Excel Dairy

The Minnesota Pollution Control Board warned Excel Dairy at a June 22 hearing this was the dairy's last chance to correct the air emissions problems with their dairy operation in Marshall County near Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

After hours of testimony, reducing neighbors and one Citizen’s Board member to tears, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted a one year permit to Excel Dairy. The unusually short permit (most are issued for five years) reflects the 1500 head dairy’s record of permit violations, odor complaints and conflict with local residents and agencies.

Excel Dairy made history recently as the only feedlot in US history to be declared a public health hazard by a state health department. Approximately 28 million gallons of manure are stored on the dairy's site near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Hydrogen sulfide, a potent neurotoxin emitted by stored liquid manure, has been monitored by MPCA and grossly exceeded Minnesota Air Quality Standards. Excel Dairy’s cattle have been removed from their buildings because the lagoons are about to overflow.