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Farm Bureau Opposes Karst Legislation
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/05/2010

Another agriculture group is opposing legislation to create new water quality regulations in the state. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says the so-called 'Karst Bill' could have drastic and damaging consequences for agriculture because it seeks to prohibit or limit the application of sludge, manure or bio-solids on certain Wisconsin landscapes with less than 50 feet of soil to carbonate bedrock.

"A portion of northeast Wisconsin with relatively shallow soils is often referred to as a karst area," the group said in a statement last week. "However, geological maps show that much more of the state would come under the jurisdiction of this bill."

The measure was recently introduced by State Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay, and has already been approved by the Senate Environment Committee. But WFBF Lobbyist Paul Zimmerman says farmers are already required to apply the nutrients found in livestock manure according to a host of regulations, best management practices and technical standards adopted by the state.

"As drafted, this bill appears to impose a ban on all land spreading of livestock manure on areas identified with less than 50 feet of soil to bedrock," Zimmerman says. "Certainly there are times of the year when certain types of manure should not be applied on certain fields in order to minimize the risk of nonpoint runoff. However, these issues are either addressed by current rules and regulations, or should be reviewed within the current nonpoint program update."

Zimmerman also notes the real-world implications of the 'Covered County' provision within the bill are brought to life by maps that show soil depths across the state. In addition to Door, Kewaunee, Brown, Calumet and Manitowoc counties, many other areas, including a large swath of southwest Wisconsin also contain what is referred to as a karst area.

The Dairy Business Association is also opposed to the bill.


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