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FARGO — The Spirit Lake Tribe is opposed to a proposed factory hog farm that would be built half a mile from the shore of Devils Lake and is urging state health officials to deny a permit for the project.

The tribal council voted unanimously to pass a resolution against Grand Prairie Agriculture, a proposed operation that would have up to 2,499 hogs capable of producing thousands of piglets a year.

The tribe, whose Spirit Lake Nation reservation hugs the southern shore of Devils Lake, joins other local opponents who complain that the large hog operation, which will stockpile and spread manure on neighboring farm fields as well as compost the carcasses of dead pigs, could pollute Devils Lake and nearby aquifers.

Tribal leaders and members will testify against the factory hog farm at public hearings health officials are holding Sept. 12 as part of their review of a permit application for the Grand Prairie Agriculture proposal.

“We took this action to hopefully get the state’s attention,” said Doug Yankton, the tribe’s vice chairman. “The state health department never did come to my tribal government or my people to consult with us.”

Water concerns