The Manitoba government is urging the creation of a cross-border agency to address water issues tied to two massive dairy farms proposed in North Dakota. The Environmental Minister of Canada warned the projects, which together would house over 37,000 cows and generate more than 15 million pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen annually, could worsen pollution in Lake Winnipeg.
The province has raised the issue with the International Joint Commission, stressing that communication and cooperation are essential but making clear it will not accept threats to the lake’s health.
Environmental groups argue the mega-dairies, owned by Riverview Farms, could quadruple North Dakota’s dairy herd and overwhelm the Red River watershed. Advocates highlighted the risk of massive manure accumulation, toxic algae blooms, and threats to drinking water for thousands of people.
Photo Credit: Adventures.com
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