AG Kaul Announces Settlement Requiring $120,000 Payment to Resolve Alleged Violations Related to a 2024 Fish Kill in Monroe County

MONROE COUNTY, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced a stipulated judgment against Spring Valley Holsteins, Inc., a medium-sized dairy farm in Norwalk, Wis., and its operator, Alan Ferries. The defendants agreed to pay $120,000 to resolve alleged violations related to a fish kill in Moore Creek and an unnamed tributary to Moore Creek that the complaint alleged were caused by the dairy farm in 2024. The settlement includes $90,000 to be paid to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remedy negative effects from the fish kill. The settlement was approved by the Monroe County Circuit Court on December 23, 2025.

“Enforcing our environmental laws can help remedy environmental harm and deter violations,” said AG Kaul. “Members of the public can help make a difference by reporting potential environmental violations.”

According to the Complaint, a faulty manure transfer system at the dairy’s manure storage facility allowed manure to escape and flow into the unnamed tributary and then into Moore Creek. On May 13, 2024, members of the public reported the contamination and dead fish in Moore Creek to the DNR. On the same day, DNR fisheries staff started observing dead fish in the unnamed tributary and Moore Creek. The DNR observed dead Brown Trout, White Suckers, Blacknose Dace, Longnose Dace, and other species in the impacted area.

The investigation of the fish kill began with tips from the public. If you see water contamination or a fish kill, you can report it anonymously by calling or texting the DNR Tip Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).

Wisconsin DOJ worked closely with the DNR to obtain this result. A copy of the Complaint, Stipulation for Judgment, Order for Judgment, and Judgment are linked.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.