Notice of Hearing
Updated April 18, 2019 – Extended Comment Period
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold public hearings on a permanent rule to revise ch. NR 102, 104 and 219, relating to the revision Wisconsin’s recreation water quality criteria for pathogens (specifically bacteria) to protect recreation, and related permit implementation procedures, at the time and place shown below. Hearing Information
Date: April 18, 2019
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: WI Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707
Room G27A
Date: April 23, 2019
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: WI Department of Natural Resources, 1300 W. Clairemont, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Rule Information
The goals of this rule package are to adequately protect the public while recreating in and on Wisconsin’s waters; revise Wisconsin’s bacteria water quality criteria to be consistent with EPA’s latest recommendations; and update the permit requirements for sewage treatment works to ensure consistency with EPA’s policies. To accomplish these goals, the department proposes to revise the bacteria water quality criteria for recreation in ch. NR 102, Wis. Adm. Code, remove fecal coliform criteria for individual waters from ch. NR 104, Wis. Adm. Code, and revise the permit requirements for publicly owned and privately owned domestic sewage treatment works in ch. NR 210, Wis. Adm. Code. Accessibility
1.
Hearing impaired persons may request an interpreter for this hearing. Please make reservations for a hearing interpreter at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing, by writing to e-mail Kristi.Minahan@wisconsin.gov.2.
Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Natural Resources TDD at (608) 267-6897. The hearing facility is accessible to disabled users.3.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of information material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.4.
Handicap access is available at the hearing location.Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form, which will be provided. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before May 15, 2019. The Hearing Appearance form also can be used for submitting a written comment at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Kristi Minahan – WT/3
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis:
Privately owned sewage treatment facilities that currently disinfect wastewater are likely to be affected by this rule. There are currently seven such facilities that may be small businesses, such as mobile home parks or nursing homes. Annual costs for switching from monitoring wastewater for fecal coliform to monitoring for E. coli are projected to be approximately $132 per facility. Total costs for these facilities combined (if all were small businesses) are estimated at $924 annually.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Linda Haddix (608) 266-1959
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin _____________________________________
STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
By ____________________________________
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
