Polk County has been targeted by at least one out-of-state corporation as a potential location for a CAFO, or confined animal feeding operation, housing tens of thousands of hogs and producing millions of gallons of manure annually. If such a facility is allowed to be built, it could have significant negative impacts on our quality of life. Property values have already dropped in parts of the county over fears about noxious fumes and water pollution if a CAFO goes in.

Other Wisconsin counties have imposed moratoriums on the permitting of any new large-scale livestock operations, giving them time to review their ordinances and zoning laws to be sure that the well-being of their rural communities is protected. Burnett County adopted a one-year moratorium in July on any new livestock operations of 1000 animal units or more and established a committee to study the effects of CAFOs on air quality, groundwater and surface water.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors has so far refused to take action on Resolution 33-19, which would impose a six-month moratorium on new large-scale livestock operations. Tell them this is an issue you care deeply about, and urge them to adopt a CAFO moratorium sooner rather than later.