Citizens in the area have organized in opposition to the proposed dairy operation they fear will harm the quality of life in the area. Initial plans for the dairy submitted last year were withdrawn after developers failed to purchase a home and several acres that were included in the proposal, reports the Daily Telegram.

Vreba Hoff Dairy Development spokeswoman Cecilia Conway said in March the consulting firm expected to begin construction on the New Rips Dairy this spring. It is developing the facility for a Dutch family that is to immigrate here.

Revised plans for the dairy operation were submitted several weeks ago, said Stephen Mahoney, resource analyst for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. A review of the construction specifications, comprehensive nutrient management plans and other documents should begin soon, he said. Decisions on whether the proposal meets Agriculture Department regulations could be made by the end of May, he said.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has just begun the process of evaluating documents it has received for the proposed dairy, said agency spokesman Bob McCann.

Source: Usagnet