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BISMARCK. - A permit for a proposed hog operation near Wolford has been approved by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
The department reported the decision to reissue a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit to SAO II, LLP, for Hexagon II, a proposed large swine operation in Pierce County, came following comprehensive application review and careful consideration of public comments.
According to the NDDEQ, Dakota SAO II identified sufficient cropland for applying manure as fertilizer in accordance with North Dakota nutrient management requirements. In response to public comments, the NDDEQ reevaluated the setback analysis. As an additional precaution, fields near Hurricane Lake were removed from the nutrient management plan and additional setbacks were established while maintaining the acreage required under the plan.
Some concerns raised during the public comment period, including the facility's water source and location, fall outside the NDDEQ's permitting authority and therefore are not addressed through this permit.
NDDEQ staff will regularly inspect the facility during construction to verify compliance with permit conditions. Once the facility begins operating, inspections will occur at least annually.
"We appreciate the public comments received during this process," said Marty Haroldson, Division of Water Quality director. "Following a thorough review, Dakota SAO II addressed concerns raised and made adjustments that strengthened protections for public health and the environment."