Massive new dairy operations proposed just across the North Dakota border have raised significant concerns about their potential impact on Manitoba’s waterways, including the already stressed Lake Winnipeg. Growing evidence suggests these projects could dramatically increase nutrient pollution in the Red River watershed.
According to the Manitoba Eco-Network, “To put the size of these operations in perspective, at present Manitoba has around 45,000 milk cows, supporting about 240 farms in the entire province. North Dakota currently has around 8,900 milk cows supporting about 24 dairy farms across the state. These two CAFOs will more than quadruple the number of milking cows in North Dakota, and add nearly as many milking cows in the Red River watershed as there are in all of Manitoba.” https://mbeconetwork.org/north-dakota-cow-crap-will-harm-lake-winnipeg/
As Animal Justice notes, “The farms are within 1.5 miles of these important bodies of water. These large-scale, industrialized facilities are expected to generate as much sewage waste as a city of 1.5 million people. Unlike a city, they will have no municipal sewage treatment infrastructure.” https://animaljustice.ca/blog/north-dakota-mega-dairy
Mike Moyes, Manitoba’s environment and climate change minister, warns that “Those dairy mega-projects could add more nutrients to an already struggling Lake Winnipeg downstream.” https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/manitoba-flags-u-s-mega-dairy-plans-for-international-review/ The huge volumes of manure risk worsening what is already a serious nutrient problem.
The International Joint Commission’s International Red River Watershed Board is now reviewing their permits, amid growing public pressure. Please reach out to your MLA and push for a strong cross-border review to protect our lakes and rivers. If you’re concerned about the health of the water in Manitoba please consider supporting groups like the Manitoba Eco-Network, the Wilderness Committee Manitoba and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Manitoba Chapter.