In June, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency failed Minnesotans when it refused to require a full environmental impact statement (EIS) for Riverview LLP’s massive West River Dairy expansion in Stevens County. That decision left Stevens County families, farmers, neighbors, and local officials to face the risks of an operation that would hold more than 26,000 animal units without the full review this project demands. Now, Minnesotans across the state have an important role to play: you can stand with Stevens County residents and urge local elected officials to protect the people, land, water, and future of their community.

On Monday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m., the Stevens County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the Morris Senior High School Auditorium (201 S. Columbia Ave., Morris, Minn.) to review Riverview’s conditional use permit application.

This hearing represents the last chance to provide formal public comments related to this factory farm expansion — and we need to show up, be heard, and be seen. A massive turnout will make it clear that both Greater Minnesota and Stevens County residents are watching, organized, and ready to hold local officials accountable.

If you are considering attending the hearing on Aug. 3, please sign up here so the Land Stewardship Project can
get in touch with you.

Riverview’s proposed expansion would add 15,400 animal units, require 250 million gallons of liquid manure storage, and consume 319 million gallons of water every single year. The scale of this project — if it goes forward, it will be the largest concentrated animal feeding operation in the state — is exactly why Stevens County must not rubber-stamp this permit. We need to pack the room and show local officials that we do not want this mega-operation in Minnesota.

• Attend in person: Be at the Morris Senior High School Auditorium on Monday, August. 3, by 7 p.m., and stand with your neighbors against this expansion.
• Speak up: Share your concerns directly with the Planning Commission during the public hearing portion of the meeting. If you are considering attending, please sign up here so the Land Stewardship Project can get in touch with you.
• Submit written comments: If you cannot make it on Aug. 3, e-mail your comments in advance to rebeccayoung@co.stevens.mn.us, or mail your comments to 400 Colorado Ave., Morris, MN 56267 (Attn: Rebecca Young).

For decades, rural communities have had to organize when state regulators fall short. This is one of those moments. Let’s stand together, fill the auditorium, and make sure Stevens County officials hear us loud and clear: deny Riverview’s permit.