White Earth Natural Resources Discusses Concerns Over Next Proposed Riverview Dairy Facility Near Reservation Line

Mahnomen, MN — Roughly 6 months ago, Riverview LLP began operations on the 10,000 head Waukon Dairy facility east of Gary in Waukon Township, but plans are already in the works for an even bigger facility to the east on the border between Norman and Mahnomen County and the White Earth Tribe is now speaking up asking tribal members to voice their concerns. An informational session was held on Tuesday for tribal members at the Shooting Star Casino to provide more information about this new facility, which is expected to hold 21,000 head of cattle. White Earth Natural Resources is concerned because the facility is expected to withdraw 325 million gallons of water from the Wild Rice River and another 80 million gallons from groundwater. Dustin Roy, Director of White Earth Natural Resources, says water is everything to the people of the White Earth Reservation and they must protect it.

Jamie Konopacky, Environmental Attorney for the White Earth Nation, says in addition to their water rights, the manure spreading is of serious concern as well.

While the proposed dairy facility would be downstream of the White Earth Reservation, Fisheries Manager Will Bement says any disruption to the watershed, upstream or downstream, can upset the balance in their ecosystem. He references a recent sturgeon restoration project and other fish stocking efforts that could be impacted.

The MPCA is currently conducting an Environmental Review process on the proposed dairy. In the meantime, Bement says they are encouraging tribal members to give testimony and voice their concerns about the facility.

The White Earth Tribe also recently passed a resolution prohibiting new or expanded concentrated feedlot operations on the reservation, which includes manure spreading and water use.