DNR finds source of another Fischer Creek manure spill

By Kristopher Wenn
Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC — Department of Natural Resources field staff traced a manure spill that fed into Fischer Creek to operations at Maple Leaf Dairy, 3 miles north of Cleveland, a DNR official said Friday.

The spill occurred on Wednesday at a tributary that discharges into Fischer Creek, just west of Interstate 43 in the town of Centerville, the DNR said.

The source can be traced to the southern barn of the main farm at the dairy near County Highway X, according to Roxanne Chronert, hydrogeologist program coordinator for the DNR in Green Bay.

The Herald Times Reporter was unable to reach Maple Leaf Dairy for comment late Friday.

The manure spill likely would not kill as many fish as a spill into the creek in early September, said DNR fisheries biologist Steve Hogler.

“It doesn’t look to be real severe,” he said. “The water samples show that the dissolved oxygen level is low, meaning there should be enough oxygen for fish to survive.”

On Thursday, a clay dyke was laid on the creek to obstruct the path of contamination. A pump will flush out the contaminated sediment, Hogler said.

“The cleanup could take a few days,” he said.

DNR conservation warden Robert Stroess is investigating the spill, Hogler said. Biologists have no idea how large an area was affected or how many fish were killed. Hogler said the waterway was likely filled with small fish.

The DNR received an anonymous tip about the spill on Wednesday afternoon. Stroess responded that day and fisheries biologists went to the site on Thursday. Stroess declined to comment on the investigation Friday.

Maple Leaf Dairy Inc. is one of the largest dairy operations in the state with nearly 4,000 animals. The farm recently faced opposition from local environmental advocates when it requested DNR approval to expand operations.

The DNR is still investigating a manure spill that left hundreds of game fish, including rainbow and brook trout, dead in Fischer Creek last month.

Ryan Volenberg, DNR conservation warden investigating that incident, said rain after a manure application played a role in causing runoff to enter the waterway. Volenberg declined to disclose the source of the spill because the incident is still under investigation.

Kristopher Wenn: 920-686-2132 or kwenn@htrnews.com

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