Badger Oversight Management Commission

Recap (75 KB)

                               Badger Oversight Management Commission
                                                  Meeting Recap
                                                   May 19, 2011

The Badger Interim Oversight Management Commission (IOMC) convened at the Sauk County
West Square Building, Room B30, for its regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2011.

Chair Wenzel called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm. Staff affirmed compliance with Open
Meetings Laws.

Attendance:
Commission Member Commission Representative Present
HoChunk Nation John Holst Richard _______
Wisconsin DNR Steve Schmelzer Craig Karr
Sauk County Bill Wenzel
Town of Merrimac Richard Grant

Badger History Group Michael Goc
Citizens for Safe Water @ Badger Laura Olah
UW-Baraboo Ann Vogel
Bluffview Sanitary District Jeff Little
City of Baraboo Eugene Robkin
Sauk Prairie Cons. Alliance Dave Tremble / Allison Duff
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Don Hammes

Commission Liaison Liaison Représentative
USDA-DFRC Rick Walgenbach

Others present: Steve Sorenson, Jeb Barzen, Sherry Nolden, David Serafy-Cox, Dave Tremble,
Tim Lins, Allison Duff and others.

Motion by Richard Grant, seconded by Steve Schmelzer, to adopt the agenda for the May 19,
2011 meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Richard Grant, seconded by John Holst to adopt the minutes from the March 17, 2011
meeting. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None.

Commissioner Reports:
1. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Steve Schmelzer spoke about the planting
plans and agreement. No plans to expand. Wenzel inquired about invasives. Discussed the goat
study for grazing. Schmelzer mentioned much of the old fencing has been removed. No new
fencing is planned. No water for grazing cattle. Big factor for grazing livestock. Joan Kenny
mentioned the building move has been pushed back. Building planned for take down in spring
2012.
2. Town of Merrimac: No Report
3. Town of Sumpter: The town name has a connection to the civil war. This is the 150
anniversary of the civil war. Wenzel stated not much done on cemetery issue.
4. Bluffview Sanitary: Jeff Little discussed a loan for safe drinking water and the
chlorination unit. He will be applying for a CDBG grant to replace the lift station on the west
side of Highway 12. Discussed leachate treatment for the new landfill. Discussed how the
leachate is treated before entering the ground. Water testing is done after leaving the plant for
normal things. DNR testing is done through MSA of Baraboo. Little will provide information
on water testing. Discussed concerns after the water leaves the site and that not all chemicals are
being treated. Water goes to Final Creek and to the Wisconsin River. Richard Grant had a
question regarding the cemetery application & ownership. Someone mentioned the application
is still active. The Army has not made the cemetery a priority and Kenney understands the work
that needs to be done.
5. Sauk County: No Report.
6. Ho-Chunk: John Holst introduced Mr. Richard -----------. He is filling in for Samantha
Greendeer who is now working out of state. Discussed 2 items on terms of transfer. The Ho-
Chunk Nation will take down additional structures. They would like to have landfill capacity
available for the disposal of old buildings. Kenny discussed the timing for capping of the
landfill.

Don Hammes spoke about a meeting in Washington regarding the history of Badger
environmental access not being conducted has been done and documented. Wenzel asked if
there is anything this body can do to assist Richard. The commission also wanted to
acknowledge to contributions of Samantha. Holst stated she still will be involved. Wenzel
acknowledged her contributions.

Committee Reports:
1. Executive and Finance: Wenzel stated the Committee has not met and provided a
synopsis. Funds granted to assist with meeting administration were absorbed into the Planning
and Zoning budget. Wenzel expressed concern the he was not informed the money was taken
away. The group was informed that Gina Templin will no longer be available to take meeting
minutes. The commission is in need of a recording secretary. Wenzel asked for suggestions. It
was suggested that Wenzel work with county staff to find a solution. The Office of Planning
and Zoning is in the process of combining with the Land Conservation Department. The new
Director starts Monday, May 23, 2011. Wenzel will seek direction and input from new director.

Steve Schmelzer stated that Mark Steward and Templin worked well with the commission and
their help was appreciated. Wenzel acknowledged Dave Tremble’s help. Grant had a question
on the dollar amounts that ranged from $4,400-4,700 but the exact amount was unknown.
Grant mentioned that the money was part of Planning and Zoning budget and was rolled over
year to year. They were not earmarked funds. Authority to take earmark of funds. No response
or answer. Grant made a request for the funds to be restored. Wenzel will redouble his efforts
to claim the money. Wenzel will address the Planning and Zoning Committee. Sorenson will try
to get on the Tuesday agenda for the Planning and Zoning/Land Conservation Committee
meeting for June 9, 2011.
2. Planning and Land Use: Karr explained the bio inventory that will be conducted this
summer. The inventory will be detailed and include a bird survey, animal survey, plant
inventory, sampling for fish and others. Full spectrum of biodiversity including forestry. Karr
noted there was not much quality timber. Will explore harvesting trees for other uses including
fuel. Wenzel asked a question on payment? No local market for timber. Forester will help.
Furniture maker may be interested in the cherry wood. Robkin noted this would be a one time
tree sale. Someone from Poynette was interested in having dog activities, trials, training,
mushing activities on the grounds. A request for said dog activities was made to conservation
congress and was accepted. Karr passed out verbiage. It was noted that the park will look to
the master plan for land use guidance and the decisions of the conservation congress are not an
obligation. There is also a procedure for using applications at Badger. Wenzel will send a letter
to the conservation congress explaining the reuse process. The letter will go to the DNR,
Conservation Congress and dog owners.
3. Education and Outreach: Allison Duff found another intern for the BOMC. Wenzel
will meet with the new intern to coordinate activities.
4. AdHoc: Dave Tremble discussed responses from members for ideas on an event for the
October 8th anniversary. The response was poor. Owners have other things to do, everyone is
busy. Alliance discussed including a work day. The Alliance will go ahead with the event and
restoration and if others are not interested, then the Alliance will coordinate. Devils Lake State
Park is having a 100 year anniversary event. Plans at park include a main event on June 25 at
9:30 am. Those in attendance include the Governor and Secretary of the DNR and National Park
Service, Tammy Baldwin, County Supervisors and others. Will have historical programs and
other events. More info can be found on the DNR web site. Schmelzer will send out
information to those present. Tremble sought input on the 10 year anniversary event. Process
should be open to all but the Alliance will shoulder the event regardless. Remind everyone that
the report is still alive. Tremble continued to look for direction. Does the Commission want to
sponsor anything on October 8th? Something to celebrate, be recognized? Bus tours of the plant
may be possible. May also provide story boards of history. Robkin thought DNR should be
present. DNR could provide one staff person.

Liaison Reports:
1. US Army: Joan Kenny spoke of a May outing and explained her observations. She
spoke of the fall deer hunt. Unsure of number of harvest permits available. The concerns of
discharge at the Bluffview sanitary treatment plant are not associated with the leachate. No
problem with leachates being detected in the discharge. No chemical discharge except for
nitrates. The nitrates are from the toilets, human waste. Concern over the discharge to the
ground with nitrates from human waste. Joan spoke of the landfill expansion. Looking to cap
cells. The press houses are scheduled for removal. Study delivered to DNR. Available at the
local libraries. Water systems are stable or receding. Possible reduction in future ground water
monitoring. The army will construct water system in about 4 years. Joan reported that the army
would (only) be paying for the costs in install the water system and the first year or two of
operation. Further discussion needed on pumping and report on the DNR model. Must discuss
with the DNR. The wells are scheduled to be turned off in 2018. Difficult to see the impacts and
improvement in water quality. Signs that the ground water cleaning up on its own. The army is
capturing few contaminants by pumping. How long should pumping continue and at what cost?
What makes sense? Natural attenuation. Modeling suggests future plans. Well contaminants
are going down over last 20 years. The question was asked if there was any natural breakdown?
Kenny indicated yes, but can’t speak to any location. There has been an introduction of
microbes that eat contaminant under the right conditions. Natural dilution is also a factor. Other
activities affect degradation. How should the money be spent? Continue to operate the pump
and treat. Put water system in to have safe water. Eventually the ground water will clean up.
Large amount of dollars to clean up a small area. Is it worth the cost? Army must justify costs
like all government agencies. Cannot exceed the DNR standards. Source areas have been
capped. Hammas was wondering on 3 plumes. Kenny indicated that all have chemicals in them.
Destination is the Wisconsin River. However, cannot find contaminants in the river water.
Olah mentioned that the press houses will come down, will the pump station too? Kenny said
only the press houses. Olah - who owns sanitary system? The army is the owner and the plant is
operated by Bluffview. Bluffview is responsible for reporting and monitoring. Question on the
history of the leachate? History of leachate is out in the state records.
2. USDA: Rick Walgenbach provided an explanation on the difference between
environmental assessment and analysis. The USDA is having an assessment on the construction
of a new facility. Draft form only. Draft will be released when scope of building project is
complete. Concern that Senator Kohl is not seeking re-election. He has been a major supporter.
Still planning. Assessment will be available to public. He will inform group when available.
The assessment is in preparation but not complete. No draft will be released until scope of
project is determined.

New Business:
1. Alternative Feasibility Study for Groundwater. Wenzel asked the question as to
whether contaminants degrade in ground water over-time? Olah reviewed studies of 6 forms of
DNT, some degrade some do not degrade, depends upon the form. EPA definition of
attenuation is a process that under favorable conditions is action without human intervention.
Dilution, dispersion, volitization, is where people are not involved. Natural process. Question
arose, has contaminants reached the river? Assume it has moved to river. No monitoring of the
river. Reports assume the contaminants have reached the water. Kenny will send out maps
showing the plume has reached the river. Olah is about surface and groundwater. Many
outcomes. Is contamination from World War II or from the northeast corner? Monitoring over
time will give measurable outcome. Risks are a concern. Municipal water system relies on
natural attenuation. Continue to clean up ground water, worth costs. DNT contaminants are the
lowest groundwater standard. Olah stated a bucket of hazardous waste is a problem in the
ground water. Discussed economics. Concern is how presented and what is offered. Municipal
water system will provide comfort in having safe water. Encourage decision makers to look at
other remedies. Not realistic to expect that choice is an ultimatum. The Village of Prairie du Sac
is and will be down gradient of the plume. The Prairie du Sac well 4 is west of the village
because of Badger. As the reuse moves ahead there will be more demand on the land. Laura
stated the contaminants on the west side of Badger are deep but get shallow as the plume reaches
the river. Concern of off gassing and the long term affects of the plume on health. Concern over
future development on the plume. Olah passed out several hand outs. Opportunity to comment
on process and public comment is a factor. Read the draft handout. Handout on 3 alternatives,
handout of contaminant levels map and treatment and feasibility study. The Bison operation not
affected. Many DNR areas not affected. Clean water is available on site. Robkin had a question
on the problem with organics after the system is in place. Kenny spoke about new wells north of
the ammo plant. Active carbon may be necessary. Kenny indicated that if the army caused the
problem then they will be responsible. A question arose, have bacteria been found in the area or
have them been import. Bacteria have been studied. Plume map one round of tests. Plume
maps are comprehensive. More than one well. Kenny has not found contamination of wells in
clear map area. Olah noted that the plumes are smooth on map when they are not smooth, can
form fingers. Laura had a question on the cost of a municipal well. Proposal opened for
discussion. A place to start. Bulk rate for farmers. Wenzel said the water district self sustaining
by water rates. Grant pointed out the alternative water study and that we exceeded our comment
period and need to move on and close discussion.
2. Discussion and possible approval of an application by the UW Madison Dept. of
Agricultural Ecology to the USDA Sustainable Agricultural Research Program. Dave Tremble
spoke and will combine items 2 & 3. The Chair agreed. Alliance conducted restoration
activities for years. Possible research to assist in adding value to provide information for
ecological restoration activities. Jeb Barzen invited to provide information and support in effort
for a USDA grant. Provide context on the reuse plan. Mario & Sherry Nolden presented a
proposal for a conservation goat grazing project. Barzen involved with spark, Duff and others
involved partners in research consistent with reuse plan. Many research projects – try to
integrate project partners. Share information of like concern. Opportunity to look at projects
and partners. Need money to get started and starting small of interest to all. Vision for outside
of badger not just inside badger. Nolden indicated the grant program consists of 2 projects.
Goat project & restoration. Opportunities for habitat restoration with goats. UW students idea to
apply for grant in goat grazing, pieces come together. Site suitable for goats. Research should
be a part of Badger. The group gives tenative approval to the proposal. The $200,000 grant due
next week. Project on the ground soon part of research. Goat project will utilize the Nolden
herd of goats. Restoration an interest. Would like to expand to Badger. Rotational grazing.
Clean up brush. Restore areas to grassland or savanna. Water and electric provided. Ms.
Nolden lives 5 miles from Badger. The goats will eat invasive brush and open the prairie up.
Move goats through a pasture rotation. Grant to run goats and conduct research. Research to
measure many parameters and implement the study. Start with 30 goats. Plans will set goals.
Open the hill sides for conservation and production. Would be substantial amount of land great
potential for agriculture. Should this group take a vote? Waldenbach supports the idea. Would
like to work with dairy forage. Consensus of members. Many want to use Badger. Land Use
committee to define the project. Land use committee to make recommendation to the owners.
Process in place for land uses. Consider land use process. Time crunch. Can present to land use
committee and bring back. Would commission be sympathetic in applying for the grant? A
means to get started to make the grant application. Must stick with protocol. Recommend they
go the Land Use Committee first. Olah supports the process. The commission supports the idea
for the start of their grant. Schmelzer asked if they had any parcels in mind. The prairie needs
brush control. Focus on any area that needs the grazing method. Yellowstone lake study has
potential and the group wants to hear more details. Try to be specific on grazing location for
future meeting. The commission in support of the grazing proposal idea. More information
needed and must go through the land use committee. Commission has no objection for making
grant with the understanding of more details needed. Commission in support of the conceptual
approval of the grant proposal. No vote taken, not necessary.
3. Discussion regarding the formation of an ad-hoc committee to develop recommendations
for a new memorial at BAAP. Karr presented a letter that there be adequate memorial of affected
parties. Wants to preserve the memorial or expand to other affected groups. Will preserve the
memory. Part of the master plan. Take under advisement. Wenzel will contact Don Kirner.
The Commission has a process where Kirner needs to form a committee and bring to the land use
committee and how it fits the protocol.

4. Next meeting date: Thursday, July 21st, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.

5. Public comment. Someone noted the many songbirds this year. Late nesting period for
Bluebirds.

Motion by Holst, second by Schmelzer to adjourn. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Judy Ashford
Recap by Sorenson