Groups from Canada and the United States Join Forces to Stop Massive Pollution of the Red River and Lake Winnipeg

[June 11, 2025 — Treaty One Territory/Winnipeg] Representatives of the Manitoba Eco-Network, Dakota Resource Council, Save Lake Winnipeg Project, Coalition to Save Lake Winnipeg and Animal Justice will provide details of planned U.S. mega-projects that will have disastrous effects on the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.

“Water doesn’t recognize political boundaries. The Red River and Lake Winnipeg cannot sustain more pollution without further damaging the health of the lake,” says Vicki Burns, Director of the Save Lake Winnipeg Project. “We are pleased to be working with our American colleagues to resolve this situation”.

“If these facilities are given the green light, they will be a disaster for animal welfare and the environment,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based lawyer and director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice. “The serious risks posed by these mega-dairy operations are a stark reminder that the health and well-being of animals farmed for food is intertwined with the health of humans and the ecosystems we all rely on.”

“The proposed 37,500 head dairy expansion along the Red River is a not only huge threat to North Dakota’s water quality, it also big threat to our neighbors to the north in Canada, who will get the downstream impacts of manure spreading along the Red River and its associated tributaries. That is why we are standing with groups in Canada to oppose these misguided dairy CAFOs.” Scott Skokos, Executive Director, Dakota Resource Council

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For further information contact:

Vicki Burns, Director Save Lake Winnipeg Project,
204-489-3852
vickiburns@mts.net

Participating Organizations

1. Manitoba Eco-Network is a non-profit registered charity which seeks to strengthen Manitoba’s environmental community with the goal of protecting our environment for the benefit of current and future generations. The Eco-Network facilitates connections, engages in advocacy opportunities, and undertakes community-based research that promotes meaningful public participation in environmental governance processes.
James Beddome, Executive Director,204-995-2637    executivedirector@mbeconetwork.org

 

2.Dakota Resource Council is a North Dakota grassroots organization founded in 1978. Its mission is to promote the sustainable use of North Dakota’s natural resources and family-owned and operated agriculture. DRC builds member-led local groups that empower people to influence the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities.

Madeline Luke mzlnd@yahoo.com  701 306 7339 or

Sam Wagner sam@drcinfo.com  701 371 5474

 

3. The Coalition to Save Lake Winnipeg is a grassroots alliance of interested individuals and community groups dedicated to protecting the health of Lake Winnipeg. United by a shared concern over increasing nutrient pollution, harmful algal blooms, and declining water quality, the Coalition advocates for science-based policy, sustainable land use, and inclusive decision-making. Through public education, engagement, and coordinated action, it aims to hold governments and industries accountable while promoting long-term solutions that respect both the ecological and cultural significance of the lake. The Coalition stands for clean water, thriving ecosystems, and a healthy future for all.

Dave Curry hdcurry@mts.net    204-642-1544

 

4. Save Lake Winnipeg Project is dedicated to education and advocacy for actions needed to restore the health of Lake Winnipeg H2O: Ideas & Action for Canada’s Water | A blog about the Lake Winnipeg Watershed
Vicki Burns 204-489-3852 vickiburns@mts.net  

 

5. Animal Justice is Canada’s leading national animal law organization. Animal Justice’ works to protect animals from cruelty and neglect and advocates for stronger legal protections for animals across the country.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, Director of Legal Advocacy kmitchell@animaljustice.ca  647-746-8702 

Supporting organizations:

1. Abercrombie Citizens for Responsible Growth
   Erik Olson Abercrg@gmail.com 701 640 3443.
   Abercrombie citizens have banded together to oppose the construction of the Abercrombie Dairy in our community. We are concerned not only about our water access and quality but our neighbors downstream.

2.  Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society (CPAWS) – Manitoba chapter,
   Ron Thiessen Executive Director ron@cpaws.org

3. Sierra Club ND Chapter;
   Todd Leak Chairperson of the Executive Committee, 701 213 0733. toddleake17@gmail.com

   The Sierra Club   believes in preserving and protecting our state’s natural areas and natural wonders, from buttes to prairies, ecosystems to watersheds, wildlands to wildlife. We also believe we have an obligation to fight for clean air, safe water and a livable planet for ourselves and future generations.

 

FACT SHEET

Intensive Dairy Operations Noth Dakota – Red River and Lake Winnipeg Water Quality

Two new industrial style massive dairy barns, housing a total of 37,500 cows, being permitted and proposed in North Dakota are a threat to our waterways, especially Lake Winnipeg.

At Issue:

 These dairies are within 1.5 miles from the Red River or one of its tributaries and run off from the manure will make its way into the river and ultimately into Lake Winnipeg.

 One of the operations, the Abercrombie Dairy, has already received permission to begin construction on a facility to house 12,500 cows. A permit for the second dairy, Herberg, to house 25,000 cows, is being considered now.

 These two operations will produce massive amounts of animal excrement, comparable to a city with a population of 1.5 million people. These dairies will store the manure and wastewater in lagoons the size of 52 Canadian football fields.

 Once a year, they pour this manure slurry on agricultural fields as fertilizer.

The Concern:

 Too much manure on the same parcels of land year after year after year leads to the accumulation of nutrients and other contaminants (such as phosphorus, nitrogen,

antibiotics, viruses, bacteria, hormones and heavy metals).

 Excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) and other contaminants that are not taken up by the crops become available to run off during the spring snow melt, rainstorms and floods, getting into the Red River and ultimately Lake Winnipeg the same as happens in Manitoba’s hog industry

 Phosphorus feeds the often-toxic blue-green algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg. Blue-green algae pose significant health threats to humans, animals and all aquatic life.

 Run-off in North Dakota that makes its way into the Red River ends up in Lake Winnipeg.

 Under the Boundary Waters Treaty Canada and the United States have agreed to nutrient loading targets recommendations set by the International Joint Commission

(IJC) in October 2022. The target for phosphorus was set at 1400 tonnes per year. A reduction of approximately 45% from current levels is needed to hit this target. New industrial dairy operations being proposed and permitted in North Dakota will make reaching this goal impossible.

What’s Required:

 These huge dairy operations need to be reconsidered.

 Canada should refer the issue of these new dairy operstions to the IJC (International Joint Commission) to provide recommendations to resolve this transboundary water issue.

 Governments need to support regenerative agriculture, and phase out industrial factory farming production systems. Small farms that use straw rather than manure slurry pits are better for people, animals, and the planet.

For More information:

Vicki Burns
vickiburns@mts.net
204-489-3852