Opponents Were Vocal at Cranberry Creek Dairy Expansion Hearing
A Dunn County dairy operation that is planning a major expansion next year
doesn't seem to have the blessing of its neighbors. About 200 local residents
attended a public hearing on Cranberry Creek Dairy's proposed pollutant
discharge system permit on Tuesday, in which all of those who testified at the
meeting expressed opposition to the project.
The farm, which is owned by Jeremy Radle, wants to expand from 2,100 animals to
over 7,200. Specifically, the farm would like to construct enough barns, feed
and manure storage areas to milk about 5,000 cows and raise over 1,700
youngstock.
Cranberry Creek Dairy is located in the town of Rock Creek. Neighbors say they
are concerned that the farm does not own enough acres to properly dispose of
its manure. Many also fear that water quality will be jeopardized by the
expanded operation.
Last week, town supervisors voted unanimously to oppose the permit, citing
potential groundwater concerns and traffic damage to the roads