The DNR has used the faster emergency rules process for changes that were friendly to industry, Geers said.

In this case, Rasmussen said, the department isn’t using emergency powers because that would require reapproval by legislators and the governor every six months until the permanent rule was adopted, and there’s no guarantee reapproval would be granted.

And if there was opposition to using the faster track, the whole process could be stalled before it started, Rasmussen said.

“You can draw your own conclusions on how the Dairy Business Association would weigh in,” Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen said farmers and operators of large animal feedlots in Kewaunee County have been asked to voluntarily adopt new spreading standards while the rule is being written.

Some farmers have disputed whether cows were the source of tainted well water. But many other possible sources have been eliminated and a new round of random testing last year suggested manure is the source.