The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has rejected a proposal to erect a 26,000 hog CAFO in Burnett County.  This action followed incomplete disclosure in the application and, specifically, the method of disposing of hog waste.  The promoters of the project, Cumberland, LLC, failed to document that sufficient land was available to spread nine million gallons of manure and liquid waste produced by the CAFO each year.  A subsequent submission claimed that land would be available to spread manure in adjoining Minnesota, across the St. Croix River, but the information provided was incomplete and vague.

It is evident that regulatory authorities are concerned over disposal of animal waste and will require valid plans and appropriate substantiation of feasibility before granting permits for CAFOs.  Given that Cumberland, LLC only owned 40 acres of land, reliance on neighboring acreage to spread manure did not represent a long-term solution.

Planned U.S. hog and poultry industries must adopt more modern technology to dispose of waste. In the case of hogs, farm owners could invest in anaerobic digesters that can reclaim energy. Egg producers can install rotary driers and convert waste to a higher value product. Conversion of waste applying available technology will obviate odor, flies and prevent eutrophication of waterways and contamination of aquifers.