Gov. Scott Walker says he’s “generally optimistic” about a state rule package that would restrict manure spreading in fifteen eastern Wisconsin counties.
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved the plan this week, saying it would hopefully lead to less manure run-off from farms and more protection of local water.
The package now heads to Walker, who on Thursday stopped a little short of saying he’ll approve the rule package.
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“Well, because all of these we need to review… I’m generally optimistic about what they did,” Walker told reporters in Milwaukee.”
Walker said he’ll be looking at the DNR’s plan when he also gets an update on a more comprehensive effort that includes building a manure digester to handle some of the animal waste in northeast Wisconsin.
He said protecting the water there is a “legitimate concern because of the unique needs of the region,” much of which has thin soils and fractured bedrock that allows run-off to quickly enter groundwater and rivers.
If Walker approves the plan, state lawmakers then get a look at the DNR plan, which has some critics in the business community.
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