This chapter is adopted under authority granted by Wisconsin
Statutes Sections 59.54(6) (Public protection and safety); 59.70(20)
(Environmental protection and land use); 92.07 (Land conservation
committee, powers); 92.09 (Land conservation committee staff); 92.15
(Local regulation of livestock operations); and 92.16 (Manure storage
facilities). This chapter regulates design, construction, abandonment
and maintenance of animal waste storage facilities, animal feeding
operations, including processed wastewater, and nutrient management.
This chapter shall be known as, referred to and may be cited
as the "Animal Waste Management Ordinance," Green Lake County, Wisconsin,
and is hereinafter known as "this chapter."
A.
The Green Lake County Board of Supervisors finds this chapter is
designed to protect and promote our agricultural industry and also
to promote and enhance the aesthetic conditions and general health
and welfare of the people and communities within Green Lake County.
B.
The Green Lake County Board of Supervisors also finds that storage
of animal waste and manure in storage facilities not meeting technical
design and construction standards may cause pollution of the surface
water and groundwater of Green Lake County, and may have the potential
to result in harm to County residents and transients; to livestock,
aquatic life and other animals and plants; and to the property tax
base of Green Lake County.
C.
The Green Lake County Board of Supervisors also finds that improper
management of storage facilities and utilization for animal waste
and manure, including land application of stored animal waste, may
cause pollution of the ground- and surface waters of Green Lake County.
D.
The Green Lake County Board of Supervisors further finds that the
technical standards developed by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and adopted by
the Green Lake County Land Conservation Committee (LCC) provide effective,
practical, and environmentally safe methods of storing and utilizing
animal-related waste and manure.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the groundwater and
surface water resources of Green Lake County by regulating the location,
construction, installation, alteration, design and use of animal waste
storage facilities and animal feeding operations so as to protect
the health and safety of residents and transients; prevent the spread
of disease and promote the prosperity and general welfare of the citizens
of Green Lake County. It is also intended to provide for the administration
and enforcement of this chapter and to provide penalties for its violation.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this
chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally
construed in favor of Green Lake County, and shall not be deemed a
limitation or repeal of any other power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes.
If any section, provision or portion of this chapter is ruled
invalid by a court, the remainder of this chapter shall not for that
reason be rendered ineffective.
This chapter applies only in unincorporated areas of Green Lake
County.
This chapter shall become effective upon adoption by the Green
Lake County Board and publication as provided for in the Wisconsin
Statutes.
