Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on apermanent rule to repeal and recreate chapters NR 130, 131, 132 and 182, Wis. Adm. Code relating to nonferrous metallic mineral exploration, prospecting, mining and mining waste management. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on the rules at the time and virtual location shown below. Hearing Information
Date: October 22, 2020
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
Rule Information: The Department of Natural Resources is proposing changes to the administrative rules pertaining to nonferrous metallic mineral mining and related activities. Chapters NR 130 (Exploration and Bulk Sampling), NR 131 (Prospecting), NR 132 (Mining) and NR 182 (Mining Waste Management) are being revised to correct inconsistencies with the existing statutes, bring the rules up to date with current technology and regulatory approaches, and improve overall clarity and effectiveness. 2017 Wisconsin Act 134 made substantial changes to the law related to nonferrous metallic mineral mining activities. The proposed rule changes implement those statutory revisions and also reflect previous statutory changes that were not subsequently implemented in the pertinent rules. Chapters NR 130, 131, 132 and 182, which have been mostly unchanged since their adoption in 1982, are also being revised to reflect new technology and regulatory approaches and standards developed over the past several decades. Lastly, the chapters have been reviewed to identify provisions that were unclear, ambiguous or difficult to interpret and implement and have been revised to provide greater clarity. 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, use the link provided above. After pre-registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing, either through an internet connection or by telephone. Interested persons may submit a registration at any time during the hearing and will be sent a link to join the hearing. Additional instructions will be provided during the hearing.
Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before October 26, 2020. 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 rules should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Larry Lynch – EX/7
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: The proposed rule changes are not expected to result in a significant economic impact on small businesses. Given the capital-intensive nature of metallic mineral exploration and mining project development, such activities have generally not been conducted by small businesses. Since the department began regulating these activities in the late 1970’s, the vast majority of companies engaged in exploration and all of the companies pursuing mining permits in this state have been large corporations.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
