[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6355118,"mediaKeyId","2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090","parentId",2219245,"title","Marathon County staff outline winter-spreading proposal, estimate phosphorus reductions and costs for new manure storage","audioSeconds",404,"startMs",2650000,"endMs",3054000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090&start=2650&end=3054","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090/thumbnail_2650000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355118/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Marathon-County-staff-outline-winter-spreading-proposal-estimate-phosphorus-reductions-and-costs-for-new-manure-storage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355118-c7951a4ac98c61dc1a3cf1a67fbbcd60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148804&Signature=C~uuKTrkaxmoWt6gAtLAvgFlzNyjRoI9pLnLDmt8ZjpoVP9npPrh3vZdoV~A6OybMDeCq5Zt-D1SCm7BUlmB~8Pl1pRIqIFW1~zmLbOs6A9hMFzA61WbG43hmzCd6hmVWEllfePbuGldK2RZfy8UIkA3a8NFUN68TA7RYVZi3SEtlDjQNLKBu4C88EynCK89gzCh4LV9cE0TRihwnj4o90BAuWGWDaFAqDXgJtoS4N4qXSs7tCf3KK8amC6HNvHLwvqp9JscSNjvE23vB0KEerTjN~0wUeLK1uSgkME6OwVKMvPOnvXkiImmvIhdVCm~7-RKckiKy7-kFsTwLo7bkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-28T22:46:14Z","article","County planning and zoning staff presented updated analysis Feb. 4 on potential amendments to Marathon County’s animal waste ordinance, focusing on proposed winter-spreading restrictions and options for affected farms.

Kirsty (CPZ staff) told the Environmental Resources Committee that the department has moved away from animal-unit categories toward watershed-based or geographically targeted restrictions and that staff had performed a deeper review of farm demographics since the committee’s January discussion. Matt Repking (CPZ) presented farm-level data: of roughly 348 dairy farms in Marathon County, about 198 have some manure storage and approximately 150 do not. Using a subsample of 22 farms that had nutrient management plans, staff estimated that about 41% of that subsample spread liquid manure in winter months; extrapolated countywide, staff estimated roughly 62 farms without storage could be affected by a 60-day winter-spreading ban.

Using an average herd size of 77 cows for the affected group, staff estimated the 62 farms represent more than 9 million gallons of manure that would not be land-applied during a 60-day ban, which the team calculated could prevent roughly 16,000 pounds of phosphorus from reaching waterways. Staff presented a conservative conversion that compared the avoided phosphorus to wastewater treatment removal cost estimates, noting one facility’s removal cost at about $200 per pound of phosphorus and that treating the avoided load could cost several million dollars at municipal treatment plants.

On costs and options for storage, staff provided current (early 2025) estimates: concrete vertical-wall storage for a 25-cow operation was estimated at $40,000–$50,000; for a 77-cow operation $60,000–$80,000; for a 180-cow operation $140,000–$160,000. Earthen lagoon (lined clay) estimates were lower: roughly $25,000–$35,000 for a ~500,000-gallon earthen storage sized around the high end of the sample; staff emphasized many western Marathon County soils have clay that can lower costs. Staff noted transfer systems (pumps and piping) were excluded from the lowest-cost estimates and would add several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on configuration.

Staff also discussed underused/idle manure storages in the county. They reported an inventory of roughly 100 idle storages compiled about 18–24 months ago and said reuse or rental of existing facilities could be a major part of any solution. Staff suggested the county could consider incentives, grant-seeking or a small cost-share to encourage renting existing storage (for example, a supplemental payment per gallon moved) and said they would continue outreach to stakeholders, including a planned meeting with the County Farm Bureau.

Committee members raised implementation concerns for smaller farms and emergency situations; staff said the draft approach would include provisions for emergency spreading permits and encouraged one-on-one outreach. Tom Miller (agricultural interest representative) described nutrient management plans as a positive farm practice that can improve profitability and targeting of nutrients.

The committee did not adopt a local ordinance at the meeting. Members directed staff to continue stakeholder outreach, develop additional data (including capacity and proximity of idle storages), and return with more information at subsequent meetings. Staff said they plan two open houses and direct mailings to affected farms, and will report back to the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee Meeting - 2/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff presented detailed analysis of winter-spreading restrictions, estimating roughly 62 farms could be affected, potential phosphorus reductions from a 60-day ban, and storage cost ranges; committee directed staff to continue stakeholder outreach and return with more data.","taxTitle","Marathon County, Wisconsin","taxId",4560,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6355123,"Ringgold town representatives and county staff agree to revise solar and wind ordinance language after county flags state preemption concerns",366,1129000,1495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090&start=1129&end=1495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090/thumbnail_1129000.jpg","/articles/6355123/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Ringgold-town-representatives-and-county-staff-agree-to-revise-solar-and-wind-ordinance-language-after-county-flags-state-preemption-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355123-2014f87028931ee4ac32b74d39cb9811/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148804&Signature=EDszHmqwW6posmcreIkslYsuWOinjPmNBSRKBqLwhDCXzHKBHk8Oi2EU-XjdaGFi16bt2rU4YTP1Up2UnEZgkkAjPyjHdOlg-h6J~DT~jxdJ3TaqFx3~18VzqVwZfA5sp~4CfsRrh-IlvZGuACAJI4JV7cxTIwjuczlv9g~k8-uyu~nkTFcYq1YbYR2-c4qeDtOyk1ofF5GK5lVejTZjntx4MSEB~a1Ul-FLW7TLfM2Fh0wlk8hKdlB3SQjBo72pqLq8dADyORnbbctzhPQaQujxLJMcxDO4sTvYC1X4qHfBpzE2LrVwlLHzambP2Q2a-TqxVIYWlu1fLKdPULKO2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from the Town of Ringgold and Cedar Corporation presented a proposed ordinance amendment on solar and wind energy systems Feb. 4 to the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee. County staff and the county’s corporation counsel identified sections that could be more restrictive than state law and asked the town and its consultant to work with staff to revise the language.

Chad, a CPZ staff member, told the committee the draft ordinance includes permitting and developer-agreement provisions that could be inconsistent with the Public Service Commission’s jurisdiction over large-scale systems. County corporation counsel (Mike) said he shared the staff’s concerns. Michael Dombek, Ringgold planning and zoning chairman, and Eric from Cedar Corporation explained the town’s intent: to state local preferences and to put developers on notice about the town’s expectations even where the PSC has permitting authority.

Eric of Cedar Corporation said the town’s approach is intended to provide guidance to developers and noted two possible fixes he and the town would consider: stronger statutory acknowledgments of PSC jurisdiction or changing language from “require” to softer terms such as “recommend.” He added that Cedar Corp and the town were willing to work with county staff and counsel to find acceptable wording.

The committee did not vote on the ordinance. Chair Longenhahn suggested county staff (Chad and Mike) continue to work with the town’s representatives (Michael and Eric) to craft language consistent with state law before the County Board review. No formal action was taken, and committee members said they would prefer the ordinance to be clearly consistent with Public Service Commission requirements prior to forwarding it.

The discussion record shows the committee’s legal and policy concerns focus on two issues: permitting of systems under PSC review (large-scale projects) and the town’s use of developer agreements as mandatory requirements. County staff recommended edits and further review to ensure the town’s ordinance does not improperly restrict projects under PSC jurisdiction.

The committee asked staff and the town to return with revised language so the item can move forward to the county board if acceptable.","Marathon County staff and town of Ringgold representatives discussed a proposed wind and solar ordinance; county counsel and staff identified provisions that could conflict with Public Service Commission jurisdiction and recommended working together to adjust language before forwarding to the county board.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6355128,"Marathon County ERC approves three rezonings, a subdivision plat and updates to town ordinances and fees",0,2413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090&start=2413&end=2413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219245-9477912d2560de345b5b9e608aa4b090/thumbnail_2413000.jpg","/articles/6355128/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Marathon-County-ERC-approves-three-rezonings-a-subdivision-plat-and-updates-to-town-ordinances-and-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355128-67d236066a9bb488c8d40ee626a490b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148804&Signature=KnxwvxsOa9rDtyIaaW3hmXOYXprpsKpODe67o4FQ10zCquV5N7U~CvsCMsQMnT6r~dbDbJm8nXeUf0CUh5averrIztF9yrySYf1zW0br7VOyawQjDXc7S1THLtmduDx6EPdxg7nIcJHIlaas6X5L1BoZyEdfVAHQS~pbZrlMf8JWKp1vqLEStlaMAbgkITjMl724WE3tkzrWhMyDLyExsm6ze6YrgPkzqYyPDsim~P4LF6xX3mif24VmSyU~cj5QA6jz3A1601VTo7Ri37mRmW8QLliVwKS0u0~XuhsO~DFg7As1uTqrjzoGMj7CrD2Dx~wjXB~OIEEYpjOiGgd68g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee voted Feb. 4 to recommend approval of three zoning map changes, approve a subdivision plat, forward a town zoning rewrite to the county board and adopt changes to the county zoning fee schedule.

The committee, chaired by Longenhahn, conducted public hearings on three rezone petitions and heard staff recommendations before voting. Garrett, a CPZ staff member who presented the three rezone staff reports, said each petition met rezoning criteria and all three town boards recommended approval. No members of the public testified at the hearings.

Staff described the three petitions as follows: Tim Vreeland filed for a rezone on behalf of Tim Brubaker to change a parcel in the Town of Frankfort from RR (rural residential) to RE (rural estate); David J. Falkowski Sr. filed for Roam Properties LLC to rezone land in the Town of McMillan from RR to C (commercial); and David and Brenda (last name redacted in the record) requested rezoning from UR and RR to RE in the Town of Alderon. For each petition CPZ staff recommended forwarding approval to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, and the committee approved all three by voice vote following motions from supervisors and seconds recorded in the minutes.

The committee also approved the preliminary and final plats for Green Tree Meadows (the limited portion under Marathon County jurisdiction is a narrow strip of outlots in the northwestern portion of the plat). Garrett said the City of Wausau and the Town of Satine had approved the plat and the county’s review was limited to the small portion within the town. The committee approved both preliminary and final plats in separate motions.

Other formal actions included the committee’s approval to forward the Town of Weston’s repeal and recreation of Chapter 94 (town zoning) to the county board after staff review; approval of updates to the county zoning fee schedule to avoid double-charging large assemblies applicants (per Chapter 12.04 assemblies ordinance); and conditional approval of the Town of Wean comprehensive plan update, with the condition that town supervisor signatures be provided by the next County Board session.

Votes were taken as voice votes and recorded as “motion carries” in the meeting minutes; the record does not include a roll-call tally for most items. Where motions and seconds were recorded, the minutes list the mover and seconder (for example: the Brubaker rezone motion was made by Supervisor Drayback and seconded by Supervisor Seefeldt). Each rezoning now proceeds to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors for final action where required by statute.

The committee closed the meeting after items of business and scheduled its next meeting for March 4, 2025.

Notes: All actions and quotations reflect items as recorded in the February 4, 2025 ERC meeting transcript and staff reports; public testimony on the rezones was recorded as none present for each item.","The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee on Feb. 4 recommended approval of three rezones, approved preliminary and final plats for Green Tree Meadows, forwarded a town zoning rewrite to the county board and updated fees; public hearings drew no public testimony for the rezones.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Marathon County staff outline winter-spreading proposal, estimate phosphorus reductions and costs for new manure storage

Ringgold town representatives and county staff agree to revise solar and wind ordinance language after county flags state preemption concerns

Marathon County ERC approves three rezonings, a subdivision plat and updates to town ordinances and fees