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Hearings Slated for Proposed ATCP 50 Revisions
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 12/08/2016

Four public hearings have been scheduled for next month on proposed changes to Wisconsin's soil and water conservation rule, known as ATCP 50. The state's agriculture department is proposing the revisions to incorporate changes to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 590 Nutrient Management Standard.

Agency officials say the changes will also be incorporated into to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' farm runoff standards, where together the new sets of regulations would establish a framework for the state's 'nonpoint source' pollution control program.

The proposed changes include new restrictions aimed at keeping manure and other nutrients away from direct conduits to groundwater, while allowing farmers to choose conservation practices that are appropriate for their operations and still protect resources.

To help compensate for the additional time or acreage farmers might need to spread nutrients under new restrictions, the cost-share rate to help farmers develop nutrient management plans would also increase from the current $7 per acre annually to $10. The proposed changes would also clarify that farmers might be required to meet conservation standards in some cases even if cost-sharing is not available.

The scheduled hearings will be held on the following dates and locations at 2:00 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.:

** January 9: Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire

** January 19: Markee Pioneer Student Center, Platteville

** January 23: Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton

** January 26: State Agriculture Building, Madison

In addition to the public hearings, comments will be accepted until February 9 via mail, email or online.


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