Manure Spill at Wisconsin Dairy Farm Causes Mile-Long Fish Kill, Environmental Concerns

On May 21st, officials from the state Department of Natural Resources reported a significant manure spill in southern Wisconsin, resulting in a fish kill that spanned over a mile along Moore Creek in Monroe County.

Origin of the Spill

The spill was traced back to Spring Valley Holstein Inc., a dairy farm located east of Norwalk. The manure transfer system at the farm failed, leading to the spill. However, further details regarding the specific cause of the failure were not provided, as investigations are currently underway.

Extent of the Damage

The spill impacted approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) of Moore Creek and an adjacent tributary. Despite the scale of the spill, officials stated that the drinking water supplies in the area are not expected to be affected.

Environmental Response

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with county officials and the affected farm, is actively engaged in implementing measures to prevent additional runoff from reaching local waterways. This joint effort aims to mitigate the environmental impact and safeguard the surrounding ecosystems.

Current Status of the Farm

Efforts to contact Spring Valley Holstein Inc. revealed that the telephone lines were either disconnected or no longer in service, indicating a lack of immediate response or communication from the farm's management.

This incident serves as a reminder of the pressing need for stringent measures to prevent environmental contamination and emphasizes the importance of proactive approaches to safeguarding natural habitats from such hazards.