Hearing About Farm’s Nitrate Pollution Limit Draws Nearly 100

Local residents want safe, clean drinking water

ADAMS — Nearly 100 people attended a public hearing to call for action over dangerously high nitrate levels in the groundwater near a Central Wisconsin heifer operation. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources granted the hearing as it considers an exemption for nitrate contamination at Burr Oak Heifers in Richfield, Adams County.

Under the Lens: Microbeads

Pre-production plastic pellets, or “nurdles,” are used in the manufacturing of the plastic products and can easily enter the environment. PHOTO: Flickr/NOAA Marine Debris Program The burgeoning problem of microplastics, itty-bitty plastic pieces in our water While plastic has been a water pollution concern in for awhile, it is only recently that researchers have started

Five Simple Steps for Earth Day, and Every Day

MADISON — From its meager beginnings as a day of environmental awareness, Earth Day has grown into a global affair in support of healthy, sustainable ideas for use year-round. April 22, 2014, marks the 44th observance of Earth Day. Especially for Wisconsinites, it’s a time of proud reflection. After all, it was Wisconsin native, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who established the first Earth Day 44 years ago.

Nitrate Levels Raise Concerns at Wisconsin Dairy Farm

Clean Wisconsin, dozens of citizens, are granted hearing after calling for action

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural resources is granting a public hearing for April 15 after the widespread call for action over dangerously high nitrate levels in the groundwater near a Central Wisconsin dairy farm. Clean Wisconsin joined more than 40 concerned citizens requesting the hearing to advocate for cleaner water.

Clean Wisconsin Supports Wisconsin Renewable Energy Act

Bill aims to create jobs and transition Wisconsin to a clean energy economy

MADISON — By the year 2030, 30 percent of the electricity in Wisconsin would be generated by renewable sources under a plan unveiled today in the state Legislature called the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Act. The proposal would build significantly on the current standard for 10 percent renewables by 2015.

Pipeline Project Raises Too Many Unanswered Questions

Environmental impact statement falls short of legal requirement to explore impacts on natural resources

MADISON  — A 74-mile natural gas pipeline proposed in west central Wisconsin has potential to create numerous and significant adverse impacts on wetlands, surface water, rare or threatened species’ habitats and high-quality woodlands. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) fails to adequately address many key environmental issues including the effects of increased sand mining that could be promoted by the pipeline.

Under the Lens: Rock Salt

Winter: The Season of Salt Winter in Wisconsin may mean different things to different people, but snow and ice are always the major theme. And when that snow and ice piles up on roads, driveways and sidewalks, it also becomes one of winter’s major tasks. Removing snow and ice is a huge investment of both

Court Upholds DNR’s Authority to Require High-Capacity Well Monitoring

Ruling comes as part of Adams County dairy lawsuit

MADISON — Today’s ruling makes it clear: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the authority to require high-capacity well owners to monitor groundwater levels. That authority came into question when an Adams County dairy sued DNR after approval to tap two new wells at a time the area already suffers from significant groundwater problems.