The state Department of Natural Resources is unlikely to approve a proposed streamlined permit for industrial-scale farms in the state unless it is accompanied by a substantial increase in permit fees that would allow the agency to beef up inspection and enforcement on the large operations, according to Todd Ambs, head of the DNR's Division of Water.

Ambs said he is working with the state Legislature as well as agriculture and environmental groups to reach an agreement on a fee increase. He said he wants the increase to be sizeable enough to pay for at least two new agency staffers to help permit and police the large farms.

A Wisconsin State Journal investigation this spring showed the DNR's inspection and enforcement programs are failing to keep up with the growth of the industrial dairies, which produce millions of gallons of manure that can threaten wells, lakes and streams.

"We're being very clear to groups like the Dairy Business Association that until we get this (the fee increase) in place, we won't be moving forward with the general permit," Ambs said.

While Ambs said he does not have a firm figure in mind for an increase, environmental groups are pushing for an increase from the current $345 to $1,500 plus an additional amount per animal per year.

Ambs said he would like to see a fee that would raise at least $180,000 for additional staff.

The proposed general permit would replace individual pollution permits for large farms with 700 or more cows, up to 4,000 cows. Farms with more than 4,000 cows still would be required to apply for individual permits. A separate general permit has been proposed for smaller operations that haven't addressed livestock-related pollution problems.

Under the general permit, according to the agency, large farms still would have to submit the same amount of information, including detailed plans for spreading manure. But the permits would be standardized so that information can be presented and reviewed more easily and the applications approved more quickly. DNR officials say that streamlined process will free up staff to spend more time inspecting farms and enforcing standards.

The Dairy Business Association (DBA), a powerful lobbying organization representing the large farms, has not yet taken a stand on a proposed fee increase in connection with the general permit, according to Dave Jelinski, government affairs director for the organization.

"In general we understand and recognize that the DNR is looking for a fee under the general permit," Jelinski said, "and we haven't said no to that."

Jelinski added that DBA is awaiting the outcome of hearings on the general permit before further discussing a possible fee increase. Those hearings have been held throughout the state, with the final one in Fitchburg on Tuesday.

While the DBA has not yet addressed the question of a fee increase, Jelinski said, the organization agrees with the DNR on the need for strong oversight. "I think there is fundamental agreement between the DNR and the DBA on the value of a good compliance program," Jelinski said.

While agriculture groups such as the DBA favor the new permit, critics argue that the general permits will make it easier for the farms to receive approval and will result in a less rigorous review. Under the general permit, for example, the DNR would prepare only one environmental assessment to cover any farm eligible for a general permit and would not do one for each individual farm, said Jamie Saul, a lawyer with Midwest Environmental Advocates.

Saul said he is skeptical that a general permit would allow the DNR to free up more staff for oversight duties. His and other environmental groups are asking that the agency substantially increase the current $345 permit fee to assure the addition of staff. Also, Saul said, groups are asking for a specific plan from the agency detailing how the use of a general permit will lead to more inspections and enforcement.

Ambs said the agency is working on a detailed plan that would reallocate staff under a general permit. 

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