Marathon County staff present draft animal-waste ordinance changes, propose buffers and seasonal limits

Marathon County conservation staff on Sept. 30 presented draft changes to the county animal-waste ordinance that would require winter-spreading permits or nutrient-management plans, impose a 60-day seasonal spreading limitation for medium-sized livestock operations, and establish 35-foot buffers along perennial and intermittent streams.

Kirsty Heidenreich, county conservationist, told the Environmental Resources Committee the draft is the product of more than a year of work with a farmer work group and statewide research. The draft proposes a $200 fee for a four-year winter-spreading permit, while offering a county-supported nutrient-management plan alternative for producers who prefer it. Heidenreich said the county and partner technical colleges provide nutrient-management coursework at little or no net cost to participants.

Under the draft, medium-sized operations (defined in the presentation as 300 to 999 animal units, consistent with Environmental Protection Agency medium-farm definitions used in discussion) would face a 60-day restriction on winter spreading, intended to reduce high-risk nutrient applications. Staff said large farms (1,000+ animal units) are…