Clean Water in Wisconsin Comes in Focus

Clean water activists in Saratoga, Wisconsin fight for
water and oppose the siting of a proposed factory farm.
Clean water activists statewide fear a future where
clean and safe lakes will become a memory.

Madison, Wisconsin — Wisconsin lakes are not bottomless sewers that take in millions of gallons of liquid cow manure and like magic create speaking-clean water safe for swimming, fishing and boating.

Rather, factory farms and other rapacious agricultural practices destroy and poison the water in the land of 15,000 lakes with devastating health, economic, and quality-of-life consequences.

These outcomes are acceptable costs to Big Ag, Gov. Scott Walker (R) and Wisconsin Republicans who run state government for polluting operations.

Congrats are in order for Steven Verburg of the Wisconsin State Journal for his critical reporting on the health of the Yahara lakes in Dane County in an important series this week. See also the related site, the Yahara lakes project.
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This weekend also comes news from 100 miles north of Madison that three factory farm owners — Wysocki Produce Farms, B and D Farms and Okray Farms — "say they have joined together to help supply clean, safe water to residents with high nitrate levels in their wells" in the town of Armenia in Juneau County in central Wisconsin, reports Karen Madden in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune.

Wysocki Produce Farms, B and D Farms and Okray Farms are industry suppliers of pathogen, nitrate and phosphorous-laden cow shit to area communities.

After poisoning the private water wells of objecting families, the Wysocki corporation is offering cartons of uncontaminated water in trade. This is widely considered not to be an equatable deal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating the water poisoning in the region.

Area residents are sounding a skeptical note as they work to stop operation of another proposed massive factory farm in the town of Saratoga in Wood County. The Golden Sands factory farm is owned by the Wysocki corporation.

"I'd feel much better about it had they, (factory farm owners), done it without the EPA and county health officers breathing down their necks. They're trying to get in front of a very ugly situation made public because of citizen pressure from Saratogans and Armenians. The Wysockis didn't do this out of the kindness of their hearts, and it wasn't done because a state Senator or Assemblyman stepped in. This is the result of well-directed citizen activism. Well done my friends!," writes Don Ystad in an email to clean water activists this weekend.

Ystad live in Adams County, some six miles south of the proposed Wysocki factory farm.

Ystad's reference to a "state Senator or Assemblyman" points to central Wisconsin legislators, State Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa), both of whom are politically owned by factory farm interests.

Krug faces presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party nominee for the 72nd assembly district, clean water activist David Gorski, in the general election this November.

These is caution optimism that Wisconsin has finally, after years of citizen action, come to the point where Republicans can be defeated in the gerrymandered legislative districts.

An activist rightwing Wisconsin Supreme Court bent the law to arrive
at a pre-determined decision green-lighting a proposed massive factory farm
in central Wisconsin. Corrupt justices hold a 4-3 majority at the
Wisconsin Supreme Court.

EPA Drilling Wells to Probe Complaints Near Dangerous Factory Farm in Central Wisconsin

EPA investigating massive water pollution in central
Wisconsin in Juneau County. Factory farm is culprit.

Residents hope Central Sands Dairy CAFO pollution gets recorded in extensive water testing in Armenia, Juneau County 

Residents in Juneau County want what most take for granted: Clean, safe water to drink, shower and bathe children.

Following radical changes from Gov. Scott Walker and every Republican legislator with no dissents allowed, safe water is asking too much in Juneau County thanks to the Republican pollute-all-you-want water policy.

Central Wisconsin citizens are chronicling extensive water testing in Juneau County. The testing is believed to be conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

From an email from Don Ystad who is fighting the siting of a massive factory farm in central Wisconsin by the same corporation ruining lives in Armenia, Juneau County.

Concerned citizens,

I think you'll recall that the Wysockis said they would pattern the proposed 5,300 cow Golden Sands dairy CAFO in Saratoga after the one they operate in Armenia. You should also recall that a monitoring well at one of Wysocki's fields near the Armenia CAFO tested nitrates at 77mg/L, nearly eight times the state and federal limit for drinking water. And, you may recall hearing about a nearby Armenia neighbor whose drinking water well tested at 51 mg/L for nitrates. She can't drink, cook or bathe with her well water

I had heard some time ago that the EPA was investigating complaints about the state of the groundwater around the Armenia CAFO. It has evolved to a full-fledged test all around the CAFO and in neighboring properties. These photos and video, along with comments from the friend who visited the site, confirm it. I hope for the sake of those neighbors and us that the EPA follows through.

For those of us living with the specter of this proposed CAFO in Saratoga, think about what the Armenia people are going through, and imagine a scenario like that in our communities around Saratoga. It's going on six years. Let us not let up now or ever.

Thanks,

Don Ystad, for Concerned Rome Citizens
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EPA will be drilling 41 boreholes around the Armenia area and Wysocki fields all the way to the river. They are testing for your basic contaminates nitrates, ammonia, phosphorus, coliform, and others. Typical drilling is going down about 60-80 feet with both a shallow and deep water sample taken. Drilling is occurring Mon., Tues., Wed this week.

Thursday their focus is shifting to undisclosed residential wells in the area.  When asked how many they planned to test I simply got the bug eyes look and the comment ... "A Lot"

Here is a link to a quick video.

Wisconsin Peninsula Is Breathtaking, but Don't Drink the Water

This manure-filled water came directly from Kewaunee County
residents Erika and Rob Balza’s kitchen faucet. Drinking the
water would lead to a visit to the hospital.

Wisconsin is becoming the state of fecal freaks and the manure mob

At a public hearing on factory farms held in Luxemburg in northeastern Wisconsin's peninsula this week, the public sentiment is clear: No more factory farms, we want clean water.

But factory farm corporations backed by the Scott Walker administration don't care what people want and think.

This is what Wisconsin has become in the lost decade, 2011-2019.

Reports Paul Srubas in the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin newspapers:

[S]eaker after speaker got up to the microphone to call [factory farm corporations] greedy and accuse them of destroying the environment.

About 170 people gathered at the Kewaunee Fairgrounds to give or listen to testimony at a hearing by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources over whether to issue a permit for a new Concentrated Animal Feed Operation and reissue five-year permits to four existing CAFO farms. ...

Several representatives of an environmental group in Door County spoke, as did a lawyer from Midwest Environmental Advocates in Madison, and several area town board and county supervisors.

Most of the speakers were just area residents.

Residents, in other words people and families. But families' clean and safe water is not the concern of the Walker administration and the fecal freaks whom the administration represents.

Wisconsin's first assembly
district is the peninsula jutting
out into Lake Michigan
in northeastern Wisconsin.
The district is in a water
crisis caused by manure
vectored into drinking
water by factory farms.
The current state rep.
Joel Kitchens, (R), works
for the water poisoners,
the factory farms.

Writes a clean water ally in central Wisconsin, Don Ystad:

Fellow concerned citizens,

This ends with us! When Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce teams up with the Dairy Business Association to fight rules to keep manure out of the public's water, you know they have overstepped.  While we expect them to be business-focused, we would also expect them to be reasonable when it comes to protections for those of us relying on clean water throughout the state. In other words, promote business, but not at the expense of human health and well being.

The irony of this is that they use their profits from doing business with you to work against you.

Here is an opportunity to link arms with your neighbors and show up in Madison to make a statement. You may not have the financial resources they have, but you can at least show up and make a statement. I plan to, and hope you will as well. See the League of Conservation Voters announcement linked to sign up.

Don Ystad for Concerned Rome, Wisconsin Citizens

An Appeal for Safe Water from Colfax, Wisconsin

What kind of political party targets water?

'I've always felt that I had a 'forever clause' to have clean water to drink.'

Madison, Wisconsin—On March 15, some 100 people are expected to bus and drive from central Wisconsin to the state capitol building in Madison.

Small business owners, small farmers, used-to-be-retired folk, all kinds want assurance of safe, clean drinking, and surface water.

They face stiff opposition led by State Rep Scott Krug, (R-Nekoosa, Wisconsin) and other Republicans.

Republicans are pushing two bills that would decimate Wisconsin waters and offer protection to polluters and industrial interests that are literally sucking regions dry.
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From Dick Lamers of Dunn County in northwestern Wisconsin:

Dear Legislators,

Subject: GROUNDWATER BILL WOULD RESULT IN PERPETUAL AUTHORITY TO PUMP!

Reference: (Senate Bill 76, Assembly Bill 105)

Please stop and think about what these bills will do for your legacy and the impact it will have on the citizens of WI!

I don’t understand the justification for approving the unlimited use of water from our aquifers and the permit-approval process of these wells now being proposed with a 'forever' clause.

I’ve always felt that I had a 'forever clause' to have clean water to drink. That is one of the reasons I made a choice to move back to my home state. I was extremely proud of the environmental heritage that I remembered from my childhood and wanted it for my family. That is not the case for what I see happening today.

The 'Big Sell' used by some when this was last considered in 2016, was to keep talking about the 'certainty' of being able to pass on these permits to future buyers or family members (Corporations). There is no consideration for what happens when the permitted use causes catastrophic damage to the lives and well-being of their neighbors.

What about their certainty? When will you consider that this regulation has the potential of destroying whole communities? Who will stay in an area when the lakes dry up and people don’t have water to drink? (Companies buying bottled water for those affected is not a solution.)

These bills actually prohibit legal recourse when the use of these high-capacity wells prove to be detrimental to others.

Not allowing the research and study of the cumulative impact of these wells before approval or renewal, just passes the problem and harder decision making onto the next generation. If the 'greatest generation' helped develop our water ethics, then the least we can do is fight to uphold them.

I firmly believe one of your responsibilities in our society, is to protect me from these type of situations. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you STAND UP, LEAD, find a better way for ALL… of Your Constituents.

Please Vote No!

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Lamers
Colfax, WI 54730

Wisconsin Rivers

Wisconsin Republicans Target Water Again

Rome, Wisconsin relies on clean and safe water
The central Wisconsin community is a tourist
and recreational mecca fighting the current
of anti-public mania of Wisconsin Republicans.

In Wisconsin a coalition of citizen groups is getting riled again.

They want to stop ground and surface water from being plundered and poisoned by industrialized factory farms.

Republicans in the legislature are saying in effect, 'forget it, water warriors, we work for Big Ag.'

Pro-water forces are sounding the alarm about the "Death by a Thousand Straws' bill drafted by Republicans for Big Ag, against the interests of surrounding communities.

They oppose Senate Bill 76, (Assembly Bill 105), that will result in "PERMANENT damage to our state’s waters – lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and residential water wells. Written in its current state, this bill does not solve any problems for our state groundwater and surface water issues and only allows our current problems to continue," (Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network and Concerned Rome Citizens).

By Rick Georgeson, Steve Raap, John Endrizzi, Rick Antin, and Don Ystad

Concerned Friends and Neighbors,

The recently proposed Senate Bill (SB) 76 is bad for us. It's a follow-on to the bad water bill from last session that failed to get approved.  And, now we hear there is a companion bill being introduced in the Assembly. Many of you helped to defeat the bills last session, and we are going to need all of you and more to help defeat this one. The deck is stacked against us as the administration further disembowels the DNR and as large industrial farm lobbies pour in more money trying to influence our legislators. So, it's just us, the largest pool of lobbyists in the state, and we have the ability to affect change. This mailing is informational.; Soon, you will be asked to take action to protect what's important to you and your family. And, it will cost you only a few minutes of your time.

Oppose SB76/AB105,  'Death by 1,000 Straws'

Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network and Concerned Rome Citizens, (Facebook), opposes SB76/AB105 and believe passage of this bill will result in PERMANENT damage to our state’s waters – lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and residential water wells. Written in its current state, this bill does not solve any problems for our state groundwater and surface water issues and only allows our current problems to continue. 

Wisconsin is a mecca for recreation and tourism. Allowing the passage of SB76/AB105 would land a direct blow to the thriving tourism industry upon which many of our rural communities depend.  Those who travel to Wisconsin will be forced to find alternate vacation destinations to boat, fish, and recreate as lake levels continue to be drawn down.

SB76/AB105 will guarantee the continued drawdown of many lakes, trout streams, and residential wells if passed by our current legislature. Unlimited permits are unprecedented in Wisconsin and pose a serious and immediate danger to our waterways and our residents. Periodic review of high capacity well permits is essential to protect our waters. 

The transfer provision in SB76/AB105 is of greatest concern and encourages elected officials to purposefully and directly ignore the state’s Public Trust Doctrine, which states the waters of Wisconsin belong to all of us. Transferring water rights with the sale of a property is in direct conflict with that doctrine outlined within our state's Constitution. Transfer wording should be deleted entirely from this bill.

As Wisconsin residents, we depend and trust our elected officials to enact legislation that will ensure our surface and groundwater will be here for our children and grandchildren to use and enjoy.  Moreover, we have property rights and hold our representatives to the expectation that they will protect our interests over big industry donors who are attempting to buy preferential legislation. 

Numerous scientific studies predicted reduced surface and groundwater due to overpumping from high capacity wells. Statewide, lakes, streams and wells are drying up and we are demanding legislative action to protect our water NOW. Do not vote to pass legislation that will make Wisconsin water issues worse and directly impact our tourism and recreational industry. SB76/AB105 will not stop or prevent further damage to the families of Wisconsin… it ensures the damage will continue.

Concerned Rome Citizens values the lakes in the Rome area that contribute in a large way to the $300,000,000 annual tourism revenue in Adams County.  The billion dollars in valuation of lake properties in Adams County represent a major source of revenue to commerce, schools and community services.  These lakes communities must be protected.

Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network (SRWN) is a statewide coalition of thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations dedicated to preserving the environment while maintaining the health and economic vitality of rural communities. We are concerned about Wisconsin’s water resources and support sustainable water use. We cannot support legislation that gives Wisconsin’s water to the highest bidder at the detriment of the citizens.

Mega Factory Farms Contribute $100,000-plus to Buy, Deplete and Pollute Wisconsin Water

Pollute-and-Deplete Attack on Water Backed by Full-spectrum Dominance of Political Culture

The United States Department of Homeland Security, (DHS), maintains a vigilant commitment to protecting our water and wastewater systems sector.

We take clean water and the safe elimination of sewage for granted, a mark of a first-world country.

As the DHS explains: "Safe drinking water is a prerequisite for protecting public health and all human activity. Properly treated wastewater is vital for preventing disease and protecting the environment. Thus, ensuring the supply of drinking water and wastewater treatment and service is essential to modern life and the Nation’s economy."

Not all see protecting water the same way as DHS.

The threats to safe drinking water are here, industrialized agriculture or Big Ag.

Big Ag is without conscience, and almost every politician has their hands out for its money and support, and don't look for DHS to do anything.

Industrial special interests have no qualms about poisoning private water wells, and surface and ground water aquifers. Lost your safe drinking water, your infant is hospitalized? Dead areas in Lake Michigan? What are you going do about it? Call the EPA, the DNR?

In rural regions in Wisconsin, and not just Wisconsin, industrial agricultural operations (CAFOs or Confined/Concentrated Animal/Agricultural Operations), are annually dumping 100s of millions of gallons of untreated animal feces mixed with water into the environment to often tragic consequences, and it's getting worse.

Wisconsin Republicans, and many Democrats such as State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, (D-Milwaukee), are happy to take the money and endorsements of Big Ag and sell out our clean and safe water. Zamarripa has a safe near-southside Milwaukee assembly seat, so why not take any a few hundred bucks from ag interests and get an endorsement?

By Don Ystad of Adams County in central Wisconsin

Concerned Citizens,

While I don't want to politicize this issue, the following article points out the power play of the large ag concerns in our central sands area.  We saw it firsthand with the WPVGA, (Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association), junk science groundwater blitz of our county boards recently.  And, from the article, further evidence that the rush is on: "Most of these contributions, about $106,350, were also made during the last six months of 2016 after the GOP-controlled legislature failed to pass bills last spring aimed at loosening rules for controversial high-capacity wells".

So, let's build on the momentum from our Feb 8th statewide Citizens Water Lobby Day in Madison.  We need to be our own lobby, large enough to challenge the efforts of the big ag grower lobby.  Five hundred of us showed up on the 8th.  Join us and reach out to your friends and tell them to go to the link for the new Citizens Water Coalition of Wisconsin.

Be a part of this citizens lobby. We may not be able to outspend them, but we do have the votes!

From Matt Rothschild, of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Several large farms with an interest in the issue of high-capacity wells have been throwing tens of thousands of dollars over to Republican legislative campaign committees.

Until the drastic rewrite of Wisconsin’s campaign finance law in November 2015, it was illegal for farms or other corporations to give money directly to legislative campaign committees. But the new law allows them to give up to $12,000 in a so-called segregated account, which isn’t supposed to go toward electing specific candidates.

During the second half of 2016, several large potato, vegetable and cranberry farms made corporate contributions totaling $56,250 to the four legislative campaign committees, which are used by legislative leaders to milk special interests for campaign cash to spend on elections. Those contributions included:

• $28,000 to the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee;
• $21,200 to the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate;
• $4,950 to the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee;
• $2,100 to the State Senate Democratic Committee.

Several of the owners and employees of these farms also gave personal donations to the legislative campaign committees, including $27,200 to the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate and $12,900 to the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee. The two Democratic legislative campaign committees received a combined total of $4,900 from large farm owners or employees. Last month, GOP Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, of Juneau, said he wants to approve a bill that would let high-capacity well owners repair or replace existing wells without a permit.

A review of the individual and business contributions to the legislative fundraising committees and legislators shows:

• Most of the contributions, about $133,750, went to Republican lawmakers, and $12,450 went to Democrats. Republicans control the Assembly and Senate by margins of 64-35 and 20-13, respectively;
• Most of these contributions, about $106,350, were also made during the last six months of 2016 after the GOP-controlled legislature failed to pass bills last spring aimed at loosening rules for controversial high-capacity wells;
• Nine officers and board members of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, their families, workers and businesses made about $78,500 in contributions to legislators and legislative fundraising committees;
• In addition to campaign contributions from its officers and board, the Vegetable Growers Association spent about $183,600 during the 2015-16 legislative session lobbying on high-capacity well, groundwater, wetlands, shore land zoning and other measures.

Topping the list of contributors to legislators and legislative fundraising committees were:

• The Wysocki family, of Bancroft, their businesses and employees, $38,800;
• Jeremie Pavelski, of Wisconsin Rapids, co-owner of Heartland Farms, $23,625;
• James Mortenson, of Wisconsin Rapids, and Mortenson Brothers Farms, $17,750.

The farms want looser rules governing controversial high-capacity wells and groundwater that already allow them to draw 100,000 gallons of water a day for irrigation. But as the number of large farms has grown, the huge volume of water drawn by high-capacity wells has become a major concern, as rivers and streams throughout Wisconsin shrink or dry up during the summer.