Posted: 05.07.2010

Law firm, Michael, Best and Freidrich LLP of Madison is reporting that Wisconsin Ag Secretary, Rod Nilsesteun, has submitted recommendations for board consideration on modifications to the states livestock siting rule.

The review is required every four years according to the law in place.

The law firm says there were nine key areas that Nilsesteun suggested changes be made.  There were 29 items in total presented, plus the departments assessments.  The nine major items Nilsesteun wants addressed include:

• Consider revising the application process and worksheets
• Evaluate the need to upgrade siting standards based on developing technology
• Reconsider current setbacks and whether to require farm owners to mitigate potential impacts based on the size of their farm and proximity to neighbors
• Consider adjusting the odor score model based on new and emerging research
• Consider whether a full nutrient management plan should be included in a livestock siting application and whether the current standard adequately reflects the “complexity of the issue”
• Consider whether DATCP should provide guidance on how a political subdivision may develop more stringent standards based on public health and safety and validated by scientific findings of fact
• Consider how siting standards impact public health and safety considerations
• Consider whether the current application fee is adequate to allow political subdivisions to administer a local siting program
• Consider whether DATCP needs to clarify a political subdivision’s authority to monitor and enforce livestock facility siting permit requirements

The DATCP Report recommends to the DATCP Board that a panel of experts be used, similar to how the rule was initially developed, to review those technical issues that have been identified as part of the rule review process.

The Report will be presented to the DATCP Board on May 12th

You can review .

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