To the editor,

Let's review the effects of nitrates in drinking water. A "Literature Search" of medical research shows more than Blue Baby Syndrome which should be enough to pass protective bills but also 2) Birth defects; neural tube defects, preterm births, adverse birth outcomes. 3) Nitrates can convert to nitrites (NO2) then to N. Nitroso compounds (NOCs) which are some of the strongest known carcinogens. The list of concerns includes Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Colorectal Cancer, possible thyroid cancer, bladder and ovarian cancers in "Older Women." Some of these are found where nitrates are just over 5mg/liter.

It is well accepted that 90% of increased nitrates in groundwater come from huge amounts of animal waste (in CAFOs) and nitrogen fertilizers.

Shouldn't we all expect clean, non-contaminated drinking water from our taps? This certainly isn't the moment for anyone to deploy the strategies of denial or "divide and conquer" which causes us to fight with our neighbors and in the end we all lose!

Not anyone should be drinking this water until more research has been done, the Groundwater Advisory Committee puts out a report and protections are passed.

Another CAFO is proposed in Salem Township which has karst rock, sinkholes and already high nitrate levels. Why are we being asked to choose clean drinking water or a CAFO with high capacity wells, gigantic amounts of manure and urine, from a leaky system, methane and smells released into our air plus biohazards from animal disease from animal carcasses which are not part of permitting and more.

They pollute and we have to pay most of the fix.

In 2020 the Assembly passed 13 bills to address this situation BUT Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce plus Big AG asked the State Senate not to pass them. It was not!

Wendy Dart

Maiden Rock