LFSRB Discusses Technical Issues

By Joan Sanstadt, News Editor
Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:18 AM CDT

The Livestock Facility Siting Review Board (LFSRB) met via teleconference on April 4.

The call, placed by Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) staff, found every member of the LFSRB participating in the call.

The main topic of discussion was what kind of technical assistance board members felt they needed from DATCP staff as they considered the Ronald S. Stadler v. Crawford County Docket (No. 08-L-01).

Materials received at DATCP from Crawford County had been distributed to board members prior to the conference call.

LFSRB member Bob Selk asked if there was a “descriptive list or inventory (of materials) that should be considered?”

DATCP Attorney Cheryl Daniels offered to compile such a list. “Normally this is something the county would have done,” she added.

“In the future, if there is a way to encourage local government to do that (compile an inventory list), it would be very helpful to have that,” Selk recommended.

Daniels agreed, saying “that is what procedures contemplate.”

LFSRB member Bob Topel noted the nutrient management plan included in the materials had been prepared by Resource Engineering Associates. “I’ve hired them in the past and my son was once employed by them n I’m offering this information in the interest of full disclosure,” Topel said.

Daniels asked Topel if he had any project involvement with the company at present. Topel’s response was “no.”

Selk, addressing Topel, said he was “sure you’ll let us know if at some time you don’t feel you can be fair and impartial.”

Daniels said she did not see a conflict.

Because some LFSRB members had trouble using the software to open e-mailed materials, DATCP staff agreed they would offer an actual demonstration as the first item on the agenda when the LFSRB meets next on April 18 at DATCP headquarters.

Commenting on the materials submitted by DATCP staff, Selk said “they answer and identify issues and give what they think should be the approach to solving these issues.”

Daniels asked Selk if he wanted DATCP staff to respond. Selk’s said, “I don’t need them to respond.”

There were questions over whether the applicant (Roth) had a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit from the DNR and/or was in the process of obtaining such a permit.

Mike Murray, DATCP staffer, said he doesn’t believe the DNR requires producers to get a siting permit in order to get a WPDES permit. “The producer does need to get whatever local permits are required n such as for manure storage.”

The next LFSRB will be on April 18. It will begin with a demonstration of Snap Plus software using the nutrient management plan information submitted by the applicant.

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