DBA and Edge oppose WPDES modifications on Gordondale Dairy Farm

Monitoring policy and regulatory actions that impact Wisconsin dairy farms is one of the driving forces behind Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the Dairy Business Association. Beginning in 2022 our team of policy and permitting experts took a stand against modifications the Department of Natural Resources was imposing on Gordondale Farms. The DNR had imposed requirements to the farm’s previously approved WPDES permit. The modifications required the farm to install three monitoring wells at various locations and monthly sampling requirements during phase one, with the potential for additional requirements added in the future if deemed necessary by the DNR.

Gordondale Farms contested these modifications as an over-reach of the department and the requirements of the WPDES. Following nearly a year-long process, the proposed settlement agreement between the DNR and Gordondale Farms was announced in early this month at a public hearing. Edge and DBA worked in collaboration to support Gordondale in their attempt at reducing the additional modifications to their permit through written comments.

The proposed settlement agreed to by the DNR and Gordondale, will allow for their WPDES modification to include monitoring one well at one land application site determined by the farm. The agreed upon requirement to complete monthly sampling was replaced with a requirement that is more suitable as it relates to sampling during the annual growing season and nutrient application timeline.

Although an agreement was reach in this circumstance, Edge and DBA continue to oppose these modifications. 

Edge and DBA submitted a response to the settlement stating concern in granting authority to DNR that goes beyond the WPDES requirement. You can read the full comment on the DBA website.

“Our organization strongly opposes granting the DNR the authority to require the installation of monitoring wells as a practice for issuing new WPDES permits or for permit reissuance. We do recognize however the desire for Gordondale Farms to bring closure to this issue and support the farm on their litigated settlement agreement that will provide them more regulatory certainty for their operation in the future,” said Lee Kinnard, dairy farmer and president of DBA.

During the initial public comment period in 2022, Edge and DBA submitted written comments opposing the initial modification to the farm’s permit and maintains the same position today.

“Edge and DBA remain opposed to these modifications because we do not believe they proactively improve water quality, but rather place limitations on dairy farmers. We will continue to advocate for common sense science-based solutions as an alternative to regulatory compliance measures that do not proactively improve water quality and environmental stewardship. We believe emphasizing enforcement or compliance standards instead of science-based solutions acts more as an impediment to water quality protection efforts than yielding tangible results,” says Tim Baumgartner, director of regulatory and permitting services.

“Collectively with our affiliate Farmers for Sustainable Food, we will continue to support our members’ efforts on conservation and sustainability practices while providing enhanced data collection opportunities that will show improved nutrient management results that positively impact the environment and enhance the overall farm productivity.”