FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- A Fond du Lac County dairy farm wants to become the largest dairy operation in the state, but the Department of Natural Resources must approve a key wastewater permit.

More than 500 people showed up at a meeting Thursday night to oppose and support Rosendale dairy.

Supporters said the multimillion-dollar expansion will be good for the economy, while detractors said it will only be bad for the environment.

Elaine Swanson said she opposes the expansion.

"We the people have to step back and rescue our natural resources from what I feel is the degradation that's coming," said Swanson.

But dairy owner Jim Ostrom said the expansion would have economic benefits.

"We will bring about 30 jobs to the area," said Ostrom. "We are spending about $25 million on just this phase, and we are investing $70 million in the entire project."

The DNR will make its final decision in January.