A multi-day legal hearing began yesterday in Eau Claire over concerns that state regulators are not doing enough to protect local water resources in response to the proposed expansion or Ridge Breeze Dairy, a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) that is seeking a permit to expand its herd to more than 6,500 dairy cows.
Approximately 100 people attended the contested case hearing in person and on Zoom. Nineteen spoke in opposition to the expansion, while none spoke in favor. Community members and MEA attorneys demanded that stronger water quality protections, including the installation of groundwater monitoring wells, be required under the farm’s permit.
Prior to the hearing, Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW) hosted a press conference, during which area residents shared their stories and talked about the need to protect their homes and their communities.
“We’re sick and tired of our elected officials telling us there’s nothing they can do about it,” said Phil Verges, lifelong farmer and chairman of the Town of Gilman. “We want a government that works for all of us and not just corporate interests. We want a voice in the decisions that impact us so deeply. That’s what we want and that’s what the people of Wisconsin deserve,”
Following public testimony, licensed hydrogeologist John Jansen, Ph.D., testified about the need for greater protections for groundwater in the permit, such as groundwater monitoring. Dr. Jansen pointed to the karst geology of Pierce County and surrounding areas, which makes it susceptible to nitrate contamination from manure spreading. Without groundwater monitoring, the DNR does not have a definitive way to assess whether Ridge Breeze is complying with the terms of its permit.
Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) filed the challenge last year on behalf of GROWW and 5 Pierce County residents. A ruling is expected this summer.
