DNR PUBLIC HEARINGS INPUT DUE BY SEPT. 20, 2019

The public has until September 20, 2019 to provide feedback on two proposed rule revisions related to assessing the health of lakes and streams in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on two proposals that would update Wisconsin Administrative Code.  These rules describe how the biology of a lake or stream—such as its fish, insect, plant and algae communities—are used to assess its overall health.  The rule updates also establish how algae and plants will be used to determine whether a water body is responding to elevated phosphorus levels and whether it may need a different phosphorus criterion.

The first rule (Natural Resources Board order WY-23-13) addresses water quality standards that the department uses to assess waterbodies for impairments.  These standards include biological criteria and indicators that a waterbody is responding to elevated phosphorus levels.

The second rule (NRB order WT-17-12) would establish a process for determining when an individual waterbody needs a higher or lower phosphorus criterion than the statewide target in order to meet its water quality goals.

The proposed language can be found on the DNR’s website for proposed permanent rules by looking up each rule’s NRB order number.

A joint public hearing will be held for both rules at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, with simultaneous telepresence in Madison and Green Bay.

• WY-23-13 public hearing notice [PDF]
• WT-17-12 public hearing notice [PDF]

Written comments will be accepted until September 20, 2019.  Comments may be submitted at the public hearings or by mail to Kristi Minahan, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison WI, 53707-7921, or by email to Kristi.Minahan@wisconsin.gov or DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov.  Comments and questions may be directed to Kristi Minahan by phone at 608-266-7055.