Hydrologist Madeline Gotkowitz of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (a unit of the University of Wisconsin-Extension) provided research that helped county board members make an informed decision about constructing an ethanol plant in Winnebago County.
UW-Extension research informs decision making
When an ethanol manufacturer sought a permit to construct a plant with high-capacity wells in Winnebago County, many residents were concerned about the effect on the quality of their drinking water.
At a series of intense public meetings Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) hydrologist Madeline Gotkowitz "spoke for the groundwater." She presented her research that showed that if the plant were to construct the wells to draw water from a deeper aquifer, the proposed water use would not exacerbate an existing problem with naturally occurring arsenic in the shallow aquifer. In addition, Gotkowitz provided practical advice as to how the wells could be constructed for maximal environmental protection.
In March 2002, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors voted to allow the plant to be built. Today the Utica-based plant, which provides Wisconsin farmers with another market for their corn, employs 32 workers and produces 52 million gallons of renewable, corn-based fuel annually.
For more information: WGNHS Hydrologist Madeline Gotkowitz, mbgotkow@facstaff.wisc.edu, (608) 262-1580