Emerald Sky Dairy CAFO Permit
Emerald Sky Dairy is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) dairy farm, located in St. Croix County. As part of the WPDES CAFO permit reissuance application, Emerald Sky Dairy proposed to expand from 2,460 animal units (1,600 cows) to 4,620 animal units (3,300 cows). During the review of the application, Emerald Sky Dairy demonstrated their ability to support the increased herd size.
As part of the department’s review process, a public informational hearing was held on July 25, 2023. The department received many comments during the hearing and comment period. After the department’s review of the permit application materials and received comments/testimony, the department issued a Notice of Final Determination on February 27, 2024. This document included the department’s decision to reissue the Emerald Sky Dairy WPDES permit. The Notice of Final Determination includes a summary of comments received during the public comment period and the department’s response. The WPDES CAFO permit was reissued to Emerald Sky Dairy on February 27, 2024, with an effective date of March 1, 2024.
On March 15, 2024, the Emerald Sky Dairy site was sold to Croix Breeze Dairy LLC, under the management of Breeze Dairy Group. As part of the sale, the Emerald Sky Dairy permit was transferred to Croix Breeze Dairy LLC and was renamed Croix Breeze Dairy. Croix Breeze Dairy is now owner/operator of the farm formerly known as Emerald Sky Dairy. With this permit transfer, Croix Breeze Dairy LLC takes on all responsibilities outlined in the WPDES CAFO permit.