We're concerned about the 10,000 head of cattle to be relocated on the site that Jason Wirtz said would be "very conducive to put a feedlot on," approximately 10 to 15 miles northwest of Mandan, where the prevailing wind is from the northwest.

My husband, Gene and I ride our motorcycle around different parts of the country every summer and we can both testify that the stench of feedlots radiates much farther than a 10-mile radius and permeates the region where the feedlots are located. The odor has a high ammonia content that is very offensive. The EPA News, on March 31, 2006, said "Animal wastes are typically high in nutrients, including ammonia and other pollutants, which can cause decreased oxygen levels in receiving waters. Cattle feedlot wastewater may also contain a number of bacterial and viral pathogens (such as E. coli) as well as parasites (such as cryptosporidium). Illness caused by ingestion of these microorganisms can result in gastroenteritis, fever and kidney failure."

We live in Mandan and are cheered by the recent efforts of our city to clean up the diesel fuel under the city, remediate the downtown district and create a renaissance zone. Ken LaMont, our outgoing mayor said "It was the beginning of our opportunity to become what we can be."

We hear over and over that this is one of the most pivotal points in Mandan's history. We need to seriously weigh the consequences of the proposed feedlot (and the existing one which is too close to the river) and how it will impact the future livability of our city.