Manure Runoff Event in Fond du Lac County

Last week the state Department of Natural Resources responded to a manure runoff affecting miles of creeks in the Malone and Mt. Calvary areas of Fond du Lac County. The manure plume reached the canoe launch at County CCC and the Sheboygan River, where county health officials said signs will be posted warning recreationists to avoid contact with the water because of concerns about e-coli bacterial contamination. A fish kill was observed in the Sheboygan River near County Road CCC. Dead fish, mainly minnow species, have also been observed in two smaller tributaries. Approximately 11.5 miles of stream have been affected. The area involved straddles the towns of Taycheedah and Marshfield. Redtail Ridge Dairy, a CAFO facility, had applied manure to several fields Aug. 17-20. The area received heavy rain late Monday and manure ran off at least two fields, reaching nearby waterways. The dairy contracted with a local septic pumper to collect manure laden water. A review of local well drilling records indicates deep clay soils in the area, which help protect groundwater quality. Impacts to wells are not currently anticipated.