Ch. NR 103 NoteNote: Chapter NR 103 as it existed on July 31, 1991 was repealed and a new chapter NR 103 was created effective August 1, 1991. Corrections made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, August, 1997, No. 500.

NR 103.01(1)(1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish water quality standards for wetlands. Chapters NR 102, 104 and 105 and this subchapter provide water quality standards for waters of the state pursuant to s. 281.15 (2) (b), Stats.

NR 103.01(2)(2) Water quality standards are intended to protect public rights and interest, public health and welfare and the present and prospective uses of all waters of the state for public and private water supplies, propagation of fish and other aquatic life and wild and domestic animals, preservation of natural flora and fauna, domestic and recreational uses, and agricultural, commercial, industrial and other uses. In all cases where the potential uses are in conflict, these water quality standards for wetlands shall be administered to protect the general public interest.

NR 103.01(3)(3) This subchapter sets forth the conditions necessary to protect water quality related functions and values of wetlands including sediment and pollutant attenuation, storm and flood water retention, hydrologic cycle maintenance, shoreline protection against erosion, biological diversity and production and human uses such as recreation.

NR 103.01(4)(4) Water quality standards serve as a basis for developing and implementing strategies to achieve legislative policies and goals. These standards also serve as a basis for decisions in regulatory, permitting, planning or funding activities that impact water quality and which impact wetlands.

NR 103.02(1)(1) “Areas of special natural resource interest” means areas as listed in s. NR 103.04 recognized by the state or federal government as possessing special ecological, cultural, aesthetic, educational, recreational or scientific qualities.

NR 103.02(1m)(1m) “Artificial wetland” means a landscape feature where hydrophytic vegetation may be present as a result of human modifications to the landscape or hydrology and for which there is no prior wetland or stream history.

NR 103.02(2)(2) “Farm pond” means any artificially created open water area used solely for the purpose of watering livestock.

NR 103.02(3)(3) “Surface waters” means all natural and artificial named and unnamed lakes and all naturally flowing streams within the boundaries of the state, but not including cooling lakes, farm ponds and facilities constructed for the treatment of wastewaters.

NR 103.02(4)(4) “Waters of the state” includes those portions of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior within the boundaries of Wisconsin, and all lakes, bays, rivers, streams, springs, ponds, wells, impounding reservoirs, marshes, watercourses, drainage systems and other surface or ground water, natural or artificial, public or private, within the state or its jurisdiction.

NR 103.02(5)(5) “Wetlands” means an area where water is at, near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation and which has soils indicative of wet conditions.

NR 103.02 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, July, 1991, No. 427, eff. 8-1-91; cr. (1m), Register, May, 1998, No. 509, eff. 6-1-98.