The wise use of resources is a goal most of us work toward on a daily basis. Dairyland Power Cooperative also refers to the “wise use of resources” in its mission statement. A large group of Vernon County residents is struggling with the dichotomy of “wise use of resources” with the reality of a possible seven-day-per- week, 24-hour-per-day fly ash handling operation (public meeting, Volden Farms, Oct. 6, 2007). It is also a reality that the Alma dump site was used for asbestos disposal in a site that was licensed as a “monofill”—the same type of permit being applied for now. The Alma residents knew nothing about the asbestos. How will the possible dumping of these toxic substances on top of bottom ash and scrubbings demonstrate a “wise use of resources?”

Dairyland Power plans to seize almost 700 acres of family farms and homes through eminent domain. They will be replacing the sounds of nature and agriculture with the roar of up to 50 20-ton trucks daily in addition to two bulldozers grinding away for the next 30 years (public meeting, Volden Farms, Oct. 6, 2007). How does this power grab demonstrate a “wise use of resources?”

With Dairyland’s plan, productive farm land will become an industrial waste site, decimating the residents’ quality of life, property values, and Vernon County’s reputation as an unspoiled natural resource. How is ruining this undeveloped area demonstrate “a wise use of resources?”

Lowell and Cindy Monroe

Genoa

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