The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is having a series of public hearings on changes to ATCP 51, the regulatory rule governing the approval of large livestock facilities.
They are traveling the state seeking public comment on changes to ATCP 51 in response to the rise in the number of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. CAFOs, facilities with 500 or more animals, have come under scrutiny for the noxious odors from manure storage as well as for the contamination of water wells.
According to Christopher Clayton, who made a presentation on behalf of the Department at the Wausau public meeting, the most significant change involves new rules for the distance manure storage and barns must be set back from the property line. Such changes, according to Clayton, would help to manage the odor.
Public hearings continue until September 5th, but written comments will be accepted until September 13th. You can comment online, by email or by mail.
Information on how to make a comment can be found at: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/LSRuleRevision.aspx
