Hearings set on soil and water rule

Five public hearings are scheduled in March and April on proposed changes to Wisconsin’s soil and water resource management regulations.
The changes are to ATCP 50, the administrative rule that governs the soil and water program in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The rule is being revised primarily to implement farm runoff standards adopted by the Department of Natural Resources in 2011. These standards require farmers to improve pasture management, maintain a tillage setback, control discharges of process wastewater, and meet nutrient management targets. State law requires DATCP to develop conservation practices to implement performance standards for farms.
A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 28 in Tomahawk. The hearing will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the Rodeway Inn & Suites, 1738 Comfort Dr.
A copy of the proposed rule is available at http://datcp.wi.gov; search for ATCP 50. Participants may submit oral or written comments at the hearing. Written comments will be accepted through April 30 by:
• Mail addressed to Lisa Schultz, DATCP-DARM, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53718-8911
• Email addressed to lisaj.schultz@wi.gov
• Submitting them online at https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/public/Home - search for ATCP 50 and choose the version “under promulgation.”
Rule revisions also cover cost sharing for best management practices, conservation compliance to participate in the Farmland Preservation Program, and certification of practitioners who perform conservation engineering work.