This week, the Joint Finance Committee voted on proposed fees and additional positions to oversee concentrated animal feeding operations in Wisconsin. Below are highlights from an article by Danielle Kaeding that appeared on the Business North and WPR.org websites on June 14, 2019.
Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal would have raised annual pollution permit fees from $345 to $660, as well as institute a new $3,270 fee that would be paid every five years. Lawmakers rejected that proposal. However, they did approve four out of the five positions proposed for CAFO permitting, inspection and enforcement. They also approved transferring 9.5 positions to oversee large farms.
Dairy groups say they’re pleased lawmakers voted to reject the increase, highlighting the industry’s struggles.
However, Cindy Leitner, president of the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance, said there are other measures that could be explored to address issues with permitting. She said the agency could utilize outside licensed engineers to speed up permitting.
Leitner also noted the DNR stopped using a general permit for dairy CAFOs several years ago. “We’d like to see them put that back first before they add any staff,” said Leitner.
