DNR responds to manure spill in Brown County

GREEN BAY - The Department of Natural Resources responded to a manure spill, estimated at 100,000 gallons in southeast Brown County.

According to DNR officials, the spill which was reported last week, occurred at the James Kroll Farm on Finger Road, County Road V, between County Road P and South Michiels Road

The manure was released into an unnamed tributary of School Creek on March 13 when a valve was left open by a farm employee. It was reported by the farm late Monday night as a spill of about 1,000 gallons. Cleanup began early Tuesday, March 14. DNR and county staff arriving at the scene determined it was a larger, expanding spill and directed a more aggressive cleanup with more berms, sumps and pumping.

Responders determined that manure flowed for approximately 3.5 miles, reaching the Luxemburg Road crossing, where the stream is identified as School Creek. School Creek is a tributary of the Kewaunee River. DNR specialists are assessing the extent of water quality impacts.

At this time, the source area where manure flowed out from above ground storage is contained. Cleanup activities are ongoing today. The DNR is working with Brown County Land & Water Conservation staff and the farm owner.

The Kroll farm, located in the Town of Humboldt, is not a CAFO, or concentrated animal feeding operation, and does not operate under a DNR permit.

The DNR and county health department advise the public that the water in the stream might not be safe for people or pets. Surface water samples are being taken to monitor water quality impacts.

The DNR has determined there is some risk of groundwater impact due to the dominant geology in area being shallow bedrock and advises private well owners to closely monitor water quality. Any changes in water color or odor should be immediately reported to the DNR and the county health department. Well owners with questions regarding private well sampling can consult the DNR's webpage — dnr.wi.gov — and search the key word "wells".