TOWN OF LIND, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A proposed waste digester in a small central Wisconsin townis continuing to rile up the community.
Hundreds of residents from the town of Lind and surrounding communities packed a meeting Wednesday in the Waupaca High School auditorium to share their thoughts.
A proposed waste digester in a small central Wisconsin town is continuing to rile up the community. (WLUK)
Wednesday’s board agenda items focused on amendments to the town’s zoning code and comprehensive plan, which would convert 7.8 acres of agricultural land to industrial land. The board voted to recommend denying both changes.
“Keeping up with the times does not necessarily mean adopting the latest, greatest, biggest and more expensive technology,” Laurie Knutzen of Waupaca said. “We must do all in our power not to abandon our beliefs and what we value for the sake of what others call progress.”
“For 168 years, we have implemented regenerative agricultural practices that preserve our soil, our air and our water quality,” Ron Brooks, owner of Brooks Farm, said. “This digester is about our commitment to continuous improvement in our community.”
In December, a meeting in the town of Lind was quickly adjourned due to an ability to accommodate for the overwhelming number of people in attendance. The meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday and included a public forum that lasted over four hours.
“This is a human health issue,” Dick Swanson of Algoma said. “You work for the people. Not one farm, not one industry.”
Brooks Farm is partnering with Vanguard Renewables for the project, which aims to turn food waste and manure into renewable energy. They say it will improve air quality and sustainability.
“This project will allow us to remain viable in the dairy business and be better stewards of our community, our community’s lands and water resources,” Sydney Howard with Brooks Farm said.
Many in the community aren’t buying what they’re being told.
“Simply calling something renewable or green energy doesn’t make it so and doesn’t mean that the energy has low emissions or substantial benefits impacting the air quality,” Cynthia Cindric of Waupaca said.
However, some proponents in favor of the digester also came forward.
“How can we not support a local family-owned business so they can keep their doors open and [be] profitable now and in the future?” one resident asked.
The decision will now go to the Waupaca County Board for final say.
Comments