On June 22, 2026, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced that they will not require an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for Riverview LLP, which wants to expand its existing West River Dairy facility near Morris from 7,855 cows to 18,855 cows.
By law, the MPCA must base its decision on environmental factors, but through the public comment process, the agency received many comments on the social and economic impact of larger dairies.
Because of that feedback, the MDA solicited input about non-environmental impacts and will issue a report to the Minnesota Legislature with a summary of our findings. This process is not a duplication of the MPCA’s decision but a more in-depth look at what economic and social implications larger dairies (approximately 10,000 or more cows) have for communities around the state. Stay tuned for more information on the report.
Comments and Virtual Meetings
The comment period is closed. Written and online comments, as well as comments from two meetings hosted by the MDA, were gathered July 28 to Oct. 1
The recordings from the two meetings are posted below.
