Vernon County Says NO to CAFO
In November, 2008, a small article in the La Crosse Tribune stated, “Large Dairy Operation Eyes Viroqua-Westby Area”. That announcement of a possible 1,000 to 2,000-head dairy operation along East Smith Road just south of Westby, spurred a crash course on the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). It didn’t take long to understand this scale of livestock operation had the potential to negatively impact the environment, the neighbors and the entire community.
Studies of CAFOs indicate chemical and infectious compounds can migrate into the soil and water near CAFOs. Possible pollutants associated with CAFOs include antibiotics that may lead to antibiotic-resistant pathogens; parasites and viruses that may cause disease in animals and humans. Because of this area’s fragile Karst geology, characterized by sink holes and thin top soils, ground and surface water contamination can occur through the release of nutrients in waste such as ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus; as well as pesticides, pathogens, and hormones.
A small group of neighbors gathered to educate and inform the community. They enlisted the help of Valley Stewardship Network (VSN) representatives Jessica Luhnig, Kathy Fairchild and Gary Thompson, who introduced the newly formed group to a vast network of knowledgeable contacts across the state. After a couple public meetings, the small group grew in numbers as others shared their serious concerns.
The group became the Alliance Concerned for Environmental Safety(ACES). A meeting with the developer’s representative, Marc Bourgault, in January left more questions than answers. Their concerns were not taken seriously, and they learned that this developer did not want to be a “good neighbor” as he stated in an article in the Vernon Broadcaster. Soon after that meeting, the developer, Jeffrey Petry, announced that the size of the operation would be 3,200 milking and dry cows on site – nearly triple the size of the initial proposal.
The first proposed site was just a quarter mile from the City of Westby. Manure waste from that size of operation is equivalent to that produced by a city of 50,000 people. The manure lagoon would stretch over several acres. The operation would require two high-capacity wells, drawing from the same aquifer as nearby private and municipal wells.
Petry stated in March that he would look at a “less controversial site” on County Hwy Y, just off of Hwy 14, across from Cornerstone Christian Academy. Two other sites south of Viroqua are also on the table: one on Hwy NN and another near Liberty Pole. Each new announcement activated a new group of concerned neighbors and the controversy grew. Instead of fracturing a community as the CAFOs often do, the developer galvanized our county.
A petition drive focused largely on the East Smith Road area and the City of Westby has expanded to the entire county. To date over 2,000 people in Vernon County have signed the petition.
While the Westby and Viroqua communities overwhelmingly oppose the operation, frustration has grown over the lack of local control in approving or denying a CAFO application. The State Livestock Facility Siting Law, created in 2006, trumps any local ordinances.
On May 13 twenty people from Vernon, Crawford and Taylor Counties, attended the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board meeting in Madison to express concerns about serious flaws in the Livestock Siting Law. The law was created to streamline and standardize the CAFO permitting process in Wisconsin. After three hours of statements from individuals who opposed CAFO operations in their communities, the Board learned that the “cookie cutter” approach had serious flaws.
Currently the developer from Illinois is silent. People continue to inquire about what they can do to help ACES in opposing this operation that will impact the quality of air, water, land and life in Vernon County. ACES will hold monthly meetings throughout the summer where those who oppose this proposed CAFO can become more involved and receive updates.
ACES meetings and other important events are posted on www.vernonaces.com. ACES is currently raising funds for signs and other expenses and for a future purchase of air quality and other monitoring equipment if needed to monitor the CAFO. They welcome contributions of any amount. To get involved in Vernon Aces or make a contribution, check out the website or contact Ryan Call at 608-634-4261 or Kay Burke at 608-634-4722.
by Leah Call
WHAT CAN I DO?
* Volunteer at ACES booth at the Kickapoo Country Fair July 25-26 in LaFarge
* Talk to your neighbors/canvas Viroqua
* Attend public meetings
* Get active in local government/talk to your county supervisor
* Write a letter to the editor and/or representatives
* Buy a Driftless Wisconsin poster (available at VFC & Driftless Fair Traders)
* Be a part of a yard sign campaign
* Play an active role in the post card campaign
* Talk to area businesses about the impact of CAFO’s on the local economy
* Attend ACES meetings.