On Nov. 30, AgWeek reporter Jenny Schlecht wrote,”I hope the Legislature keeps looking at ways to increase livestock numbers. But I hope they focus on a couple of key points as they work: Who will raise the livestock? And how can development be managed in a way that gains the acceptance of the people of the state?” How indeed.

The Department of Environmental Quality is not following its stated policy of having a public hearing on a concentrated animal feeding operation “if there is significant interest.” Responding to an Aug. 19 notification, almost 300 area people signed a petition asking for a public hearing on the proposed 12,500 head Riverview Farm Dairy in Abercrombie, N.D. Furthermore, a majority of voting members of the Richland County Farm Bureau who responded to a mailed survey oppose the project.

The DEQ says an extension of 2 weeks for the submission of written comments to the 3,000+ page file and a Sept. 12 Riverview-sponsored information session are adequate substitutes for an official public hearing. People who were not comfortable writing but wanted an opportunity to come in person to express their thoughts on the record are out of luck.

This action does not instill trust that Bismarck is working in a transparent manner, nor does it help animal ag “gain acceptance of the people of the state.” The DEQ itself should hold a public meeting in Abercrombie – properly announced, with comments on the record with official responses. Please start the New Year right.

Madeline Luke lives in Valley City, N.D.