To the editor:
The Jan. 18 Town of Sylvester's Board of Supervisors meeting held at the Justice Center in Monroe offered the attending public a dynamic presentation by the appointed Large-Scale Livestock Facility Siting Committee, and the Science Team. The findings are intended to inform future placement of large scale Confined Animal Feeding Operations, CAFOs, while protecting local soil, air, and water quality for the residents of Sylvester township, extending to the remainder of Green County.
The science team's report revealed the existing fragile balance between current agricultural practices and the health of Green County residents. The report found that the quality of our water is already compromised, calling for diligent management of the proposed CAFO manure generated from over 5,000 cows housed in confined quarters. These findings will hopefully encourage the Green County Board and its individual town boards to be attentive in the responsible siting and monitoring of waste disposal in an effort to protect our precious water recourses and the health of our residents.
The current state CAFO siting requirements do not take into consideration the diversity of the soil and geology of the entire state, therefore local study and forethought is needed as a more effective approach to managing the growing agricultural industry. Kewaunee County was not able to protect their water resource, and is now dealing with extensive pollution from the 95,000 cows raised in confinement facilities.
On Jan. 27, Bayfield County, Wisconsin passed a protective ordinance relating to the placement of CAFOs. This sets precedence for the individual counties of Wisconsin to establish a dialogue with residents and give consideration to our concerns for a healthy agricultural environment. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this process in Green County. Get to know your town and county chairpersons, and supervisors, and attend both town and county board meetings to let your voice be heard.
The Jan. 18 Town of Sylvester's Board of Supervisors meeting held at the Justice Center in Monroe offered the attending public a dynamic presentation by the appointed Large-Scale Livestock Facility Siting Committee, and the Science Team. The findings are intended to inform future placement of large scale Confined Animal Feeding Operations, CAFOs, while protecting local soil, air, and water quality for the residents of Sylvester township, extending to the remainder of Green County.
The science team's report revealed the existing fragile balance between current agricultural practices and the health of Green County residents. The report found that the quality of our water is already compromised, calling for diligent management of the proposed CAFO manure generated from over 5,000 cows housed in confined quarters. These findings will hopefully encourage the Green County Board and its individual town boards to be attentive in the responsible siting and monitoring of waste disposal in an effort to protect our precious water recourses and the health of our residents.
The current state CAFO siting requirements do not take into consideration the diversity of the soil and geology of the entire state, therefore local study and forethought is needed as a more effective approach to managing the growing agricultural industry. Kewaunee County was not able to protect their water resource, and is now dealing with extensive pollution from the 95,000 cows raised in confinement facilities.
On Jan. 27, Bayfield County, Wisconsin passed a protective ordinance relating to the placement of CAFOs. This sets precedence for the individual counties of Wisconsin to establish a dialogue with residents and give consideration to our concerns for a healthy agricultural environment. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this process in Green County. Get to know your town and county chairpersons, and supervisors, and attend both town and county board meetings to let your voice be heard.
