[Update:2/06/10] Public Comment to DATCP on Livestock Siting RuleBy borges, Section Hills and Valleys
Four listening sessions are scheduled to gather comments on what
farmers, rural landowners, government officials and others think about the
state’s rule related to the expansion or establishment of larger livestock
operations.
“The Livestock Facility Siting rule, also known as ATCP 51, became effective
in 2006. The primary purpose of the rule is to establish state standards
that local governments must follow when they issue a permit or license for a
new or expanded livestock operation,” said Richard Castelnuovo, land and
water resources section chief with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection. “Our department is required to evaluate the
rule after four years. These listening sessions are part of the evaluation
process.”
The evaluation will focus primarily on state standards related to setbacks, odor and air emissions, manure and nutrient management, waste storage facilities, and runoff management. “While we will accept comments on other aspects of the siting rule, we will focus on the state standards within the rule,” Castelnuovo explained. “We are aware that there are a number of concerns that fall outside the scope of our rule but that may need to be addressed through other means such as another agency’s rule or other legislation.” The state agriculture department will hold four listening sessions to gather the diverse viewpoints about the siting rule. Each session is set for 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations: - Dodgeville, Dodger Bowl, 321 King St. [this is a change in venue from Madison published earlier...sorry if confusion 2/6/10] - *Eau Claire:* Tuesday, Feb. 23, Town of Washington Town Hall, 5750 Old Town Hall Road - *Oshkosh:* Tuesday, March 2, Winnebago County UW-Extension, J.P. Coughlin Building, Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Rooms A&B - *Wausau:* Wednesday, March 3, Marathon County UW-Extension, 212 River Drive
At the start of each session, staff will provide a short presentation on the
current livestock siting permit process and ATCP 51. Attendees who complete
an appearance card will have opportunity to share their comments in writing
or verbally.
For those who cannot attend the sessions, written comments can be sent to
the department and they carry the same weight as comments provided at the
listening sessions. Send comments to Mike Murray by March 10. Comments can
be sent via email to
*Michael.murray@wisconsin.gov*
“Once we have gathered the comments from farmers, local government, rural
residents and others, we will present a summary of the comments and a plan
of action to our Board. We will identify the “next steps” in the rule
review process which could possibly include opening the rule for revisions
if we find that is needed,” said Mike Murray, the DATCP siting program
manager.
The summary and plan will be presented to the DATCP Board at their May
meeting. A date has not yet been set.
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