Wisconsin Ag Connection - Nilsestuen to Reconvene Livestock Siting Study Panel

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Nilsestuen to Reconvene Livestock Siting Study Panel
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/17/2010

A committee of technical experts will reconvene to review standards used for livestock operations permitted under Wisconsin's Livestock Siting Law. According to State Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, the group's assignment is part of a review of the siting law, which was required to be completed four years after the law was first established in 2006.

"We began the review process earlier this year with a very successful series of listening sessions, which generated over 850 comments that provided thoughtful insights on a range of issues related to the siting of livestock operations," said Nilsestuen, who add the same legislation that requires a four year review also mandates the appointment of an expert committee to review the siting standards. "Appointing an expert committee is the most appropriate way to address the lessons learned over the last four years of the siting law and the comments expressed during the listening sessions related to a variety of issues."

The committee members will have the same types of technical expertise and experience as the technical committee that assisted with the livestock siting rule development in 2004. Like the original panel, membership will include public and private sector experts in permitting livestock operations, air emissions, odor, nutrient management, runoff management, and agricultural engineering. Some new expertise will be added to address issues that have arisen since the passage of the law.

The committee will be asked to review siting standards to ensure they provide for responsible growth while correctly balancing other considerations such public health and safety, and practicality. Specifically, the committee will consider the certain in light of the latest research and field experience.

The members of the technical expert panel will be announced by mid-June.

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