Wisconsin Legislature: SS 163-20 Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a preliminary public hearing on Statement of Scope SS 163-20 for proposed emergency and permanent rules relating to updating chapters NR 114, 146, 520 and 524 to allow for third party administration of operator certification examinations (Board Orders WY-26-20(E) and WY-27-20). In accordance with s. 227.136, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on Statement of Scope SS 163-20 at the time and virtual location shown below.

Hearing Information

Date: February 5, 2021

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Virtual Location Link:

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Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84086868056

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Call in: 1-312-626-6799; Meeting ID 84086868056#

Rule Information

The proposed rule revisions will update the examination requirements found in chs. NR 114, 146, and 524, Wis. Adm. Code, to allow for third party administration of online examinations. Sections NR 114.05 (2), 114.33 (3), and 114.54(2), Wis. Adm. Code, all currently state that the department shall administer in-person examinations for activities related to waterworks, water systems, wastewater treatment plants and septage servicing operators at least twice annually at multiple locations throughout Wisconsin. Chapter NR 146, which is dedicated to water well drillers, heat exchange drillers and pump installer licensing and registration, requires these types of professionals to pass an exam administered by the department. (ss. NR 146.04(2)(i), NR 146.04(3)(c), NR 146.04(9)(b), Wis. Adm. Code.) Chapter NR 524 requires landfill operators to pass an exam administered by the department, and ch. NR 520 addresses the fees for such examinations (ss. NR 524.08 and NR 520.04, Wis. Adm. Code). The aforementioned administrative code provisions would be updated to allow for a third party organization to provide online exams.

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. Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form, which is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.html. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. To pre-register, please download and complete the fillable Hearing Appearance form and send it to steven.geis@wisconsin.gov

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before February 5, 2021. 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: Steve Geis – EA/7

PO Box 7921

101 S. Webster St

Madison, WI 53707

Steven.geis@wisconsin.gov or DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov

The Statement of Scope may be reviewed, and comments made at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/scope_statements/comment.