The Red River Basin Commission Board will meet Thursday, Nov. 6 at the C’mon Inn in Grand Forks to take public comments on Riverview ND LLP’s proposed mega-dairy.
Public Weighs In: Grand Forks Mega-Dairy Proposal
Lead: In the stone-fireplace lobby of the C’mon Inn on 32nd Avenue South, a sign-up sheet will greet neighbors and farmers alike Thursday night, as the Red River Basin Commission Board opens the floor to public comments on a proposed mega-dairy by Riverview ND LLP.
The Red River Basin Commission Board will take public input Thursday, Nov. 6 at the C’mon Inn (3051 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks) on a large dairy proposal from Riverview ND LLP. The commission describes its mission as working across borders to improve water management in the Red River basin, including reducing flood risk and protecting water quality, according to the Red River Basin Commission’s overview materials RRBC. Residents can speak in person; those unable to attend are encouraged to monitor the agenda and contact information posted by the Commission for options to submit written comments.
To participate effectively, arrive early to sign up for a public comment slot and bring a concise written statement. Check the Red River Basin Commission’s website for the latest agenda and procedures, and watch the City of Grand Forks notices for any related local reviews or permits that may follow.
Proposal Unpacked: What’s at Stake?
The Riverview ND LLP project under discussion is framed as a large-scale dairy—often classified as a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) under state and federal thresholds—requiring multiple layers of review if it advances. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) notes that “CAFOs must obtain a permit under the North Dakota Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPDES),” designed to prevent discharges to state waters NDDEQ.
Backers of large dairies typically point to jobs, local feed purchases, trucking, veterinary services, and tax base growth. NDSU Extension has reported that dairy development can support allied sectors such as feed milling, transportation, and equipment maintenance, particularly in regions with existing cropland and grain supplies NDSU Extension. At the same time, projects of this scale raise questions about siting, traffic on rural roads, and compatibility with surrounding land uses—issues that would involve county and possibly city authorities if the location falls near Grand Forks’ planning areas.
Community Voices: The Heartbeat of Local Perspective
Expect a spectrum of views Thursday. Producers and some business owners often highlight the chance to diversify the Red River Valley’s agricultural base and keep young families in the region. Others—neighbors, environmental advocates, and downstream residents—tend to press for detailed plans on manure management, odor, water withdrawals, and emergency protocols during high-water events along the Red River.
The basin’s history with high water and nutrient concerns is never far from mind here. The Red River Basin Commission’s mission emphasizes basin-wide collaboration to “reduce flood damage” and “improve water quality,” priorities that resonate in Grand Forks given past floods and ongoing river stewardship through the Greenway and local stormwater rules RRBC. Thursday’s forum is a chance to put local knowledge—of soils, ditches, and neighborhood patterns—on the record before any permitting decisions are made.
Environmental & Economic Balances
Environmental review centers on water and waste. NDDEQ requires nutrient management plans, engineering controls, and monitoring for permitted CAFOs to protect surface and groundwater NDDEQ. For context, NDSU Extension notes that a lactating dairy cow can drink roughly 30–50 gallons of water per day depending on conditions—use that scales up quickly at mega-dairy size and must be balanced against local aquifer capacity and drought resilience NDSU Extension.
Economically, proponents argue a large dairy could stabilize milk supply chains and spur regional processing or transport links, particularly along the I-29 corridor. Analysts often caution, however, that the net local impact depends on where animals are sourced, how feed is contracted, and whether processing is in-state or across the river in Minnesota—questions Grand Forks residents can press during the comment period. The Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce maintains resources on business climate and workforce that may inform the discussion as details emerge Grand Forks Chamber.
What’s Next: Monitoring Developments
Thursday’s hearing is a listening session for the Board; it is not a final up-or-down vote on permits. After collecting comments, the Red River Basin Commission Board typically summarizes feedback and may request additional studies or coordinate with state and local regulators. Any formal approvals related to water, discharge, construction, or zoning would proceed through the appropriate agencies—primarily NDDEQ for NDPDES permitting and local governments for land-use decisions. Residents can also track city and county agendas via the City of Grand Forks’ public meeting portal City of Grand Forks.
If you can’t attend, look for posted minutes or recordings through the Commission, and consider submitting written comments to the Board via its listed contact channels. Ongoing updates will be reflected in agency notices as the proposal moves—or does not move—into formal permitting.
A Decision That Belongs to the Basin
Grand Forks has long balanced growth with stewardship of the Red River. This week’s forum asks a familiar question with new stakes: how to welcome investment while protecting water, roads, and neighborhood life. Turning out to speak, listen, and ask specific, documentable questions is the most practical way to shape what happens next.
The path forward is not just about yes or no; it is about conditions, accountability, and fit. As details sharpen, so should the community’s expectations for transparency—from the proponent and from every reviewing agency.
What to Watch
Meeting outcomes: Look for a summary of public comments and any requests for additional analysis from the Board within the next few weeks.
Next filings: Watch NDDEQ’s CAFO/NDPDES postings and City/County agendas for any permit applications or land-use reviews tied to a specific site.
Continued input: Expect additional chances to comment if the proposal advances to formal permitting; timelines will be posted by the Red River Basin Commission and NDDEQ.
