LUXEMBURG, WI (WTAQ) – Concern over groundwater contamination drew people together Thursday night for a meeting in Kewaunee County.
Tests over the past few years have consistently showed contamination in about one third of private wells.
Patrick Weidner lives in Euren.
“Everybody around, they’ve had trouble, nitrates, bacteria, coliform. I’m interested in seeing what’s going to happen.”
About a year ago, concerned residents, farmers, DNR, EPA, and local officials started meeting to address the groundwater issues. They all helped put together the 64-page Kewaunee County groundwater workgroup report.
The report includes dozens of recommendations separated into short-term solutions, compliance, sensitive areas or best management practices, and communications.
While those are the most important recommendations for the EPA, they also could be the toughest recommendations to gain compliance.
Some of the recommendations will require changes to state law, more funding, or voluntary action.
John Pagel runs Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy
“I agree with almost everything they have here. A lot of us farmers are already doing some of these things and I think if we can get everybody to go in that direction, it’s going to have a positive impact.”
Everyone involved acknowledges the changes will take time, but starting these conversations is a step in the right direction.
