State officials knew little about the secretive industry until the pandemic struck; now they are scrambling to keep mink farmers and their animals safe
Environment
Climate change causes ‘roller coaster’ mercury levels in Wisconsin fish
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Researchers find that climate change-caused variations in Wisconsin lake levels have begun reversing recent gains in controlling environmental mercury.
Environment
Proposal for 24 wind turbines whips up controversy in rural Wisconsin
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Proponents of renewable energy say the project will invigorate their Green County town and help the environment; others fear property values and health will decline.
Environment
Massive Wisconsin solar proposal splits farmers and clean energy fans
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One of the largest solar projects on cropland in the U.S. is pitting renewable energy boosters against each other — and farmers against farmers.
Chronic Wasting Disease
CWD spreads on deer and elk farms as Wisconsin’s control efforts stumble
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Rapidly growing numbers of cases of chronic wasting disease are appearing on deer and elk farms and hunting ranches in Wisconsin at the same time the state has pulled back on rules and procedures designed to limit the spread of the fatal brain disease among its captive and wild deer.
Environment
Former DNR employee: Staff pressured to OK Kohler golf course on rare Wisconsin wetlands and state park
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A golf course proposed by Kohler Co. along the Lake Michigan shore was approved by the state Department of Natural Resources — despite serious concerns by DNR staff about its potential impact on rare habitat.
Drinking Water
Lead in drinking water: By the numbers
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A look at some of the facts and figures behind lead in our drinking water
Failure at the Faucet
Wisconsin must do more to protect residents from lead in drinking water, DNR and Milwaukee leaders agree
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Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett acknowledges adding anti-corrosive chemicals, the main strategy to prevent lead in drinking water, is a “Band-Aid” approach.
Failure at the Faucet
Water woes emerge as major issue in Wisconsin elections
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Residents concerned about contaminated wells and disappearing lakes are making water a major campaign issue for some Wisconsin candidates this fall.
Frac Sand Rush
Controversy on Wisconsin-Iowa border as frac sand mine, No. 1 in violations, seeks to expand
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Pattison Sand Co., which recently opened a site in Wisconsin, is facing concerns over the growth of its Iowa mine, which has a worst-in-the-nation safety record.
Failure at the Faucet
Human waste pollutes some Wisconsin drinking water
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Failing septic systems, leaking public sewer pipes and landspreading of septic waste can introduce dangerous pathogens into both rural and urban water systems. Experts say Wisconsin needs tougher laws to protect Wisconsin drinking water from contamination by sewage and septic waste.
Failure at the Faucet
Bacteria in state’s drinking water is ‘public health crisis’
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Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents are at risk of illness from waterborne pathogens in private and public drinking water supplies. Contamination by pathogens is of special concern because unlike pollution by metals or chemicals, pathogens can sicken people after just a single exposure.
Failure at the Faucet
Wisconsin launches effort to replace aging lead pipes to safeguard water
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The state Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday it will target low-income areas with $11.8 million in new grants to replace aging pipes made of lead that supply water to homes.