Commission backs interim permit for manure biofuel plant at Rainbow Acres; adds fire‑safety monitor condition

The Morrison County Planning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended approval of an interim use permit for a manure biofuel plant at Rainbow Acres, a 159‑acre dairy operation in Cauldron Township.

Commissioners voted to forward the project to the County Board with two explicit conditions: set the interim permit term to 20 years from date of issuance, and provide the Swanville Fire Department with a gas monitor (fire‑service‑grade gas detection equipment). The motion passed unanimously among commissioners present.

Why it matters: The project would convert on‑site dairy manure into an upgraded pipeline‑quality renewable natural gas stream and inject that gas into the Greater Minnesota Gas distribution system. County staff said the installation requires an interim use permit under county ordinance section 604.8 and performance standards in section 12.33. The digester already received a variance on April 29, 2025, for siting distances.

Project and oversight: The applicant, Rainbow Acres (landowner Dave Van Heel), will provide the site and manure feedstock; Biogasco will construct and operate the plant. Amy of Land Services told commissioners the property is a registered Tier‑4 dairy feedlot and that she had distributed the application to the Swanville Fire Department; the fire chief provided a letter supporting the project and requested training and equipment. The applicant said Biogasco will manage the plant and employ trained operators who wear gas monitors while on site.

Technical and safety details: Biogasco representatives described the gas‑handling process and testing. As one company representative stated, “The biogas in the digester is 60% methane, 40% CO2,” and the gas is upgraded to pipeline quality (approximately 98–99% methane) before odorant is added. Commissioners and staff discussed typical operational hazards — drowning, electrical shock and noise exposure — and emergency response protocols. The company agreed to supply an operations manual and to provide contact and emergency procedures to the county; commissioners added the condition that the Swanville Fire Department be supplied with a monitoring unit suitable for their needs.

Regulatory context and environmental considerations: Amy noted the project required MPCA permitting and that the digester has been permitted by the MPCA. Commissioners asked about MPCA oversight, maintenance responsibilities and contingencies if ownership or operator arrangements changed. Biogasco said the company intends to own and operate the plant and that maintenance is part of its operations; the applicant also noted that MPCA inspects manure handling aspects and would be notified for certain construction milestones (for example, concrete pours).

Outputs: Biogasco told the commission the plant would produce approximately 80,000,000 BTU per day from the manure feedstock — roughly equivalent to the wintertime heating needs of many dozens of homes and a material contribution to local pipeline supply — and that Greater Minnesota Gas supported the project due to its ability to provide local, non‑interstate supply during constrained winter conditions.

Next steps: The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be considered by the Morrison County Board on Sept. 9. Commissioners and staff identified follow‑up steps including delivery of the fire‑department monitor, finalization of an operator emergency contact list and continued coordination with the MPCA and Swanville Fire Department.

Ending note: The commission limited the permit term to 20 years from issuance to align with the project’s expected operating life and to preserve the county board’s ability to review the proposal at the permit’s end.