Dec. 1 2016 07:13 AM

Livestock Operation Ordinance and Manure Storage Ordinance address existing, proposed and future livestock operations and public health concerns


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At a special meeting Wednesday evening, the Saratoga Town Board took action on two new ordinances that further protect groundwater from contamination by manure from livestock operations, officials confirmed today.

The Livestock Operation Ordinance gives the Town authority to implement manure management standards imposed by the DNR and provides a procedure for the Town to take action when manure application contributes to an exceedance of a drinking water standard in nitrates, pathogens or other contaminants, said Attorney Paul Kent, representing the Town in the matter.

“The ordinance cites extensive findings describing the dangers to groundwater from manure application on the Town’s sensitive sandy soils. The findings are based on scientific research, real-world experience and modeling that show that land application of manure poses a great risk of groundwater contamination, particularly nitrates,” Kent said. “For the Town’s 5,385 residents that rely on private wells for their drinking water this is a critical public health matter.”

The second ordinance addresses manure storage and gives the Town the authority to implement the manure storage standards imposed by DNR, Kent said. This ordinance is being sent to the County for final review before adoption.

Download Saratoga Ordinance

Download Saratoga Nitrates

Download Saratoga Ordinance C

About the Town of Saratoga

The Town of Saratoga is home to 5,385 residents in Wood County, Wisconsin. It is situated in the southeast corner of the county, bordering Juneau and Adams counties and includes Tenmile Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Ross Lake, a portion of Nepco Lake and Fivemile Creek. Its predominant land uses are managed pine forest owned by private landholders, residential subdivisions, limited agriculture (cranberry marshes), commercial developments along highways 13 & 73 and open spaces.