In December, many of us shift our focus to the holidays and spend time with family and friends. It's also the time of year when government agencies pack in public hearings on important projects affecting our waterways. Please consider adding these important meetings to your holiday to-do list this month!
In June, the WDNR Natural Resources Board approved the creation of two rules managing Great Lakes diversions: Chapter NR 851 (Management of Great Lakes Diversions) and NR 854 (Water Supply Service Area Planning). This fall, the WDNR began drafting language for these rules, which are integral to the Great Lakes Compact. More information on these rules and future opportunities for public comment can be found here.
The objective of the diversion rule (NR 851) is to establish department procedures for managing Great Lakes diversions and intrabasin transfers of water. Recently, there were concerns over requests fro Great Lakes water made by Racine (for the Foxconn development) and Somers, and what happens when there are major changes in demand and water use.
Infrastructure for the Waukesha diversion is currently under construction. The objective of the water supply service area planning rule (NR 854) is to establish the planning process for public water supply systems that serve a population of 10,000 or more. The way water supply service areas are determined is very important in establishing the need for water, determining the volume of water required, whether alternative water supply options exist, and establishing the geographical area served by future water diversions. Per WDNR, the proposed rules both focus on application and DNR review processes and are not intended to set forth new Compact requirements.
Before drafting the Board Order and Draft Environmental Impact Analysis, the WDNR will present draft rule concepts via virtual public meeting. After the meeting, the presentation will be posted here.
For questions related to the water supply service area planning rule or to make written comments, contact Chris Fuchsteiner at Christopher.Fuchsteiner@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-9254.
REGULATORY:
WISDOT Public Hearings on I-94 Expansion
December 12 | 3:00 - 7:00 pm | Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, State Fair Park Gate 5 (640 S. 84th Street, Milwaukee. MCTS Route: 33)
December 14 | 5:00 - 7:30 pm | Marquette University High School (3401 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee - Enter from Michigan Street lot. MCTS Routes: 35, 30, and Gold Line)
Days after Governor Evers won re-election, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) announced they were moving forward with the billion dollar expansion of I-94. In WISDOT's draft supplemental environmental impact statement (DSEIS), the preferred alternative is an 8-lane expansion with a large “diverging diamond” interchange. This alternative expands the footprint of the highway by 49 acres, and will increase stormwater runoff to local creeks and rivers, and increase the likelihood of sewage overflows in heavy wet weather. This expansion is also contrary to our community goals of becoming more resilient to climate change, improving accessibility and transit, and addressing racial injustice caused by continued highway expansion that harms neighborhoods.
This project has had strong opposition for over a decade, with thousands weighing in; calling for a more sustainable and equitable solution. While WisDOT is planning to contribute $25 million toward increasing bus routes during construction (slated for 2025), there is no funding toward permanent transit. Together with the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation, we developed an alternative solution, called Fix at Six: repair the road in the current footprint, with 6 lanes and fund more transit, walking and biking. Together, we can secure a future for Wisconsin and for Milwaukee that invests in climate-friendly infrastructure that prioritizes access and equity over expansion and doesn't further damage our environment.
The critical moment for public input is now, and your voice can make the difference on this project. Here are a few ways you can help:
The Natural Resources Board (NRB) is considering setting standards for harmful chemicals in groundwater known as PFAS. PFAS don’t break down in the environment, can negatively impact fish and aquatic life, and threaten public health if contaminated water or food is consumed. This public hearing is on the scoping statement (Board Order DG-17-22) for these proposed rules to set numerical standards to minimize concentrations of certain PFAS—PFOA and PFOS—in groundwater. During the last rulemaking effort on PFAS (in spring), the NRB failed to pass any standards to protect the 30% of Wisconsinites that rely on private wells for drinking water. Contaminated groundwater is also a threat to surface water in our rivers.
Please tell the NRB and WDNR that it is time to set protective groundwater standards for PFAS!
Attend in Person or Virtually (register by 11am on 12/7) by contacting Ashley Bystol at 608-267-7420 or dnrnrbliaison@wisconsin.gov
