Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site.
Skip Navigation
Department of Environmental QualityMichigan.gov-Official Website for the Sta of Michigan
Michigan.gov Home DEQ_Home | Online_Services | Permits  | Programs | Site_Map | Contact_DEQ
Printer Friendly Version Printer Friendly   Text Only Version Text Version Email this page Email Page
DEQ Resolves Water Quality Violations at Lenawee County Dairy

Contact:  Robert McCann (517) 241-7397
Agency: Environmental Quality


February 1, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that a settlement was reached with Hoffland Dairy LLC, formerly doing business as VanderHoff-Haley Dairy. The lawsuit was initially filed in August 2004, and supplemented in March 2005 after DEQ staff documented numerous discharges of agricultural waste to the Rice Lake Drain and other area waterways.

Hoffland, located in Lenawee County’s Dover Township, houses approximately 680 cows and is a medium-sized concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) subject to regulation under both state and federal water quality protection laws. The dairy is located within the South Branch River Raisin Subbasin, part of the larger River Raisin Watershed which serves as the drinking water source for the downstream communities of Blissfield and Deerfield. The DEQ was primarily concerned by pathogen concentrations, specifically E. coli and Cryptosporidium, suspected to emanate from the dairy’s production area.

“This settlement with Hoffland Dairy will be of benefit to Michigan's environment,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “The DEQ is a supporter of agriculture in our state, and we must ensure that their operations are protective of the health and welfare of their neighbors.”

As part of the settlement with the DEQ, Hoffland has agreed to undertake a number of corrective actions to ensure that future discharges of agricultural waste to waters of the state do not occur. These actions include:

• Obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit from the DEQ.

• Ceasing the land application of agricultural waste to snow or ice covered soil when the waste cannot be injected or incorporated.

• Evaluating existing waste storage structures and making improvements as necessary to ensure containment of production area waste (including sileage, leachate, and contaminated storm water).

• Installing a Press Treatment System for the stabilization of waste produced in the cow barns.

"The terms of the consent judgment provide needed controls to return the local waters to the high quality our citizens expect," said Attorney General Mike Cox. "This is yet another step in fulfilling my commitment to represent our citizen's interest in the protection of their water resources."

Hoffland will also pay to the state general fund a civil fine of $15,000 and partially reimburse the DEQ $5,000 for enforcement costs. This nominal fine was agreed upon in large part due to the cost of the Press Treatment System. Hoffland will be the first medium CAFO in the state of Michigan to install such a treatment system for its operation. Should violations of settlement terms occur, Hoffland has agreed to pay additional amounts to the general fund.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised February 1, 2006 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson

Link to Department and Agencies Web Site Index
Link to Statewide Online Services Index
Link to Statewide Web-based Surveys
Link to RSS feeds available on this site
Related Content
 •  DEQ Laboratory Receives Award
 •  10 Grants Awarded Across Michigan to Revitalize Local Waterfronts
 •  Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative Presentation
 •  Three Arrested in Lapeer County for Racketeering and Money Laundering
 •  Madison Heights Medical Office Goes "Green" with DEQ Help
 •  Permit for New CAFO Denied
 •  DEQ Challenges EPA Air Quality Redesignation
 •  Great Lakes Tissue Company Reaches Settlement with State
 •  Decision Reached on Permit for Marathon Oil Refinery
 •  DEQ Breaks Ground on New "Green" Bay City District Office
 •  Wellhead Protection Grants Awarded
 •  DEQ Hosts 'Saginaw Bay Phragmites Awareness Day' on June 20th
 •  DEQ and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Host Meeting on Saginaw River Dredging Project
 •  DEQ Director to Speak at Public Forum on Climate Change in Southfield
 •  DEQ and Muskegon County Reach Settlement Agreement over Water Violations
 •  Governor Proclaims Water Week in Michigan
 •  Michigan Promotes "Clean Boats Every Day" Initiative
 •  DEQ Grant Moves Redevelopment Project Forward in Cadillac
 •  Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative Presentation
 •  DEQ Director to Host Public Forum on Climate Change in Grand Rapids

Michigan.gov Home | DEQ_Home | Online Services | Permits | Programs | Site Map | Contact_DEQ
State Web Sites | Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Accessibility Policy | Security Policy | Michigan News | Michigan.gov Survey

Copyright © 2001-2008 State of Michigan