Environment and Natural Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeanie Votava, (605) 773-3351

Britannia Dairy Complies with DENR Order

PIERRE – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cited Britannia Dairy for failing to operate according to requirements contained in the state General Water Pollution Control Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.

Britannia Dairy, located near Flandreau, applied for a water pollution control permit for 2,000-head of dairy cattle. However, the dairy violated the permitting process by bringing in dairy cows and populating the dairy before all construction on its manure management system was complete.  DENR inspectors also found that substantial changes from the approved design were made during construction of the manure containment system without first obtaining DENR approval.

“The general permit for concentrated animal feeding operations describes the process for owners and operators to comply with the state requirements for protecting the environment,” said DENR Secretary Steve Pirner.  “For DENR to enforce those environmental requirements in a consistent manner, it is important for producers to follow the permitting procedures that have been adopted.” 

Britannia Dairy cooperated fully with DENR in the investigation, and is now following the requirements of their permit.  They are also complying with DENR’s order to submit additional construction plans and specifications for review and approval.  No environmental harm occurred as a result of the violations.

DENR assessed Britannia Dairy a $2,529 penalty, which the dairy has already paid, and the fine has been deposited in the state Environmental Livestock Cleanup Fund.  

To help owners and operators of livestock feeding operations understand the requirements of the general permit and other environmental aspects of livestock production, a number of training opportunities are provided each year by the SDSU Cooperative Extension Service and DENR.  To date, 870 people have completed this training provided by the state.  For information on training opportunities, contact Kim Cassel, SDSU, at 605-688-4147.  For information on the permitting of concentrated animal feeding operations, call DENR at 1-800-GET-DENR or visit their website at www.state.sd.us/cafo.

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