Manitoba challenges two U.S. dairy farms

Manitoba has asked the International Joint Commission to rule against proposals to develop two large dairy farms in North Dakota.

Manitoba’s Environment Ministry has formally raised concerns that nutrient runoff from the farms for 40,000 cows could severely impact the health of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River watershed. 

It cited existing data showing that phosphorus and nitrogen levels are already excessively high at the international border.

Despite the role of the International Joint Commission, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has already granted the necessary permits, asserting that their regulations prohibit surface-water discharges and that continuous oversight of the facilities will be maintained.

North Dakota’s Governor Kelly Armstrong said the proposed dairies not only meet all stringent state and federal standards but also represent “responsible growth that benefits local economies while protecting our natural resources.”