. We appreciate feedback from all stakeholders, and we welcome interested parties to visit us for a farm tour. Our North Dakota farms will be modeled after existing farms in Minnesota and South Dakota. We hope those with concerns will come to see our practices firsthand.”
