Wisconsin Ag Connection - Siting Board Reverses Crawford County Hog Farm Expansion

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Siting Board Reverses Crawford County Hog Farm Expansion
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/25/2008

The Wisconsin Livestock Siting Review Board has reversed a Crawford County decision to grant an expansion permit for the A.V. Roth hog operation near Wauzeka. The vote was conducted during a public hearing in Madison last week. After reviewing the application for facility expansion prepared by Roth Feeder Pigs, Inc., the panel decided that portions of application were inconsistent, and expressed concerns with regard to the nutrient management data submitted by Roth.

According to the Prairie Du Chien Courier Press, the county's Land Conservation Committee voted in January to approve the application and grant the permit. But neighboring residents who live within two miles of the farm filed for the appeal with the Livestock Siting Review Board with help from the Midwest Environmental Advocates--all who claim that portions of the application submitted by Roth did not meet the state standards for nutrient management, and thus put local drinking water and the Wisconsin River at risk for nitrate, phosphorous and bacteria contamination.

Meanwhile, Roth has filed a 'request for reconsideration' on the basis of errors in fact. The farmer says he feels confident that when the board reviews his request, that he will be granted a new hearing and that the panel will uphold his permit to expand.

"I was very shocked by the outcome because I did a lot of research in order to do everything right according to state standards," Roth said. "It is unfortunately that the board based its decision on a misinterpretation of the number of "animal units" in his application as compared to his nutrient management plan."

Jane Larson, a spokesperson for Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, said that the board also feels that Roth's odor management plan is sound. She says that if the board rules that Roth's request for reconsideration is valid, they will then send his request to Midwest Environmental Advocates, Crawford County and all other relevant parties for review. The matter would then be acted upon at the May 16 meeting. The board could then uphold their original decision, or it could reverse itself and grant Roth's permit.