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Wisconsin Ag News Headlines |
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Decision on Eau Claire County CAFO Moratorium Delayed
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/20/2018
It'll be at least a few more weeks before county board members in Eau Claire County decide whether to place a one-year moratorium on any new or expanding large livestock facilities. During its September monthly meeting this week, supervisors failed to act
on an agenda item that would have prohibited farmers who keep more than 1,000 animal units--which are considered CAFOs, or concentrated animal feeding operations--from expanding their operations by more than 20 percent within the next 12 months.
Several farmers and others in the crowd spoke against the idea, claiming Wisconsin's livestock siting law takes precedence over local government bodies when it comes to granting building permits for CAFOs.
The proposed moratorium was drafted after local residents became concerned about the impact large farms have on local groundwater. The county's Land Conservation Commission originally voted against the move, but members of the Planning and
Development Committee recommended earlier this month that the proposal be taken to the full board for consideration.
Opponents of the ordinance stressed that livestock farms are already heavily regulated and are required by law to implement certain technology to comply with environmental standards. But supporters of the year-long ban say many wells in the county currently
exceed unsafe nitrate levels.
Meanwhile, Supervisor Gary Gibson urged his fellow board members to study up on the issue before the panel meets again in early next month.
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