Contact: Jane H. Larson (608) 224-5005
MADISON – The livestock siting listening session originally scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 in Madison has been moved to a larger meeting space in Dodgeville. In addition, extra time has been added to the Dodgeville meeting to gather comments from farmers, rural residents and other interested parties about the state’s rule related to the expansion or establishment of larger livestock operations.
The Feb. 18 meeting, originally located at the state agriculture department in Madison, has been moved to the Dodger Bowl, 321 King Street, Dodgeville. The starting and ending times of the Dodgeville listening session have been changed as well. The listening session in Dodgeville will begin at 3 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m. After a break, the session will resume at 7 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m.
The times and locations for the other sessions will stay the same as previously announced. The remaining three listening sessions are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in:
* 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 Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Rooms A&B
* Wausau: Wednesday, March 3, Marathon County UW-Extension, 212 River Drive
For those who are unable to attend the listening sessions, written comments can be sent to the department and they carry the same weight as comments provided at the meetings. Send comments to Mike Murray by March 10. Comments can be sent via email to Michael.murray@wisconsin.gov, faxed to 608-224-4615 or mailed to DATCP, Attention: Mike Murray, P.O. Box 8911, Madison WI 53708-8911.
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 issuing a permit or license for a new or expanded livestock operation. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 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.
The summary of the comments and plan of action will be presented to the DATCP Board at their May meeting. A date has not yet been set.