Spirit Lake Nation opposes hog farm development near Devils Lake

Monday, September 10, 2018  

Citing a need to protect water, the Spirit Lake Nation is opposing a hog farm near Devils Lake in North Dakota.

Grand Prairie Agriculture plans to house nearly 2,500 hogs at the operation in Ramsey County, according to planning documents. Doing so will require storage containers for manure and wastewater and tribal officials fear a spill will contaminate Devils Lake as well as aquifers that suppl water to the reservation.

"We took this action to hopefully get the state's attention," Vice Chairman Doug Yankton told The Fargo Forum in reference to the passage of a resolution against the project. "The state health department never did come to my tribal government or my people to consult with us."

The hog farm would be located only a half a mile from the northern shore of Devils Lake. The reservation is on the south side of the lake.

The North Dakota Department of Health is holding two hearings on Wednesday to take comments about the hog farm. The tribe is hosting one of the meetings at its Spirit Lake Casino & Resort.

Written comments are also being accepted through September 28.

Tribe takes stand against hog farm near Devils Lake (The Fargo Forum September 7, 2018)