Lawmakers are calling for an audit into DNR oversight of sensitive issue. Democratic state Representatives Andy Jorgensen is calling for an audit of the Department of Natural Resources’ regulations regarding human sewage application to farm fields. Jorgenson says it’s in response to an incident in Jefferson County which came to light earlier this year. In the Jefferson County case, Herr Environmental was fined by the DNR, but the case was never referred to the state Department of Justice, after Scott Walker appointees to the DNR intervened on the firm’s behalf.
Jorgenson, of Fort Atkinson, and Representative Jon Richards of Milwaukee, sent a letter to the co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, requesting that they direct the Legislative Audit Bureau to review the DNR’s enforcement practices. “Reviewing how enforcement practices have change over time, including the extent to which private well testing has been required. I do believe we’ll get to the bottom of just what the trend is in this department, and why it is that way, and see if we agree that it’s going in the right direction.”
READ: Jorgenson Richards letter (PDF)