STOP INDUSTRIAL FARMS IN TOWN OF TRENTON

DNR APPROVED RODEN PERMIT

The DNR approved the Roden WPDES permit despite widespread community opposition. It’s crucial that we take action at the local level to stop this farm from continuing to operate outside of local zoning laws. Many of us have faced denial when trying to build sheds or add to our own properties, yet the Town has allowed this factory farm to remain non-compliant without consequence.

Why should individual residents be held to zoning requirements when an unwanted factory farm is permitted to expand without restrictions? We must urge the Town of Trenton to enforce zoning regulations and require the farm to obtain the proper AE zoning through a rezone process.

Two years ago, we submitted a petition opposing rezoning for this factory farm. The Town was informed then to deny any rezoning requests, and we must remain vigilant because Roden is likely to request rezoning again soon. We need a strong, unified community response.

If you’re willing to help preserve our community and protect our environment, please reach out. The more voices we have, the stronger our stand will be. Let’s work together to save our area for a healthier, better future.

Email: friendsoftrentonua@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you soon!

📄 DNR PERMIT DOCUMENTS

• Fact Sheet:
  dnr.wisconsin.gov/...RobNCinFarmsLLC-FS.pdf

• Link to DNR application

• https://permits.dnr.wi.gov/water/SitePages/Permit%20Search.aspx#k=rob%20n%20Cin#l=1033. 

  WHAT THIS EXPANSION MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

This manure will be applied to fields near our homes, creating serious risks:

Water Contamination

Severe contamination of private wells with nitrates and bacteria

Massive manure runoff into local streams, harming fish, wildlife, and ecosystems

Direct threat to hundreds of private wells from manure application near homes

Air Quality & Health Impacts

Dangerous air pollution from ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane

Respiratory illnesses, headaches, and nausea for residents

Unbearable odors making outdoor living impossible

Community Impact

Dramatically increased truck traffic worsening road safety, noise, and road damage

Reduced property values throughout the area

Potential for the largest factory farm near Milwaukee in a region far too populated for this type of facility

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

1. ATTEND Town of Trenton Meetings

Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month

2. SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS

Even if you cannot attend, submit written comments to the Wisconsin DNR opposing this permit application.

3. BRING YOUR NEIGHBORS

Community voices are stronger together. Share this notice with everyone in our area.

WHAT'S COMING NEXT: TOWN REZONING THREAT

After the state permit process, Roden Farm will request a rezoning from EA to AE zoning in the Town of Trenton, which would allow unlimited animal units. This zoning change would:

• Create the largest factory farm near Milwaukee

• Permanently transform our rural town into an industrial farming zone

• Degrade our environment and quality of life forever

• Allow unlimited expansion with no cap on animal units

This rezoning request is expected within the next couple of months. Residents must prepare now to attend Town meetings and write letters opposing this zoning change.

TALKING POINTS at Town Meetings

Before You Speak:

• State your name and address (especially if you live in Town of Trenton)

• Mention you are opposing the WPDES permit for Rob-n-Cin Farms LLC

• Keep comments under 3 minutes - be concise and impactful

Key Points Against Rezoning to AE

1. Water Quality Concerns

• The proposed expansion would introduce approximately 19 million gallons of liquid manure annually, exceeding our area's natural capacity to safely process this waste.

• Many private wells in our community are already vulnerable; increasing manure application will double the risk of contamination.

• Nitrate leaching from manure threatens to render groundwater unsafe for drinking.

• Runoff from manure application will pollute local streams, damaging our watershed and harming downstream communities dependent on clean water.

2. Health and Safety Issues

• Emissions of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane from industrial livestock pose significant respiratory health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma.

• Large-scale factory farming operations are incompatible with residential neighborhoods due to proximity-related health hazards.

• The proposed facility is dangerously close to homes and schools, making safe operation and community health protection impossible.

3. Environmental Impact

• Doubling the area receiving manure application surpasses environmentally sustainable limits, threatening soil and water quality.

• Nutrient overload will degrade local ecosystems, adversely affecting wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

• Such an operation is unsuitable for a region with this population density, risking broader environmental imbalance.

• Methane emissions contribute to climate change, an impact that cannot be ignored in planning decisions.

4. Community Impact

• This development would become the largest factory farm near Milwaukee, irreversibly changing the character of our community.

• Property values will likely decline, negatively affecting homeowners’ investments and tax base.

• Increased truck traffic will lead to accelerated road deterioration and heightened safety risks for all residents.

• The rural identity and quality of life cherished by our community will be permanently compromised.

5. Regulatory Concerns

• The current permit application fails to fully consider the cumulative environmental and social impacts of such a large operation.

• Existing monitoring plans are inadequate for effectively overseeing the facility’s scale and potential hazards.

• Emergency response measures for manure spills or other accidents are insufficient to protect public health and safety.

• Public notification and engagement processes must be improved to ensure transparency and community involvement.

For these reasons, the town should reject rezoning to AE and seek alternatives that prioritize community health, environmental sustainability, and preservation of our local quality of life.YOUR VOICE MATTERS

This CAFO expansion threatens to destroy our environment and way of life. Factory farm operations of this scale can affect groundwater, surface water, and air quality for generations.

Don't let this decision be made without community input.

What You Can Do:

• Mark your calendar for next Town of Trenton meeting

• Prepare your comments about health, water, and environmental concerns

• Ask the Town to consider Operational Ordinances

• Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to participate

• Stay informed about the upcoming rezoning battle

• PROTECT OUR HOMES, HEALTH, AND FUTURE

This is not just about one farm—it's about the future of our community. Once this expansion is approved and rezoning occurs, there will be no going back.

Act now to protect our homes, health, and way of life.

This notice is being distributed by concerned residents of the Town of Trenton who believe our community deserves a voice in decisions that will affect us for generations.