DNR seeking public comment on Squires Farm WPDES permit to discharge in Muddy Creek Watershed

By LeAnn R. Ralph

EAU CLAIRE  —  The state Department of Natural Resources has tentatively approved a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for Squires Farm to expand to 2,975 animal units and discharge into the Muddy Creek Watershed.

Squires Farm Inc., owned and operated by the Ullom family, is located at E6393 240th Avenue, Menomonie, in the southern part of the Town of Spring Brook southwest of Elk Mound.

According to the DNR’s public notice of the availability of a nutrient management plan and the intent to issue a WPDES permit, Squires Farm is proposing to become a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) with 2,975 animal units that would include 1,500 milking and dry cows, 954 heifers and 318 calves. A milk cow is 1.4 animal units.

Squires Farm, currently operating under an approved nutrient management plan, has 4,382 acres available for the land application of manure and process wastewater. Out of the nearly 4,400 acres available, Squires Farm owns 309 acres and rents 4,037 acres, according to the DNR’s public notice.

The DNR has tentatively decided the WPDES permit should be issued to Squires Farm.

Anyone who would like to comment on — or object to — the proposed WPDES permit, the nutrient management plan or the application, or to request a public informational meeting, can contact the DNR.

Comments or suggestions received no later than 30 days after the February 28, 2018, publication date of the DNR’s public notice will be considered, along with other information on file, in making the final decision for the Squires Farm WPDES permit, according to the DNR notice.

Anyone who provides comments to the DNR will be notified of the DNR’s final decision when the WPDES permit is issued.

If no comments are received on the proposed WPDES permit, including from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the permit will be issued.

The DNR may schedule a public informational hearing if anyone files a request within 30 days of the public notice about the Squires Farm WPDES permit application.

The DNR is required to hold a public informational hearing if a petition requesting a hearing is received from the EPA or from five or more people or if the DNR determines there is significant public interest.

Requests for a public informational hearing must include the name and address of the person(s) requesting the hearing; the interest in the proposed WPDES permit for Squires Farm of the person or people requesting the hearing; the reasons for the request; and the issues to be considered at the hearing.

To submit comments, to request a public informational hearing, or to inspect or receive copies information on file for the Squires Farm proposed WPDES permit, contact the permit drafter, Leah Nicol, DNR WCR Headquarters, 1300 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire WI 54701, or by telephone, 715-839-3730, or by e-mail, [email protected]

A reasonable cost will be charged for copies: 15 cents per page for copies and 7 cents per page for scanned material.

Permit information also is available for download at www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/wastewater/PublicNotices.html.

To find the list of permit applications, scroll down the webpage and click on the links for the permit draft and the supporting documents for Squires Farm.