Notice of Preliminary Hearing on Statement of Scope
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a preliminary public hearing on Statement of Scope SS 056-22 (DG-07-22(E) and DG-08-22) which affects ch. NR 812, and is related to the use of new cement formulations for the construction of water wells. In accordance with s. 227.136, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on Statement of Scope SS 056-22 at the time and virtual location shown below. Hearing Information
Date: August 18, 2022
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Virtual Location:
— Meeting ID: 811 9051 6726
— Join by Telephone: 1-646-931-3860
Rule Information
Currently, ch. NR 812, Wis. Adm. Code, requires the use of Type I Portland cement that meets ASTM C150 standards or Class A Portland cement that meets API-10A standards in the construction of water wells. Cement is an important material for grouting and sealing wells in Wisconsin, especially in areas with fractured bedrock formations. Chapter NR 812, Wis. Adm. Code, requires the use of cement and cement mixed with other materials for the sealing of annular spaces and for filling unused wells in certain conditions, including annular spaces that extend through bedrock formations. Companies that manufacture cement for sale and distribution in Wisconsin and surrounding states have switched from producing Type I Portland cement and are now only producing Type IL cement, which does not meet ASTM C150 or API-10A standards. As such, the department currently has no mechanism to allow the grouting or sealing of water wells or drillholes with neat cement that meets the requirements of ch. NR 812, Wis. Adm. Code. It is paramount that well drillers be provided with the materials they need to seal an annular space on a new well, or fill and seal an unused well or drillhole when it is required. The proposed emergency and permanent updates to ch. NR 812, Wis. Adm. Code, will provide for the use of Type IL cement in the grouting and sealing of wells Accessibility
For the hearing or visually impaired, non-English speakers, or those with other personal circumstances which might make communication at the meeting/hearing difficult, DNR will, to the maximum extent possible and with reasonable advance notice, provide aids including an interpreter, or a non-English, large-print, or recorded version of hearing documents. To access these resources, please contact the email address or phone number listed below as soon as possible.
Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. To pre-register, either use the Zoom link above prior to the day of the hearing or download and complete the fillable hearing appearance form and send it to franklin.fetter@wisconsin.gov. Comments on the proposed scope statement must be received on or before August 18, 2022. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, 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 scope statement should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Frank Fetter – DG/5
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
