Co-op Looking to Build Fertilizer, Seed Plant

COLTON - Eastern Farmers Cooperative is looking to consolidate two older facilities into a multimillion dollar fertilizer and seed plant north of Colton.

Eastern agronomy manager Tony VanOverschelde tells the Argus Leader that the two small facilities don't have access to rail. He says the proposed plant will be up to date with new regulations and have access to the 85-car trains to bring in fertilizer.

Doug Hanson, who owns land just north of the proposed building site, opposes the new plant. He's worried about increased truck traffic and whether the site is appropriate for the storage of anhydrous ammonia.

Minnehaha County Planning Director Scott Anderson says the planning and zoning commission has granted a conditional-use permit to Eastern for the new plant as long as it meets certain criteria.

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