Lucas Johnson Hog Barn
Frost, MN | Food + Industrial
Overview
ISG designed a new hog barn in addition to ensuring environmental compliance for a project of this scale.
Opportunity
Johnson Pork Producers needed to double its hog capacity, requiring the construction of a second barn.
Solution
When increasing production, it is crucial to design an effective hog barn that remains compliant with current Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements. Located in Frost, Minnesota, Johnson Pork Producers doubled their hog capacity by building a second barn. In addition to guiding the design and construction of the barn, ISG conducted the necessary Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), as the expanded facility exceeded MPCA’s 1,000 animal unit threshold.
For the EAW, ISG’s environmental professionals evaluated the potential impacts of the new barn in the surrounding area. ISG also collaborated with a local subconsultant to produce air quality models. The required Water Appropriation Permit was received through working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Coordinating with state and local government agencies, the EAW was completed and determined to have no significant environmental effects, allowing the project to move forward.
The new barn is identical to the first existing barn at 19,992 square feet, and is capable of holding 2,400 hogs. Construction also included a reinforced eight-foot deep below grade liquid manure storage concrete pit. In preparation for the barn, two soil profiles determined the seasonal high water table, resulting in the usage of a four-inch perforated drain tile to prevent ground water intrusion and damage to the concrete pit walls. Onsite inspections and concrete testing during construction ensured accuracy of the project’s designs.