a. Private well owners
b. Licensed well drillers, heat exchange drillers and pump installers
c. Certified laboratories
d. Noncommunity public water system owners
e. Local and public health officials
f. Wisconsin Water Well Association
g. Wisconsin Geothermal Association
h. Wisconsin Department of Health Services
i. Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey
Industry representatives have provided input, and are in general support of the proposed rule objectives.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
Federal law does not directly regulate the construction of wells or heat exchange drillholes, and does not regulate the installation of pumps. For public drinking water systems, Wisconsin is a primacy state, with the primary responsibility to enforce state drinking water regulations consistent with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. One federal requirement of Wisconsin’s primacy role is that the state assures that the design and construction of new or substantially modified public water system facilities will be capable of compliance with the State primary drinking water regulations. For noncommunity public drinking water systems, NR 812, Wis. Adm. Code, provides the design and construction standards to meet this federal requirement.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
The Department’s preliminary determination is that proposed rule changes to NR 812 will have minimal economic impact (less than $50,000 per year and with unquantifiable environmental benefits). The “information and advice period” is anticipated to be 30 days to ensure adequate time for affected entities to provide input. Overall the proposed changes are expected to reduce regulatory burden and clarify requirements, with industry savings resulting in a net positive economic impact on small businesses.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department anticipates holding 4 public hearings in December 2017. Hearing cities are anticipated to be: Eau Claire, Wausau, Green Bay, Madison. Technology options will be explored to hold all hearings concurrently, reducing DNR staff time and travel costs. These locations will provide access to convenient hearing locations for interested parties around the state.
Contact Person:
Liesa Lehmann
Private Water Section Chief, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater
(608)267-7649
