Dear Editor,

The DNR has evolved into the Department of Exploiting our Natural Resources. It is underfunded, understaffed, and ill equipped to monitor manure from the eight thousand cows that Pinnacle Dairy will be bringing to Sylvester Township. The DNR representative at the public hearing in Albany 9-15-17 suggested that the citizens of Green County keep a watchful eye on the manure spreading practices of Pinnacle Dairy, because they will only check in quarterly, and are understaffed. Manure management is not the responsibility of taxpayers.

The public hearing of the permitting of Pinnacle Dairy, with citizens filling the Lion’s club to capacity, was little more than a formality. The DNR and Pinnacle management were handed the microphone and gave presentations describing compliance to meet permitting requirements. Todd Tulls assured us that his twenty six year old son would be a competent manager of this facility. Then, citizens of Green County who wished to speak were instructed to come to the front of the room, be seated with our backs to the audience and speak into microphones for our statements to be recorded. This was a disarming tactic which clearly gave preference to Pinnacle Dairy, whose permit had mostly been approved well before the DNR gave consideration of the public voice.

This system is broken.

The livestock siting laws and self-monitoring nutrient management plans that apply to CAFOs are allowing for the poisoning of our drinking water. Kewaunee County’s private well contamination is a good example of what the DNR policy will allow.

Legislators and lawmakers that allow for the promotion of industrial agriculture at the expense of the people’s right to clean water need to be voted out of office.

Those of us who choose to protect our water for our children and future generations will continue to send elected representatives to speak for us. We will continue to educate our communities. We will continue to draft our local ordinances.

The DNR may have tentatively approved Pinnacle Dairy’s permit, but let’s all remember that democracy is meant to represent all voices. And the voices of those who value clean water will be heard.

What can you do? Contact your Green County Supervisor and let them know your concerns. Find your representative at co.green.wi.gov. Contact your township representatives and ask them how you can participate in protecting local water resources. VOTE.

Sincerely,

Nana Schowalter,

Town of York