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 � 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.)