SB1,144,6 18(2) Wetland determinations and delineations. For purposes of this section,
19wetland determinations and wetland boundary delineations shall be consistent with
20the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual and any final
21regional supplement to the manual. Any owner or lessee of land, or a holder of an
22easement in land, may request that the department provide a wetland determination
23or wetland boundary delineation for an application for a wetland individual permit
24under this section or for another approval for which a wetland impact evaluation is
25required. The department may rely on wetland determinations and wetland

1boundary delineations made by other agencies and consultants. If the applicant has
2provided information to the department that is identified in the manual or any final
3regional supplement as being sufficient to make a wetland determination or a
4delineation of boundaries, the department may visit a mining site to conduct surveys
5or gather additional site-specific quantitative data provided that the department
6does not discontinue the processing of the application to do so.
SB1,144,9 7(3) Scope; discharges; other impacts. (a) Scope. Except as otherwise provided
8under this section, this section applies to wetland individual permits and any other
9approvals for which wetland impact evaluations are required.
SB1,144,1910 (b) Discharges of dredged or fill material. No person may discharge dredged
11material or fill material associated with a mining operation or bulk sampling unless
12the discharge is authorized under a wetland individual permit issued under this
13section or under a wetland general permit issued under s. 281.36 (3g). The
14department may not issue a wetland individual permit unless it makes a finding
15under sub. (6) (a) that the discharge will comply with all applicable water quality
16standards. Section 281.36 (3g) and (11), and the rules promulgated under s. 281.36
17(3g) and (11), apply to authorizations to proceed under general permits.
18Notwithstanding s. 281.36 (3g) (h) 2., a person receiving authorization to proceed
19under a wetland general permit may not proceed until a mining permit is issued.
SB1,144,2320 (c) Other impacts. For an approval which requires a wetland impact evaluation
21for an activity other than a discharge of dredged material or fill material, the
22approval may not be issued unless the department determines that the activity will
23comply with all applicable water quality standards.
SB1,145,4 24(4) Review by department. (a) Avoidance or minimization of impacts. When
25applying for a wetland individual permit or for another approval for which a wetland

1impact evaluation is required, an applicant shall include in the application an
2analysis of the practicable alternatives that will avoid and minimize the adverse
3impacts on wetland functional values and that will not result in any other significant
4adverse environmental consequences.
SB1,145,105 (b) Practicable alternatives. The department shall review the analysis of
6practicable alternatives included in the application under par. (a). The department
7shall limit its review to those practicable alternatives that are located at the site of
8the discharge or other activity and that are located adjacent to that site if the
9applicant has demonstrated that the proposed project causing the discharge or other
10activity will result in a demonstrable economic public benefit.
SB1,145,1311 (c) Assessing impacts. In its review under this subsection, the department shall
12consider all of the following factors when it assesses the impacts to wetland
13functional values;
SB1,145,1514 1. The direct impacts of the proposed discharge or other activity to wetland
15functional values.
SB1,145,1916 2. The cumulative impacts attributable to the proposed discharge or other
17activity that may occur to wetland functional values based on past impacts or
18reasonably anticipated impacts caused by similar discharges or activities in the area
19affected by the discharge or activity.
SB1,145,2120 3. Potential secondary impacts of the proposed discharge or other activity to
21wetland functional values.
SB1,145,2322 4. The impact on functional values resulting from the mitigation program
23under sub. (8)
SB1,145,2424 5. The net positive or negative environmental impact of the mining operation.
SB1,146,4
1(d) Assessing impacts; geographical scope. In its review under this subsection,
2the department shall evaluate whether the discharge or other activity will result in
3a significant adverse impact to wetland functional values by doing all of the
4following:
SB1,146,85 1. Comparing the functional values of the wetland with other wetlands located
6within the boundaries of the mining site or within the same water management unit
7as the mining site and with other waters of the state that are located in the same
8water management unit.
SB1,146,109 2. Taking into consideration the floristic province in which the mining site is
10located.
SB1,146,1611 (e) Method for assessing impacts. In issuing a wetland individual permit under
12this section or in conducting a wetland impact evaluation, the department shall
13determine the impact of a proposed discharge or other activity upon the wetland
14functional values by using wetland ecological evaluation methods that are jointly
15accepted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the department and that are
16appropriate to the affected wetland.
SB1,146,1817 (f) General permits. Paragraphs (a) to (e) do not apply to authorizations to
18proceed under a general permit issued under s. 281.36 (3g).
SB1,146,21 19(5) Wetland water quality standards. The following wetland water quality
20standards apply to any wetland individual permit issued under this section or to any
21wetland impact evaluation:
SB1,147,222 (a) Adverse impacts to the functional values and water quality of wetlands and
23adverse impacts to other waters of the state that are influenced by wetlands shall be
24minimized, and any significant adverse impacts remaining after minimization shall

1be subject to a mitigation program under sub. (8). For purposes of this section,
2functional values consist of all of the following:
SB1,147,43 1. Storm and flood water storage and retention and the moderation of water
4level fluctuation extremes.
SB1,147,75 2. Hydrologic functions including the maintenance of dry season streamflow,
6the discharge of groundwater to a wetland, the recharge of groundwater from a
7wetland to another area, and the flow of groundwater through a wetland.
SB1,147,98 3. Filtration or storage of sediments, nutrients, or toxic substances that would
9otherwise adversely impact the quality of waters of the state.
SB1,147,1110 4. Shoreline protection against erosion through the dissipation of wave energy
11and water velocity and anchoring of sediments.
SB1,147,1512 5. Habitat for aquatic organisms in the food web including fish, crustaceans,
13mollusks, insects, annelids, and planktonic organisms and the plants and animals
14upon which these aquatic organisms feed and depend upon for their needs in all life
15stages.
SB1,147,1816 6. Habitat for resident and transient wildlife species, including mammals,
17birds, reptiles, and amphibians, for breeding, resting, nesting, escape cover, travel
18corridors, and food.
SB1,147,2019 7. Recreational, cultural, educational, scientific, and natural scenic beauty
20values and uses.
SB1,147,2421 (b) All of the following shall be minimized in order to avoid significant adverse
22impacts for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the wetland functional values
23identified under par. (a), and any minimization of the following must be taken into
24account in the department's evaluation of significant adverse impacts:
SB1,147,2525 1. The use of liquids, fill, or other solids or gases.
SB1,148,1
12. The presence of floating or submerged debris, oil, or other material.
SB1,148,22 3. The use of materials producing color, odor, taste, or unsightliness.
SB1,148,43 4. The presence of concentrations or combinations of substances that are toxic
4or harmful to human, animal, or plant life.
SB1,148,75 5. Adverse effects on hydrological conditions necessary to support the biological
6and physical characteristics that are naturally present in wetlands. For purposes
7of this subdivision, the hydrological conditions include all of the following:
SB1,148,88 a. Water currents and erosion and sedimentation patterns.
SB1,148,99 b. Water temperature variations.
SB1,148,1010 c. The chemical, nutrient, and dissolved oxygen regime of the wetland.
SB1,148,1111 d. The movement of aquatic fauna.
SB1,148,1212 e. The pH of the wetland.
SB1,148,1313 f. Water levels or elevations.
SB1,148,1514 6. Adverse effects on existing habitat and populations of animals and
15vegetation found in wetlands.
SB1,148,19 16(6) Decision by department. (a) The department shall make a finding that a
17a discharge of dredged material or fill material is in compliance with all applicable
18water quality standards and shall issue a wetland individual permit if the
19department determines that all of the following apply:
SB1,148,2220 1. The proposed project of which the discharge is a part represents the least
21environmentally damaging practicable alternative taking into consideration
22practicable alternatives that avoid wetland impacts.
SB1,148,2423 2. All practicable measures to minimize the adverse impacts to wetland
24functional values will be taken.
SB1,149,3
13. The proposed discharge will not result in significant adverse impact to
2wetland functional values, subject to par. (b); in significant adverse impact to water
3quality; or in other significant adverse environmental consequences.
SB1,149,84 (b) Notwithstanding par. (a) 3., if significant adverse impacts to wetland
5functional values will remain after the adverse impacts have been avoided and
6minimized to the extent practicable, the department shall issue the permit if the
7department determines that the remaining impacts will be compensated for under
8a mitigation program under sub. (8).
SB1,149,129 (c) The department may not deny an approval for an activity for which a
10wetland impact evaluation is required, other than a discharge of dredged material
11or fill material, on the basis of the impacts from the activity on wetlands if the
12department determines that all of the following apply:
SB1,149,1513 1. The proposed project of which the activity is a part represents the least
14environmentally damaging practicable alternative taking into consideration
15practicable alternatives that avoid wetland impacts.
SB1,149,1716 2. All practicable measures to minimize the adverse impacts to wetland
17functional values will be taken.
SB1,149,2018 3. The proposed activity will not result in significant adverse impact to wetland
19functional values, subject to par. (d); in significant adverse impact to water quality;
20or in other significant adverse environmental consequences.
SB1,150,221 (d) Notwithstanding par. (c) 3., if significant adverse impacts to wetland
22functional values will remain after the adverse impacts have been avoided and
23minimized to the extent practicable, the department may not deny the permit on the
24basis of the impacts from the activity on wetlands if the department determines that

1the remaining impacts will be compensated for under a mitigation program under
2sub. (8).
SB1,150,43 (e) Paragraphs (a) to (d) do not apply to authorizations to proceed under a
4general permit issued under s. 281.36 (3g).
SB1,150,25 5(7) Federal wetlands. (a) For a wetland individual permit under this section
6which involves a federal wetland, any mitigation program submitted by the
7applicant under sub. (8) shall include all the federal mitigation measures proposed
8by the applicant. The department shall review the federal mitigation measures and
9shall determine whether it has reasonable assurance that these will compensate for
10any significant adverse impacts to wetland functional values, any significant
11adverse impacts to water quality, and any other significant adverse environmental
12consequences. The department shall recognize all federal compensatory mitigation
13measures as being eligible for the purpose of making this determination. If the
14department determines that reasonable assurance exists, the department may not
15impose any additional conditions on the permit. If the department determines that
16reasonable assurance does not exist, it may impose conditions on the permit that are
17in addition to required federal compensatory mitigation measures, but such
18conditions shall be limited to those that are necessary to compensate for any
19significant adverse impacts to wetland functional values, any significant adverse
20impacts to water quality, and any other significant adverse environmental
21consequences that will remain after completion of the federal mitigation measures.
22Any conditions imposed by the department may be satisfied through a mitigation
23program as provided in sub. (8). In imposing any conditions under this paragraph,
24the department may not require that the number of acres to be mitigated be greater
25that the number that is required under federal law.
SB1,151,6
1(b) A wetland individual permit issued under this section that authorizes a
2discharge of dredged or fill material in a federal wetland constitutes water quality
3certification as required by 33 USC 1341 (a). Any other approval issued by the
4department for which a wetland impact evaluation is required for a federal wetland
5constitutes water quality certification under 33 USC 1341 (a) with respect to the
6discharges or activities affecting the federal wetland.
SB1,151,13 7(8) Mitigation program. (a) Contents. A mitigation program to compensate
8for adverse impacts to functional values of wetlands shall contain proposed projects
9for mitigation and a schedule for implementing the projects. The department may
10not consider mitigation in determining whether to grant authorization to proceed
11under a general permit under s. 281.36 (3g). These projects may be performed by a
12person other than the applicant, subject to the department's approval of the projects
13and schedule.
SB1,151,1814 (b) Option of applicant. An applicant submitting a program under par. (a) may
15submit options for mitigation. These options may include any combination of the
16types of mitigation specified in par. (d). In preparing the program, the applicant shall
17identify and consider mitigation that could be conducted within the same watershed
18in which the mining site is located.
SB1,151,2219 (c) Ratios for mitigation. The amount of mitigation required may not exceed
201.5 acres of mitigation for each acre of adversely impacted wetland. For purpose of
21credits in a mitigation bank, each acre that is subject to mitigation shall count as at
22least one credit.
SB1,152,323 (d) Sequence; types of mitigation. If it is not practicable or ecologically
24preferable to conduct mitigation at an on-site location or if there is no on-site
25location that will provide sufficient wetland acreage, the department shall allow the

1applicant to conduct mitigation at a site other than an on-site location, subject to par.
2(e). Mitigation under a program under par. (a) may be accomplished through any of
3the following types:
SB1,152,54 1. Implementation of a project for mitigation by an applicant or other person
5approved by the department.
SB1,152,76 2. Purchase of mitigation credits from a mitigation bank for a site in a
7mitigation bank that is located anywhere in the state, subject to par. (e).
SB1,152,118 3. Purchase of mitigation credits from a mitigation bank established prior to
9February 1, 2002, if the department determines that the bank sponsor is in
10compliance with any applicable memorandum of understanding between the bank
11sponsor and the department.
SB1,152,1312 4. Participation in the in lieu fee subprogram, if such a subprogram is
13established under s. 281.36 (3r) (e).
SB1,152,1914 (e) Ceded territory. If a mining operation is located in whole or in part within
15the ceded territory, any mitigation, including mitigation accomplished through the
16purchase of mitigation bank credits and the in lieu fee subprogram that is authorized
17or required by the department, that will be required to compensate for adverse
18impacts to wetlands located in the ceded territory shall occur within the ceded
19territory.
SB1,153,6 20(9) Subsequent protection for wetlands. (a) If a wetland individual permit
21issued under this section, or other approval that required a wetland impact
22evaluation, authorizes a mitigation project, the person who is the holder of the permit
23or approval shall grant a conservation easement under s. 700.40 to the department
24or shall execute a comparable legal instrument to ensure that a wetland that is being
25restored, enhanced, created, or preserved will not be destroyed or substantially

1degraded by any subsequent proprietor of or holder of interest in the property on
2which the wetland is located. The department shall suspend the mining permit if the
3holder of the permit fails to grant the easement or execute this instrument within
4the time limit set forth in the mining permit. If the holder subsequently grants the
5conservation easement or executes the instrument, the department shall reinstate
6the mining permit.
SB1,153,97 (b) Notwithstanding par. (a), the department shall modify or release a
8conservation easement granted under par. (a) or shall void a comparable legal
9instrument executed under par. (a) if all of the following apply:
SB1,153,1110 1. The department determines that part or all of a wetland subject to the
11mitigation project ceases to be a wetland.
SB1,153,1412 2. The person who is required to grant the conservation easement or execute
13the legal instrument did not contribute to the loss of the wetland specified in subd.
141.
SB1,153,1715 3. Any subsequent proprietor of or holder of interest in the property on which
16the wetland specified in subd. 1. is located did not contribute to the loss of the
17wetland.
SB1,153,23 18(10) Exemptions. (a) Artificial wetlands. All of the following artificial
19wetlands that are associated with a mining operation or bulk sampling are exempt
20from the wetland individual permit and mitigation requirements under this section,
21from the general permit requirements under s. 281.36 (3g), and from any
22requirement for any other approval for which a wetland impact evaluation is
23required:
SB1,154,3
11. An artificial wetland that is a sedimentation or stormwater detention basin
2or associated conveyance feature operated and maintained only for sediment
3detention and flood storage purposes.
SB1,154,54 2. An artificial wetland that is an active sewage lagoon, cooling pond, waste
5disposal pit, fish rearing pond, or landscape pond.
SB1,154,76 3. An artificial wetland that is an actively maintained farm drainage or
7roadside ditch.
SB1,154,88 4. An artificial wetland as part of an active mining operation.
SB1,154,149 (b) Other exempted activities. All of the following activities that are associated
10with a mining operation or bulk sampling are exempt from the wetland individual
11permit and mitigation requirements under this section, from the general permit
12requirements under s. 281.36 (3g), and from any requirement for any other approval
13for which a wetland impact evaluation is required if the applicant minimizes any
14adverse effect on the environment as a result of any of these activities:
SB1,154,1615 1. Maintenance, emergency repair, or reconstruction of damaged parts of
16structures that are in use in a wetland.
SB1,154,1717 2. Construction or maintenance of irrigation ditches.
SB1,154,2018 3. Construction or maintenance of farm roads, forest roads, or temporary
19mining roads that is performed in accordance with best management practices, as
20determined by the department.
SB1,154,2121 4. Maintenance of drainage ditches.
SB1,154,2322 (c) An exemption under par. (a) or (b) does not apply to a federal wetland if the
23exemption conflicts with 33 USC 1344.
SB1,154,25 24(11) Relationship to other laws. None of the following apply to a mining
25operation or bulk sampling:
SB1,155,1
1(a) Section 281.36, except as otherwise specifically provided in this section.
SB1,155,32 (b) Any rule promulgated under s. 281.36, except as otherwise specifically
3provided in this section.
SB1,155,54 (c) Any other rule promulgated by the department that relates to wetlands that
5conflicts with this section.
SB1,155,8 6295.605 Impacts to navigable waters. (1) Definition. In this section,
7"navigable water activity" means an activity for which an approval is required under
8s. 30.12, 30.123, 30.19, 30.195, or 30.20.
SB1,155,11 9(2) Approval required. No person may engage in any navigable water activity
10associated with bulk sampling or mining unless the person has been granted an
11approval as provided under sub. (4).
SB1,155,15 12(3) Application; riparian status. (a) For purposes of an approval under ss.
1330.12, 30.123, 30.19, 30.195, and 30.20, a person who is not the owner of a piece of
14riparian property may exercise a riparian right held by the owner of the piece of
15riparian property if any of the following apply:
SB1,155,1616 1. The person leases the piece of riparian property from the owner.
SB1,155,1817 2. The person holds an easement on the piece of riparian property and the
18easement authorizes the person to exercise that riparian right.
SB1,155,2119 (b) If a person is applying for more than one approval for a navigable water
20activity, the person may file a single application. The application shall include any
21information requested by the department under s. 295.45 (3).
SB1,155,24 22(4) Requirements. (a) Generally. The department shall grant an approval for
23a navigable water activity if the navigable water activity meets all of the following
24requirements:
SB1,156,2
11. The navigable water activity will not significantly impair public rights and
2interests in a navigable water.
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