Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Large feedlot in development

Large feedlot in development

Jun 19, 2008 - 04:06:22 CDT

By CHRIS ROSACKER
Bismarck Tribune

State officials are looking favorably on a proposed feedlot north of Crown Butte Dam.

The 137-acre proposed site is approximately 10 to 15 miles northwest of Mandan on 31st Avenue and 35th Street, at least a mile away from any residences.

Fred Berger, owner of Berger Cattle Co., proposed the lot to relocate 985 head of cattle he has at a site 1.5 miles west of Mandan, along the Heart River. It would be built to hold 10,000 head of cattle, some of which Berger would consolidate from other sites.

His current feedlot closer to Mandan is too close to the river to permit the construction of dikes. This prevents Berger from adequately preventing runoff at that location.

The North Dakota Department of Health set up a timeline for Berger to vacate the feedlot, dependent upon his ability to relocate.

"One of the benefits environmentally is he is moving from a bad spot to a much better spot ï¿½ with the ability to design an appropriate containment system," said Karl Rockeman, of the water quality division of the North Dakota Department of Health. "It's like a blank slate."

Ten thousand head would be one of the state's largest feedlots. Berger owns one of the other largest by Gascoyne, which Rockeman said has had no problems with runoff. He described it as a "well-managed and well-run" feedlot.

Morton County requires all runoff be contained and that the owner have adequate land to apply the manure to, in moderate rates. Berger has set aside 4,100 acres for the disposal of waste.

In addition, before the health department will approve the site, a comprehensive plan detailing amounts dispersed at which locations and a three-year rotation schedule must be provided.

The health department also must approve structures. Berger plans to build two holding ponds and earth dikes. He also will provide $20,000 to the county to regravel the road leading to the site.

"This site is very conducive to put a feedlot on," said Jason Wirtz, coordinator of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's Livestock Pollution Prevention Program.

"We're basically putting this in the middle of nowhere and won't be infringing on anyone," he said.

The Crown Butte Housing Development is approximately three miles south of the proposed site and has more than 50 residential properties. One resident contacted the Tribune about her concerns, but refused to speak on the record.

"The first thing people will say is that the odor will decrease property value," said Jan Hoge, a real estate agent at Alliance Real Estate.

"Where is a good place for a feedlot, I don't know. But probably not next to a development," she said.

If the Morton planning commission approves the site, then it also must be passed by the county commission. Following that, the state health department must approve building plans before construction can begin.

Berger argues that his site is far enough away from anyone.

"The thing about it nowadays as compared to 20 to 25 years ago is now, you can't even build it with the health department and (the agriculture department) making sure that when this is done, that you've minimized your risks as much as possible," Berger said.

Residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns at Morton County Planning Commission hearing June 26.

Rockeman said the designers of the site, K2S Engineering, have done feedlots all over the state.

"I'm confident they will design a system that meets the rules and protects the ground and water," Rockeman said.

(Reach Chris Rosacker at 250-8254 or at chris.rosacker@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

CC wrote on Jun 28, 2008 6:23 PM:

" A million dollar grant??!! And I heard the feedlot cowboys are going to be riding unicorns... "

To Not Sure wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:14 PM:

" Million dollar grant? Where exactly would one receive such a thing? Perhaps you're referring to cost-share, which is nothing like a grant and includes all sorts of regulations and stipulations and yearly status checks and basically inviting the government into your operation at any time they see the need. For all of that, you receive approximately 50% of whatever value was set for the work when the application was received, which is on average at least a year or so prior, so the actual costs of the project exceed what cost-share levels are set at, making it by far not a "money making" ordeal.

The benefit of the cost-share is allowing people to implement these systems that actual put conservation efforts on the ground and improve those exact things that most are complaining of: water quality, air quality, ground water endangerment, etc. Unless Mr. Berger is aware of some miracle program that no other rancher has ever heard of, I highly doubt he's receiving a million dollar grant to put in a system just because he feels like it.

What road improvement and upgrades are you talking about? A second ago everyone is complaining that there land values are going to bottom out, now we're worried about taxes going up because someone is putting in a feedlot? Are you concerned about increased traffic due to semis and feeding needs? Or all of the traffic from gawkers and those waiting in the wings to report him for some misstep?

I'll address some of the other concerns before they're brought up: 1) There will not be an increase in the number of alien cattle abductions; 2)Homegrown tomatoes will not suddenly be at an increased risk of carrying salmonella; 3) North Dakota will not be forced to break from the United States and become a providence of Canada. I hope that relieves some people's as-yet unspoken fears. If not, please, bring them forward and we can try to address them sensibly and in a manageable fashion. Thank you. "

dj wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:31 PM:

" The county can attach speacial assement taxes for the upkeep on the road, like they want to do in other housing developments.
I have no doubt in my mind that the Planing and Zoning will allow this feedlot to go in. I am not against the farmer but, I don't feel it should be that close to that ols housing development! Berger should have moved out of Mandan before he even put his operation there! I wonder how he got a million dollar grant for this? "

cd wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:31 PM:

" It sure is comical about the Crown Butte residents complaining about this feedlot that will be miles from their development when they should be tackling the messes that their residents have in their yards, etc. Those uncaring people who don't care about the looks of their properties are bringing the property values down out there, not a proposed feedlot. Let's let progress keep going. "

justathought wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:43 PM:

" I decided to drive out to the Crown Butte subdivision everyone was talking about, it appears that if the citizens in this area would complain as much about the upkeep of this subdivision as they are the proposed feedlot their property would immensely increase in value!!!! One of the objections to this feedlot is that it will decrease property values in the Crown Butte Subdivision. It looks like many citizens in this area have decreased their own and their neighbors property values drastically, it literally looks as though a tornado tore through there(garbage and junk all over yards, rotting buildings, broken windows). I do want to commend the people in Crown Butte who you can tell work really hard to keep their place neat and appealling despite their terrible circumstances. My point is this feedlot will not decrease your property value anymore than your next door neighbor already has!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Not Sure wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Just curious how much Morton County taxes will go up due to road improvement, upkeep, etc. Since Mr Berger already received a million dollar grant for this feedlot, is he going to assume the brunt of that expense? Can I expect to pay more in taxes for my house and property? "

West of Mandan resident wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:24 PM:

" To the people concerned about the land values and smell: South of Kist Livestock and East of the sewage treatment plant, less then a couple hundred feet away there are the highest priced lots in Mandan. $100,000 plus! Then theres north of Mandan, River View Heights has a lagoon for their sewage waste. Right across the road is Entzel acres, those lots are all sold out. Then theres Roughriders another lagoon, I can smell that one form where I live. And lastly, Crown Butte subdivision, another lagoon to handle there sewage. Surly these people have something else to complain about. "

agisgreat wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Concerned Citizen, the article regarding the Thief River Falls feedlot is not a valid argument. That feedlot is a confined dairy operation, which is completely different than an open air feedlot, housing beef cattle. There is no way to correctly compare the two of them. Please do your research and visit some feedlot sites that are already permitted by the State. I think that you will see that this is not going to be the end of civilization in your area. I hope that this feedlot will be approved and the communities will realize that agriculture is the only reason that this state is not in a full blown recession, as the rest of our nation is. I am so glad that the Berger family is able to afford such an expensive relocation and just not being forced to shut down their operation, as many ND cattle ranchers are being forced to do because of the huge costs involved. "

Concerned wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:59 AM:

" First, let me state that I do come from an agricultural background and I still have family and relatives who farm and ranch. I worked in the industry for several years even after leaving the family farm and ranch. I understand the difficulties these individuals go through to stay viable, and the long hard hours they put in daily to make their operations work. Farming and ranching comes with responsibility to the communities and environments within which they live and operate. Most farmers and ranchers do this well. This is their lively hood and they dont want to do anything to ruin it. But sometimes mistakes and bad choices are made.

Negatives include costing the county valuable dollars for needed road improvements and maintenance, as well as the air quality and potential environmental hazards.

Positives include more jobs in the area, the clean up of the current feedlot along the Heart River, and the fact the K2S is involved in the design process. Im certain they will do a great job to minimize the environmental impact as much as possible. I doubt that Fred Berger would have hired them otherwise.

I live in Mandan, and when the wind is directly out of the West, you can most definitely smell the current feedlot. I use to live eight miles from a large feedlot, it did meet all of the environmental standards, run off, air quality, etc., but you could smell it VERY clearly from my home.

The concerns of the residents of the Crown Butte area are very valid and should not be simply written off as ignorance. Their concerns need to be the concerns of all Bismarck and Mandan area residents, not just Crown Butte residents.

There probably is not a perfect location for a feedlot, but some choices are better than others. "

feedlot wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Yes they do have strisct guidelines to follow but we all know that problems can arise and will, it will just be a matter of when the problems will arise. If Fred Berger will follow all the strict guidelines, why is there waste going into the Heart River now from his feedlot thats by Johnson's wrecking???? "

ropen wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:41 AM:

" YOu are right about that ddedee but the issue is tha we dont want it in Crown butte. Ther is plenty of other locations to go to out of the areas of small community Ther is no reason for this to come her to the development area. Crown butte is starting to grow lets let it grow but with out the feed lot "

DDeDee wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:25 AM:

" To the people who are worried about the run off. The run off will flow to cement ponds that are built (to code) to hold the run off. Some of the manure will be spread in fields for fertilizer just as farmers have been doing for hundreds of years. I am not saying that Berger should be able to built at the proposed site. I don't even know where it is at. I am just saying the company building it does a good job and everything is built to state and federal codes due to environmental concerns. Like I said in my other post.....If I lived in Crown Butte I probably would not be real happy about it either. I am just trying to prove a point that the environement is not going to be thrashed like some people are trying to say. "

ropen wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:19 PM:

" yea not in your back yard cattle not the enemy. I have nothing against cattle but it is to close to developement and is my back yard and i am not stupid to farming ect.
I support the farmers but not in MY BACK YARD I am limited to how many horses and cattle I can have...... "

feedlot wrote on Jun 24, 2008 3:00 PM:

" I just read the letter to the editor in the Tribune today, I did not realize how many negative outcomes that can come from this feedlot! It is Scary! Check it out! "

to go for it wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:50 PM:

" I can't smell the feed lot and I am just east of Mr. Berger's business. How the heck can you smell it in Bismarck? Maybe it is your neighbors garbage. "

Watch where you build wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:35 PM:

" I think Fred Berger should and hopefully builds his feedlot. When you build or buy a house you should look at what the surrounding areas are zoned for. If you don't like that then don't buy or build where you do. If it is zoned agricultural then they have the right to build there.
Please don't complain about Kist either they have been their a long time. I am waiting for the new Lakewood lots that back up to Mandan's water treatment facility and Kist when they will start the complaining of the smell.
Without these people we would not enjoy our Hamburgers, Steaks, ETc. and without the treatment facility welll you know what could happen. "

To Crown Butte Resident wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Your right, there is a difference between 150 and 10,000 head. A man running a 10,000 head feedlot will have stricter controls, tighter regulations, more babysitters and everyone's eyes on him. He won't be able to blow his nose without the state knowing about it. A feedlot designed by K2S and installed following state regulations will have less chance of any environmental impact than any 150-head operation. If Mr. Berger has the land, he has the right to see it through. "

Crown Butte Resident wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:11 PM:

" I personally believe that anyone that wants a feedlot in their back yard can support the feedlot and then let me know, you can buy my house and deal with the smell and decreased property value.
Mr Berger just needs to find a spot alot further away from any development area.

As for diggs, there is a very big difference between 150 and 10,000 head. "

Cattle arent the enemy wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Hmmm...it appears that ignorance has once again reared its ugly head. Although, I'm not that surprised. North Dakota IS an agricultural state, that's not going to change anytime real soon. Everyone wants roads repaired, industry to expand, money to be spent, but no one want it in their backyard. Will there be a smell? I would imagine so, since you can't have that many animals without SOME odor (I suppose we could look into DNA mutations to eliminate odor from the animals, but then you'll complain about GMOs and will quit eating beef). I will say that it won't be as bad as some of you seem to think. It's not like you'll have a large gray cloud of fecal matter floating through your subdivision. If the feedlot does its job properly (and they will have to, being that large they will be monitored by the health department, and I'm guessing being that close, they will be monitored VERY closely. I'm sure all of you "concerned" citizens will be quick to call if there's something amiss.)

It's funny that when a town wants to expand and take up good, productive farmland, those of us farming that land are supposed to give it up and be grateful for the opportunities that come with the growing economy, but when that same farmer wants to do the same thing, then we're hurting the neighbors. As I see it, you can't have it both ways, we're either free to expand, or we're not supporting what it means to be an American. "Land of the Free? Sure, as long as you're not in my backyard." "

ropen wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:04 PM:

" you can have it in burliegh then ddedee I dont want it neither do the people in our area. "

what about you wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Of course most of the residents that dont live in crown butte dont care but think of those of us that do. If you that suport it so much can buy are places out I will be at the meeting on thurs. I am not going to be still on this one. I dont want a feed lot in my back yard ..... Go farther out away from all the developement areas This is not healthy for any of us nor is it something I want to live around and if not then berger can buy our homes out from us and appraisal rate now. Not then. "

Dakota wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:42 AM:

" I've been a few miles from the big feed lots in Dodge City Kansas....These things smell for many miles away. "

Law wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:57 AM:

" When you live in an agricultural area there is going to be agricultural items in your neighborhood. I like how people say move it to St. Anthony. The old not in my back yard argument. If it isn't safe for you why is it safe for someone in St. Anthony? "

negative impacts of a feedlot wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:13 AM:

" Well I see a lot of people have a lot to say about this issue! Anybody that wants to know what feedlots can do to people's health and other concerns, go on the internet and search, you will find tons of negative impacts from a feedlot, and then come to the planning and zoning meeting at the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan on Thursday June 26th at 5:30 p.m. and voice your concerns and lets show them our concerns through our eyes. "

what about you wrote on Jun 23, 2008 5:44 PM:

" If you think it is a good place to put a feed lot 3 miles for a rural subdivision then you can buy my home, new homes out there kids out ther and also it is going to drop our property values and endanger our water and the air we breath you want to gripe about smokers this is even worse. He can go further North or South I heard he can go to st anthony's well go that way then. It is to close for comfort "

Becky wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:56 PM:

" There is a HUGE difference between Kist, 150+ head, the 1,500 head, and the current number of cattle Berger is keeping now. He is talking about 10,000 head of cattle. I agree with the first poster. We will smell this feedlot.

While there will be positive benefits to our state, it is NOT 100%. It will be noticed by all of us. "

regina wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:41 PM:

" People i have no problem with feed lots how ever I do next to new developements this is going to lower our property values and these our new homes out ther ther are health issues ther are road issues this is not the place to have a feed lot this needs to go further out . Not near crown butt or any other developing area. "

WD wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:27 PM:

" As far as I can see, Fred Berger and the involved government agencies have done all that needs to be done to insure the feedlot will be properly constructed and operated. I hope it is successful and profitable. It will be good for Morton County. It is more appropriate for the feedlot to be in this area than a rural subdivision. Rural subdivisions are more of a blight than is a feedlot. "

harpua wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:21 PM:

" If they build it,don't eat the fish outta Crown Butte dam... "

Law wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:54 PM:

" Concerned citizen, those are finally some valid concerns. Whenever there is development the county needs to look at the infrastructure in the area. But the groundwater concern is unfounded. The state health dept. has guidelines that must be followed in the construction of such a facility. The HD stated they are happy he is moving to that site. I do not believe that the problem in Thief River was caused through normal operations. Don't let your kids play on the road and they should be safe. "

diggs wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:27 AM:

" As others have said, "before passing judgement on this proposed feedlot location, consider where the previous locations was, consider that the new location is being designed by the best livestock waste management engineering firm around, consider that groundwater issues will be addressed, consider that this is a farmer/rancher is trying to do the right thing.

Finally, for those so concerned, why are you not concerned about the 150+ head cattle operation just north of the Crown Butte Recreation Area that does not have runoff controls and is running its waste directly into the reservoir. "

concerned citizen wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:05 AM:

" I did take a look at the proposed site for the feedlot, and if we get enough rainfall it could easily jeopardized the groundwater and their eadily could be a runoff of the waste(manure). Did anyone look at the artcile what happened in Thief River Falls, MN, that all the people around the feedlot had to evacuate because of the hydrogen sulfide fumes from the manure, this feedlot had only 1,500 head of cattle, this propsed feedlot constructed by Fred Berger will have 10,000. The wind usually comes from the NW so even on a windy day people will be able to smell this feedlot in Mandan. There are other concerns that come about like who will maintain these roads out here, the weight limit on them now is 28,000 pounds going over the three bridges to get to this proposed feedlot, on each semi-truck hauling the cattle will have on it 80,000 pounds of cattle. So who will maintain the roads? Also, the road to get to the proposed feedlot will not fit a semi-truck and a school bus because of the road being so narrow, so now we have to look at the safety of our children on the school bus and what if theres kids playing and a semi comes over the hill fast or if its winter and how icey it gets on that road in the winter time. Another concern is will they have water tests done twice a year in the lagoons. People that live out here will have to have their own water tests done on their wells to make sure they are not being contaminated by the feedlot. "

cd wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:51 AM:

" I don't think people have to worry so much about the smell from Berger's feedlot. It sounds like they have a good plan for development. I live in Mandan and smell Kist LIvestock many, many times - that is probably where that smell is coming from for the Bismarck people. People have talked about pig farm smells - let me tell you, pig farms smell a whole lot worse than feed lots!! "

Law wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:24 AM:

" He will be moving his current feedlot which is a lot closer to Bismarck/Mandan. The new location will be able to have all the dikes and protective barriers that the old site (along the river) could not. Moving it will actually help stop runoff into the river. The new feedlot is not close to the river. Go take a look at the proposed site. The county has put a moratorium on developments for the time being so after the feedlot is built they can control the development around it. If someone can smell cattle in Bismarck now they have a better sense of smell than I do. "

As Long As wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:05 AM:

" I'm all for Bergers feed lot as long it will keep these foolish, selfish subdividing developers and their enablers, local governments, from their ever expanding fatal virus called 'new economy' "

Farmers are feeding YOU wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Before people fly off the handle about this feedlot I think they should educate themselves. Go visit a feedlot. Read real envirmental and odor studies done by Universities. Go to Perdue's website. Learn how livestock manure is a value commodity right now, and it is too valuable to be floating down any ditch. There are people out there with an agenda. If you enjoy paying $5 for a gallon of gas, just wait til America has to import all our food. You will really like paying $10 for a pound of hamburger. Berger will run a good operation. No one lives within 1 mile of the proposed site. If you don't like the smell of the country, stay in the city. This is where people work to feed YOU. "

Online Editor wrote on Jun 22, 2008 9:10 AM:

" To Concerned Citizen, worried, Why there should NOT be a feedlot in the Crown Butte Area, meeting: Please choose a single username and stick with it. Using multiple usernames makes it appear that there are more people involved in the conversation than there actually are. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:45 AM:

" We'll before anyone goes ahead and agrees with Fred Berger, maybe they need to know the negative impacts that a feedlot can have on people. For example in Thief River Falls, Minnesota the state health officials had to evacuate everyone that lived near a 1,500 head feedlot because of the hydrogen sulfide fumes from the manure were making people sick with headaches, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems, this just happened in the beginning of June. They only had 1,500 head of cattle, Fred Berger's feedlot will have 10,000 HEAD OF CATTLE, can you just imagine how many people could get sick from that many cattle and how much manure there will be for that much cattle?????????????????????? "

Concerned Angler wrote on Jun 21, 2008 3:08 PM:

" Does anyone know if this is being built within the watershed of Crown Butte Dam? "

DDeDee wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:40 AM:

" I don't believe Bismarck will feel any ill affect by Bergers Feedlot. I do believe they would feel the positive affects if it were to be moved to Burleigh. My cousin owns the biggest feedlot in ND. I can guarantee this company that is building them does a good job and the enviroment will not suffer from it. Morton County should be happy Berger is deciding to stay in Morton and not move elsewhere. The ag. industry in Morton County is what is keeping the county afloat. Don't start chasing off one of the biggest contributers. On the other hand if I lived in Crown Butte I would not be happy about it either. I grew up and still am active in the business, I believe the smell will travel, possibly to Crown Butte but not to Bismarck or even Mandan for that matter. They are 1.5 miles away from Mandan now and you can't smell it. Good luck Berger I hope you find a spot. "

to brain dead wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:54 PM:

" I would be willing to bet if you took cow pasture run off and human waste run off
( which is already in your drinking water ) and had it tested at the state lab, you would be suprised at which one would be less harmful to your health. "

brain dead shill wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:21 PM:

" blah blah blah i love to drink cow pasture runoff. "

WITH HELD wrote on Jun 19, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Congradulations Mr. Berger on doing 2 positive things for both Mandan and the state of North Dakota. First and foremost you are cleaning up the old site. Secondly, adding jobs and industry to the Mandan area and the state. It's great to see more high quality beef being kept here in North Dakota. It means a greater food source for the consumer and less imports from other countries. With technology and the amount of acres you have to reuse the by products, odor should even be an issue for anyone living in town. And for the people that live in a development outside of town that want to pay county taxes and want to live in the country. They should be happy as well, I love living in America. "

regina wrote on Jun 19, 2008 3:26 PM:

" I am totally against this it is to close to the new developement out ther and is not suitable. they need to go out further on this one. I am for supporting the feed lots but not at losing value to my home nor the neighbors I cant have pigs nor chickens at my place because of smell what makes you think i want a feed lot that close "

Healthy River wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:34 PM:

" I agree with Spastnic. Feedlots along any river or tributary are a mistake, especially when the rancher allows the cattle to enter the water system directly. Why not move it far away from rivers and creeks. What happened to using windmills to pump water into a stock tank? Yes, North Dakota is an agricultural state but that does not mean that we need to pollute our rivers. I miss seeing the old style windmills on the prairie. "

splatsnik wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:06 PM:

" Another thing is fecal coliform in the Missouri River watershed, upstream of the metro area. When the ground is frozen, the runoff will travel.

The Bismarck and Mandan water is already chlorinated to the point of tasting and smelling like swimming pool water. What are they planning to do when coliform levels get so high that cow poop can be tasted over the top of the caustic chlorination amount? "

splatsnik wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:02 PM:

" Always up wind? What's the deal with that? Surely the land in that Menoken swamp is cheaper. Why not put the stinking mess over there so Steele can smell it. "

Go for It wrote on Jun 19, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Everyone is correct about the smell, all you have to do is drive north of Carrington to realize how bad it can get. Also in Towner and Rolette counties they have either built or are going to build pig barns. They had a advisory meeting stating that they have ways to control the smell. There were people that live 8 miles away and on any given day could smell the the barns as if you were right next to them. Now one of his feed lots is 1.5 miles west of Mandan and I live in Bismarck on occasion I can walk outside and smell what I believe is to be the feed lot. I don't think there is anything any of us can do as its already taken place which is the unfortunet thing. "

country resident wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:26 AM:

" Best of luck to Mr. Berger. North Dakota is an agricultural state, and people in that industry have to be allowed to do their jobs. It sounds like Mr. Berger is a conscientious cattleman and has done everything in the right way. I'm glad he's conducting his business in our state. Besides, you whiners in Bismarck won't smell a thing above the auto pollution you already enjoy! "

ron wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Feedlots smell -watch the Health department , Because we have some very haze & smokey sky sometime that the Health department said is OKAY!! "

just to make you think wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Crown Butte Development has been there for many years! Three miles away is just to darn close! Mototn County Planning and Zoning is allowing more developments around that already existing one, so what is going to happen down the road aways? What is going to happen in the next 30 years? Can the Planning and Zoning Board see that far into the future? "

Concerned wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:51 AM:

" The prevailing winds in ND come from the West and North West. Bismarck and Mandan WILL smell a feedlot of this size. I've lived in a community which had a feedlot of this size outside the city, also located in the direction of the prevailing winds. I also grew up on a ranch and was familiar with the smells of cattle, but let me say, there was nothing as unpleasant as trying to enjoy outdoor activities of any type with the smell of a large feedlot drifting across town.

I think a feedlot is a great business opportunity for the region, but from experience there needs to be greater consideration for its location in relationship to the larger communities it will affect, and it will affect the quality of life here in Bismarck and Mandan. Guaranteed! "

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