Chapter NR 121

NR 121.03(19) (19) “Water quality standards” means standards established by the department pursuant to s. 281.15, Stats., of the physical, chemical or biological characteristics or both of a water which must be maintained to make it suitable for specified uses.

NR 121.03(20) (20) “Water quality limited segment” means any area or portion of a stream which will not meet the established water quality standard with application of only categorical effluent limitations to all point sources.

NR 121.03(21) (21) “Watershed” means a hydrologically related land unit delineated for the purpose of instituting water quality management activities. Generally, the maximum size of a watershed should not exceed 200,000 acres.

NR 121.03 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 277, eff. 2-1-79; am. (1), (19) and (20), r. and recr. (6), r. (10), renum. (11) and (12) to be (10) and (11), renum. (13) to be (12) and am., cr. (13), Register, August, 1981, No. 308, eff. 9-1-81; corrections in (4), (9), (10), (11), (13), (18), (19) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663.

NR 121.04 NR 121.04 Structure of the state water quality management plan.

NR 121.04(1) (1) The state continuing process required under s. 283.83, Stats., consists of the development of, and regular review and revision of the state water quality management plan.

NR 121.04(2) (2) The state water quality management plan consists of:

NR 121.04(2)(a) (a) Areawide water quality management plans for areas designated by the governor and prepared by agencies similarly designated.

NR 121.04(2)(b) (b) Areawide water quality management plans for nondesignated areas prepared by the department for the remainder of the state.

NR 121.04(2)(c) (c) A document describing the state’s areawide water quality management planning process. This document shall describe the interrelationship among the various elements in the planning process. These elements include:

NR 121.04(2)(c)1. 1. Areawide water quality management plans for designated and nondesignated areas of the state.

NR 121.04(2)(c)2. 2. Topical studies which analyze water quality policies or issues of statewide concern.

NR 121.04(2)(c)3. 3. Procedures for intergovernmental cooperation.

NR 121.04(2)(c)4. 4. Procedures and mechanisms for plan implementation including:

NR 121.04(2)(c)4.a. a. Water quality standards and procedures for their revision.

NR 121.04(2)(c)4.b. b. Effluent limitations and waste load allocations required to meet water quality standards.

NR 121.04(2)(c)4.c. c. An inventory and priority ranking of wastewater treatment plant construction needs for the purpose of distributing state and federal grant funds.

NR 121.04(2)(c)4.d. d. Controls for the disposition of residual wastes from wastewater treatment processes.

NR 121.04(2)(c)4.e. e. Best management practices for nonpoint sources of water pollution.

NR 121.04(2)(c)5. 5. Procedures for plan revision.

NR 121.04(2)(c)6. 6. Procedures for public participation.

NR 121.04 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 277, eff. 2-1-79; am. (2) (c) 1., Register, August, 1981, No. 308, eff. 9-1-81; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b), Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663.

NR 121.05 NR 121.05 Content of areawide water quality management plans.

NR 121.05(1) (1) Subject to sub. (2), the following elements shall be included in each areawide water quality management plan prepared or approved by the department.

NR 121.05(1)(a) (a) Planning area boundaries. The delineation in map form of the area for which the plan is being prepared.

NR 121.05(1)(b) (b) Water quality assessment. An assessment of existing and potential water quality problems within the planning area including a general assessment of both point and nonpoint sources of pollution contributing to the problems.

NR 121.05(1)(c) (c) Inventories and forecasts.

NR 121.05(1)(c)1. 1. An inventory of municipal and industrial source of pollutants.

NR 121.05(1)(c)2. 2. Current demographic and economic growth data.

NR 121.05(1)(c)3. 3. Population forecasts for 20 years in 5-year increments developed in the following manner:

NR 121.05(1)(c)3.a. a. The state population forecast for the state water quality management plan shall be consistent with that generated by the Wisconsin department of administration (DOA) and with the forecast provided by the U.S. department of commerce, bureau of economic analysis (BEA).

NR 121.05(1)(c)3.b. b. Single county forecasts prepared by multi-county regional planning agencies (established in s. 66.0309, Stats.) for the purpose of areawide water quality management planning shall be consistent with the range of the regional forecast generated by DOA. Single county forecasts prepared by single county planning agencies shall be expressed within the range of the county forecast generated by DOA. Single county forecasts inconsistent with the range of DOA regional forecasts and single family [county] forecasts falling outside of the range provided by DOA may be used if special approval is obtained from the natural resources board.

NR 121.05 Note Note: Due to an apparent error, “family” was substituted for “county” in Natural Resources Board Order No. WQ-55-80, which amended subd. 1. b.

NR 121.05(1)(c)3.c. c. The population forecasting methodology used by designated regional or county planning agencies to apportion county forecasts to minor civil divisions (MCD) and individual sewer service areas shall be consistent with standards developed by DOA. If these agencies do not prepare MCD forecasts, the department will request that DOA do so. If DOA chooses not to prepare MCD forecasts, the department will do so.

NR 121.05(1)(c)4. 4. Existing and projected land use patterns including the delineation of sewer service areas as described in par. (g).

NR 121.05(1)(d) (d) Water quality standards. Applicable state water quality standards and any suggested revision of such water quality standards.

NR 121.05(1)(e) (e) Total maximum daily loads. For each water quality limited segment, the total allowable maximum daily load of pollutants during critical water quality conditions for each specific water quality criterion being violated or expected to be violated.

NR 121.05(1)(f) (f) Waste load allocations. For each water quality limited segment, the individual load allocation for point sources of pollutants for the 5-year period following plan preparation.

NR 121.05(1)(g) (g) Nonindustrial wastewater treatment and collection system plan.

NR 121.05(1)(g)1. 1. The most cost-effective regional wastewater systems for all urban areas shall be identified over a 20-year planning period based upon an analysis of alternative waste treatment system configurations. Wherever possible, applicable recommendations of approved facility plans shall be used to determine the urban area’s treatment needs. This analysis shall be consistent with s. NR 110.09, and shall include a cost-effectiveness analysis of regional versus individual treatment plants for the outlying areas including subsurface waste disposal systems. Water quality and other environmental impacts shall be considered.

NR 121.05(1)(g)2. 2. Sewage collection system needs shall be identified through the delineation of a sewer service area for existing and proposed treatment systems for the 20-year planning period such that:

NR 121.05(1)(g)2.a. a. The sewer service area is determined in such a fashion as to promote cost-effective and environmentally sound waste collection and treatment.

NR 121.05(1)(g)2.b. b. The sewer service areas are delineated based on a 20-year population forecast approved by the department, and municipally approved population density standards.

NR 121.05(1)(g)2.c. c. Major areas unsuitable for the installation of waste treatment systems because of physical or environmental constraints are to be excluded from the service area. Areas to be considered for exclusion from the sewer service area because of the potential for adverse impacts on the quality of the waters of the state from both point and nonpoint sources of pollution include but are not limited to wetlands, shorelands, floodways and floodplains, steep slopes, highly erodible soils and other limiting soil types, groundwater recharge areas, and other such physical constraints.

NR 121.05(1)(g)2.d. d. Ten-year service area boundaries may also be included in addition to the 20-year sewer service boundaries.

NR 121.05(1)(g)3. 3. The plan shall include criteria for the construction of future treatment systems within the areawide planning area. These criteria shall be consistent with, but may be more specific or restrictive than those contained in s. NR 110.08 (5), if warranted by regional and local considerations.

NR 121.05(1)(g)4. 4. For nondesignated areas of the state, a detailed identification of the regional waste treatment system, including the delineation of sewer service areas will be carried out for selected urban areas within standard metropolitan statistical areas and for urban areas with a population of over 10,000.

NR 121.05(1)(g)4.a. a. The preparation of the plan will be carried out if possible by a local planning agency under contract with the department.

NR 121.05(1)(g)4.b. b. A local policy advisory committee made up of representatives of the various local units of government in the planning area shall be established, or an existing body used, to assist the department in the preparation of the plan and to act in an advisory role to the department in matters concerning the implementation of the plan.

NR 121.05(1)(h) (h) Industrial waste treatment system needs. The anticipated industrial point source waste load reductions required to attain and maintain applicable water quality standards and effluent limitations for at least a 20-year planning period.

NR 121.05(1)(i) (i) Nonpoint source control needs.

NR 121.05(1)(i)1. 1. The best management practices needed to produce a basic level of control of nonpoint source of pollutants throughout the planning area shall be identified and evaluated. Watersheds will be identified in the plan and the general water quality problems for each assessed.

NR 121.05(1)(i)2. 2. Priority watershed plans shall be prepared for [on] a priority basis by the department and applicable designated agencies. The contents of priority watershed plans are described in s. NR 120.08.

NR 121.05 Note Note: Due to an apparent error “for” was substituted for “on” in Natural Resources Board Order No. WQ-55-80, which amended subd. 2.

NR 121.05(1)(j) (j) Residual waste control needs. An identification of the necessary controls to be established over the disposition of residual wastes.

NR 121.05(1)(k) (k) Land disposal needs. An identification of the necessary controls to be established for the disposal of pollutants on land or in a subsurface excavation site.

NR 121.05(1)(L) (L) Target abatement dates. Target abatement dates or schedules of compliance for all significant dischargers, nonpoint source control measures, residual and land disposal controls and stormwater system needs.

NR 121.05(1)(m) (m) Recommended regulatory programs. Recommended regulatory programs needed to implement the state water quality management plan.

NR 121.05(1)(n) (n) Designated management agencies. The identification of those agencies recommended for designation to carry out the provisions of the areawide plan.

NR 121.05(1)(o) (o) Environmental, social, economic impact. An assessment of the environmental, social and economic impacts of carrying out specific significant recommendations of the plan.

NR 121.05(2) (2) The department may waive inclusion of any of these elements upon a determination by the department that special conditions exist in the planning area which preclude their inclusion or that financial resources are not adequate to allow their inclusion.

NR 121.05 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 271, eff. 2-1-79; am. (1) (intro.) (a), (c) 3.b, and 4., (e), (f), (i) 2., (n) and (2); r. and recr. (1) (g), Register, August, 1981, No. 308, eff. 9-1-81; correction in (1) (c) 3. b. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663.

NR 121.06 NR 121.06 Designation of areawide water quality planning areas and agencies.

NR 121.06(1) (1) As the need arises, the department shall recommend that the governor designate areawide planning areas which as a result of urban and industrial concentrations or other factors have substantial and complex water quality control problems.

NR 121.06(2) (2) Within each of these planning areas the department shall recommend to the governor for designation a single agency capable of developing effective areawide water quality management plans. Each recommended planning agency shall:

NR 121.06(2)(a) (a) Be either a regional planning commission established under s. 66.0309, Stats., or be a representative organization whose membership shall include elected officials of local governments or their designees, having jurisdiction in a designated areawide water quality management planning area.

NR 121.06(2)(b) (b) Demonstrate substantial local support for designation through resolutions from local units of government deemed by the department to be critical to the successful preparation and implementation of an areawide water quality management plan.

NR 121.06(2)(c) (c) Demonstrate the technical capability to complete the plan in a timely manner.

NR 121.06(3) (3) The department may recommend that the governor withdraw or modify the designation of a designated agency or designated area or both when a compelling need for such change has been demonstrated. Prior to making such a recommendation to the governor, the department shall, conduct a public participation process, including at a minimum a public hearing in the affected area.

NR 121.06 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 277, eff. 2-1-79; am. (2) (intro.) and (a) and (3), Register, August, 1981, No. 308, eff. 9-1-81; correction in (2) (a) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663.

NR 121.07 NR 121.07 Procedures for approval of areawide water quality management plans and plan revisions for designated areas of the state.

NR 121.07(1) (1) Review and approval of areawide water quality management plans for designated areas:

NR 121.07(1)(a) (a) The department shall review and approve or disapprove each areawide water quality management plan and shall make recommendations to the governor as to the certification of all or parts of each plan.

NR 121.07(1)(b) (b) To receive departmental approval areawide water quality management plans for designated areas must have been subject to a public participation process, approved by the department including at a minimum, a public hearing.

NR 121.07(2) (2) Review and approval of 5-year updates to areawide water quality management plans for designated areas:

NR 121.07(2)(a) (a) The department shall reevaluate the approval status of each areawide water quality management plan for designated areas at least every 5 years.

NR 121.07(2)(a)1. 1. The first such reevaluation will be completed no later than December 31, 1987.

NR 121.07(2)(a)2. 2. Continued or renewed approval shall be granted only to plans, or portions thereof, upon a determination by the department that the plan continues to meet the requirements of this chapter.

NR 121.07(2)(b) (b) Upon reevaluation of the approval status of the plans as described in par. (a), the department shall approve the plan subject to the approval procedures described in sub. (1) (a) and (b).

NR 121.07(3) (3) Review and approval of revisions to areawide water quality management plans for designated areas:

NR 121.07(3)(a) (a) The department may approve on an annual basis, or where expressed procedures are established between the department and a designated planning agency, revisions which incorporate new information or amendments to an approved areawide water quality management plan.

NR 121.07(3)(b) (b) Approval of plan revisions may be subject to a public participation process.

NR 121.07(4) (4) Disapproval of previously approved areawide water quality management plans or plan elements:

NR 121.07(4)(a) (a) The department may disapprove or otherwise modify any previously approved areawide water quality management plan or plan element if such action is deemed necessary to reflect state law or rules or changes therein; or where the department finds the plan or plan element conflicts with the department’s responsibility to protect, maintain, and improve the quality and management of the waters of the state, ground or surface, public and private; or where the plan or plan element is found otherwise not to be in the public interest.

NR 121.07(4)(b) (b) Any disapproval or modification of a previously approved areawide water quality management plan or plan element by the department shall include a public participation process including at minimum a public hearing.

NR 121.07 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 277, eff. 2-1-79; am. (1) and (2), cr. (3) and (4), Register, August, 1981, No. 308, eff. 9-1-81.

NR 121.08 NR 121.08 Procedures for adoption and revision of areawide water quality management plans for nondesignated areas of the state.

NR 121.08(1) (1) Adoption of areawide water quality management plans for nondesignated areas:

NR 121.08(1)(a) (a) During development and prior to formal adoption, areawide water quality management plans for nondesignated areas or portions thereof shall be subject to a public participation process including, at a minimum public hearing.