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Dairy group objects to decision on big farm near Rosendale

Anita Weier  —  11/18/2008 10:02 am

The Dairy Business Association of Wisconsin is objecting to what it calls a policy change by the state Department of Natural Resources that would require commercial dairies to submit to an extended environmental approval process.

But DNR spokeswoman Laurel Steffes said that the recent decision by the DNR to require an environmental impact statement for what would eventually be an 8,000-cow farm near Rosendale was site-specific. "It is not a general policy change for all confined animal feeding operations," she said.

The decision, however, sets a precedent, said Laurie Fischer, executive director of the 700-member Dairy Business Association.

Under previous rules, farms seeking Wisconsin pollutant discharge elimination system permits already were required to submit professionally prepared environmental and engineering research and documentation for operation plans. The "policy change" adds additional mandates and cost, Fischer said.

Steffes responded to those concerns with a written statement to The Capital Times stressing that the decision applied only to the Rosendale Dairy. "Federal law requires that we outline the potential impacts for a facility as part of the permit process," she said. "We believe that this is the best way to adequately articulate the potential impacts that this facility could have on the environment."

Fischer looks at it differently.

"Wisconsin's dairy industry is a bright spot in an otherwise troubled economy," she said. "We are concerned that this arbitrary policy decision will have unintended consequences for environmentally responsible producers."

Jim Ostrom, a partner in Rosendale Dairy, also contended that the decision was a major policy change for the DNR.

Todd Ambs, water division administrator for the DNR, said the department will rely on input already gathered in an environment assessment of the Rosendale Dairy plan. Additionally, comments from public and government officials on issues they would like to see addressed will be accepted by the department until Dec. 5.

After the environmental impact statement is published, there will be a 45-day public comment period and a public hearing. Comments and questions concerning the process may be directed to James Pardee, Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act coordinator, at 608-266-0426 or james.pardee@wisconsin.gov.

Anita Weier  —  11/18/2008 10:02 am

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