Dear Mr. Bauer,

I recently read your insert in the Pierce County Journal, and I must admit that I was taken aback by the information (or should I say misinformation) you presented in your letter. I have a few questions for you and look forward to your response.

First, you mention that the technology of digesters is “extensively tested, proven to be safe, and offers numerous environmental benefits.” You also presented that there are 18,000 units operating in Europe. During the Village meeting on March 14, 2024, when the DNR representatives were present, they mentioned that the DNR would only test the digester’s chemical levels once a year. Do you consider once a year “extensive?” Have you seen how many digesters started on fire and had explosions not only in the United States, but also in Europe? If you honestly think that digesters are proven to be safe, then why is our volunteer fire department in need of purchasing proper equipment for leaks, spills, and fires? Why would they need a new fire truck with a taller ladder if these digesters were “safe?” I am genuinely concerned about your definition of safe.

Second, you mention that this project is not a Creamery project, but that it would help your business and local farmers. How would this project help the smaller farmers as they would not be able to afford the costs of getting their waste to this digester? Considering your recent $250,000 fine from DNR, it appears your Creamery and CAFO factory farms are the primary ones that would benefit from this digester. As for your claim that this project would support the village, the proposed $14 million (over 31 years) is NOT guaranteed if Bigadan sells the facility, if there is a fire or explosion that would make the facility irreparable, or if they have financial/mechanical issues they cannot afford. Are we counting our chickens before they hatch?

Third, I am disheartened to read your comment “a vocal minority opposing this project is pushing misinformation and falsehoods” and “failing to engage in a productive conversation.” I for one, have already sent emails to the Village Board, with no response from the trustees who have indicated support for the digester. Aren’t they failing to engage in productive communication with the concerned citizens? We need proof of the claims being made by Bigadan, and answers to our questions to have a productive conversation considering what other American communities have experienced with their local digesters. As far as “pushing misinformation,” can you elaborate on what you have heard that is fiction? The water nitrate toxicity at the town hall near the previous Emerald, Wis. digester location that burned and exploded is 3-4 times above the maximum allowed. I think you, Mr. Bauer, should not dismiss documented evidence from other communities that have experience with digesters as misinformation. I agree with you that we need food on our table, but we as consumers can “vote with our fork” every day and choose the type of farms who supply our food.

Lastly, your claim about limiting odors. I am not aware if you attended the last meeting on March 14, 2024, but Brad Roy stated Bigadan admitted the first few years while it is in the initial phases, that it will stink. You stated in your letter that you have a commitment to protecting the environment and running clean operations. Then please explain to our community the business decisions that led to repeatedly illegally dumping your Creamery waste between October 2017 and August 2022 which killed over 600 fish in the Isabelle Creek. If you really want to protect the environment, there must be a better way to do this that protects the entire community.

Karissa Hanson, MSN, FNP-C

Ellsworth