Sioux Falls, S.D. — Minnehaha County commissioners have given their approval to a new $10 million agronomy center (GM Feb. 18, p. 11) to be built by Eastern Farmers Cooperative approximately 3 miles north of Colton despite the concerns of residents about the facility handling and using anhydrous ammonia. County Planning Director Scott Anderson reported that commissioners endorsed the project, allowing a maximum ammonia capability of 30,000 gallons, after hearing from some residents that possible spills would threaten the safety of nearby residents, especially a family of six homeschooled children and others at a daycare within about 600 feet of the proposed plant. Commissioner Dick Kelly said safety precautions at a similar Eastern Farmers plant he toured in Worthing eased his concerns about potential anhydrous spills. Commission Chairman Gerald Beninga suggested the anhydrous tanks be moved to the south edge of the property, as far away from nearby residences as possible. The Feb. 19 vote was 4 to 0, with one commissioner absent. Co-op officials had told Green Markets before the hearing that it was too early to disclose details about the new installation, which will replace several smaller operations.
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