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N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Health Department has extended a public comment period and scheduled a public hearing on a proposed 9,000-hog operation near Buffalo.

The comment period will run to March 19, and an informational meeting and public hearing will be held March 17 at the Buffalo Senior Citizens building.

Minnesota-based Pipestone Holdings LLC is planning the $15 million Rolling Green Family Farms hog facility. It needs a permit from the Health Department.

Rolling Greens Family Farms spokesman Barry Kerkaert says the hog farm would create jobs, boost the local economy and not pose risks to the environment.

But some of the town’s 200 residents worry about problems such as odor, they held a petition-signing event over the weekend to show opposition and demand more information on potential impacts.