Manure facility case will go to hearing

KEWAUNEE CO. - A contested case hearing has been granted to five citizens challenging plans for a manure storage facility at a Kewaunee County farm.

Kinnard Farms plans to expand to about 5,400 cows at its town of Lincoln facility. As a result, it applied for and was granted a permit by the Department of Natural Resources for three new storage facilities which would hold 76 million gallons of liquid manure.

However, several of the neighbors were upset by the plans due to concerns about groundwater quality and possible contamination.

While multiple issues were raised in the petition for a contested case hearing - which is an administrative hearing similar to a trial - there are seven specific issues which will be debated. Several of the topics the petitioners raised will not be heard.

To read the full decision by the DNR granting the hearing, click here.

The state Division of Hearings and Appeals will assign an administrative law judge to the case. After that, a briefing and hearing schedule will be set.