MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen recently obtained a judgment and order against a Viroqua area cow dairy farm that allegedly discharged manure from its storage facility into a stream.
In June 2013, Lehmann Farms LLC allegedly discharged approximately 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of manure into an intermittent stream that drains to Wire Hollow Creek and the Bad Axe River. Lehmann allegedly failed to apply for a discharge permit and did not notify the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after the discharge took place. The DNR learned of the alleged discharge after receiving a citizen complaint.
"It is against the law for farms to discharge manure into Wisconsin's waters," Van Hollen said. "The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure compliance with the law and to help prevent future violations."
Under the terms of a judgment and order, Lehmann Farms must apply for a discharge permit to ensure the farm secures and maintains an adequate manure storage capacity going forward. Lehmann plans to construct a second manure storage facility at a cost of approximately $300,000, which should ensure the farm always has enough storage capacity.
Lehmann Farms agreed to pay $15,000 in forfeitures, surcharges, court costs and attorney fees.
Wis. AG obtains order against dairy farm over manure
