DNR Looking to Expand Manure Restrictions

Governor Tony Evers’ administration is taking the first
steps toward creating restrictions on manure and fertilizer in areas prone to
nitrate contamination. The Department of Natural Resources last year imposed
manure restrictions in 15 counties in northeast Wisconsin in response to
drinking water contamination in Kewaunee County. The DNR has not developed an
outline for an administrative rule imposing similar restrictions in what are
being called “sensitive areas” with permeable soils. The outline does not list
those areas, saying they will be defined in the formal rule language. Those
administrative rules could take months to draft. DNR officials say the move
could cost farmers as much as $5 million annually.