On February 13, 2015, the Department of Natural Resources received a final Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit application for Badgerwood, LLC, a proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) in Bayfield County. WPDES permits are water quality protection permits designed to ensure proper storage and handling of manure from larger-scale livestock operations. The WPDES permit program does not have authority to address odor, noise, traffic or other issues not related to water quality.

The operation would house approximately 7,500 sows, 18,750 pigs, and 100 boars. This is equal to 6,162 animal units. Structures at the site would include three barns with concrete manure storage structures located under each barn, to provide more than 180 days of liquid manure storage. Manure would be removed from storage and land applied according to an approved nutrient management plan.

Based on review of the WPDES permit application, the department has determined that theapplication was incomplete and requested additional information [DNR FTP] on March 17, 2015. Aspects of the proposal may change when the application is complete.

EIS process

The department decided, pursuant to s. NR 150.20(4)(b), Wis. Adm. Code, to use the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process as the best approach to achieve WEPA compliance for the proposed Badgerwood swine operation. This allows citizens to have input.

Go here for more information on how to give input into the EIS deadline September 30, 2015:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/AgBusiness/CAFO/Badgerwood.html

Visit Farms not Factories for a comprehensive analysis of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.

Thank you for standing united in defense of the water.