State sues operator of smelly feedlot

St. Paul, Minn. — (AP) - Attorney General Lori Swanson and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are suing the operator of a smelly feedlot near Thief River Falls.

Swanson's office says the lawsuit seeks to have Excel Dairy's feedlot declared a public nuisance because of air quality violations.

Neighbors have been complaining about the smell coming from the feedlot for more than a month.

The lawsuit also aims make the dairy follow environmental regulations for hydrogen sulfide and stop adding manure into a basin that's supposed to be covered by a thick crust.

Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore says the dairy's operators have failed to take basic steps to control the smell.

Excel Dairy didn't immediately respond to a phone message.

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