After tribal leaders objected to the project, a large Minnesota corporation is reportedly abandoning a large proposed dairy operation near the White Earth Reservation.
Riverview LLP is headquartered in Morris, Minnesota, and has dairy or beef farming operations in five states.
In October, the company applied for state permits for a dairy operation with more than 20,000 animals near the White Earth Reservation.
One of the reasons White Earth imposed a moratorium on feedlot operations within reservation boundaries was the proposed project.
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Tribal officials were concerned that millions of gallons of manure from the project would be spread on reservation land, threatening surface and ground water on the reservation and nearby land covered by an 1855 treaty granting tribal members the right to harvest natural resources.
Cows line up to be milked.
While tribal officials develop and enact additional regulations, the White Earth moratorium on new or expanded large feedlot operations will remain in effect.
MPR News 2016 | Dan Gunderson
Riverview did not respond to a request for comment, but said in an email to tribal officials this week that it would withdraw the project’s permit applications.
“At Riverview, we strive to be good neighbours at all times. “We have heard your concerns and have decided not to proceed with this project,” a company official wrote in an email.
A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency official confirmed Riverview withdrew the project’s permit application.
‘Sends a powerful message’
“I think it sends a strong message to agribusiness and the state of Minnesota,” White Earth environmental attorney Jamie Konopacky said. “White Earth is a sovereign nation; it has jurisdiction and authority over its land and resources, and the band intends to take all necessary actions to protect those resources.”
“Time and again, the State of Minnesota and large agribusinesses have ignored or disrespected our Tribe’s sovereignty and our land and water resources,” said White Earth Tribal Chairman Michael Fairbanks in a statement.
“The White Earth people’s land and water resources are not for sale, and the Band intends to move forward by strengthening its laws to protect people and the environment,” Fairbanks said.
According to Konopacky, the White Earth moratorium on new or expanded large feedlot operations will remain in place while tribal officials develop and enact additional regulations.
“This is a significant victory for the White Earth Band, tribal members, and the sacred resources of the White Earth Reservation and the 1855 Treaty Territory.”
