By Blake Jackson
A livestock facility license approved by Lafayette County is now under review after a neighboring landowner challenged the county’s decision. The proposed operation is located at 14274 Fort Defiance Road in the Town of Willow Springs near Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
The appeal will be considered by the Wisconsin Livestock Facility Siting Review Board, which handles challenges involving local government decisions on new or expanded livestock operations.
The neighboring landowner’s appeal raises several concerns about how the county evaluated the proposed facility. Among the issues cited are the application’s interpretation of required setbacks, the accuracy of its odor score calculation, and the estimates used for manure production and storage capacity.
The appeal has been assigned docket number 26-LFSRB-01. The review board will examine the county’s decision and the issues identified in the appeal as it determines whether the local approval should stand.
Property owners and residents located within two miles of the proposed facility may submit a written “statement of position” regarding the issues raised in the appeal. These statements must be received by October 30. Submissions should address only the specific matters identified in the request for review.
New arguments or evidence generally will not be considered unless the board determines they are necessary.
Written statements are limited to 10 pages and must use a font size of at least 12 points. Each submission should include the appeal docket number, 26-LFSRB-01. Email submissions are preferred. Paper submissions require seven copies in addition to the original.
Individuals seeking additional information or a copy of the appeal may contact review board attorney Jackie Cuellar. The county’s decision-making record can be obtained from the Lafayette County Land Conservation and Planning & Zoning Department in Darlington.
The Livestock Facility Siting Review Board is a citizen panel established to review certain appeals involving local government decisions on livestock facilities.
Under Wisconsin law, an appeal may be filed by an aggrieved applicant, property owner, or resident who meets the applicable requirements, including the two-mile geographic limit.
After receiving certified documents from the local government, the board has 60 days to issue a decision. The board will meet to consider the case and determine whether to uphold or overturn the local government’s action. The process does not provide another opportunity for public comments or testimony during the board’s meeting.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock