Wisconsin Ag Connection - Walker Addresses Water Quality in Kewaunee County

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Walker Addresses Water Quality in Kewaunee County
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/18/2016

Governor Scott Walker announced he has requested the Public Service Commission, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate resources and draft a Request for Proposal that aligns digester technology to all sizes of dairy farms in environmentally sensitive areas of Wisconsin. The goal is to alleviate water quality concerns in these areas.

The governor made the announcement at the Heritage Farm Site in Kewaunee to address nutrient management and water quality challenges in Kewaunee County.

"Water quality is a top priority for us," Walker said. "This joint effort is important progress, and we will continue working toward a sustainable solution to ensure our natural resources remain viable for generations to come."

The state is already addressing recommendations made by the Kewaunee Groundwater Collaboration Workgroup. Walker's office feels this joint initiative will be a key step in the effort to make sure water resources are safe and healthy for the citizens of the state.

Anaerobic digesters are an innovative approach to addressing groundwater quality issues. When properly scaled and applied, digesters can reduce agricultural runoff and groundwater issues, spur economic development in rural communities, and create a renewable source of energy production in the form of biogas.

The agencies will work together to make recommendations by December 1 that propose a tangible private sector response linking the application of digester technology to environmentally-sensitive areas of Wisconsin. A Request for Proposal laying the groundwork for actionable items should be ready to release publically in January.

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