Wisconsin Ag Connection - Hearings to Focus on Changes to Water Permit Rules for CAFOs

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Hearings to Focus on Changes to Water Permit Rules for CAFOs
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 03/24/2010

Public hearings on a proposal to issue standardized water protection permits known as general permits instead of individual permits for some large-scale livestock operations begin this week around the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says switching to the general permits would allow the agency to spend more time in the field inspecting those livestock operations to make sure they are following requirements for manure storage, handling, spreading and other activities.

Gordon Stevenson, who leads the DNR runoff management section, says the change would also allow DNR staff to issue the permits on a more timely basis. Stevenson says that the general permits will require the same amount of information to be submitted and the DNR will give the application documents the same level of scrutiny to ensure compliance with permit requirements.

"Under state and federal law, large farms must get water protection permits when they reach 1,000 animal units (roughly 700 milking cows) because of the volume of their manure and the increased potential risk it poses to Wisconsin waters if a spill or runoff occurs," Stevenson said. "Currently each operation must undergo an individual review process for a permit. Under the proposed revisions, the state would create two classes of general permits covering operations of different sizes: one for dairy farms starting at 1,000 animal units, the same threshold now triggering farms to get a permit, and the equivalent of 700 milking cows; the second permit would only be used for those operations with fewer than 1,000 animal units that have not addressed livestock-related runoff issues that the DNR determines are best addressed by a permit."

Public hearings on the proposed revisions will begin at 1 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

* March 26: Wausau - North Central Technical College

* April 1: Grand Chute - Grand Chute Town Hall

* April 6: Viroqua - Firehouse Restaurant and Lounge

* April 8: Eau Claire - Ramada Inn Convention Center

* April 13: Fitchburg - Fitchburg Community Center

For more information about the proposed changes or about the hearings, call 608-267-2759 or 608-267-7651.