SS 029-21 Notice of Hearing

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 029-21 relating to amendments to ch. NR 140 to set numerical standards to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater (Board Order DG-25-20). In accordance with s. 227.136, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on Statement of Scope SS 029-21 at the time and virtual location shown below.

This hearing will also include:

- Statement of Scope SS 030-21 (Board Order DG-31-20), revisions to ch. NR 809 related to the promulgation of new drinking water maximum contaminant levels for 12 additional Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and combined standards for 4 PFAS.

Hearing Information

Date:   June 4, 2021  

Time:   1:00 pm

Virtual Location Link:

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Rule Information

The objective of the proposed rule is to set numerical standards for consistent use in state regulatory programs to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater [ss. 160.001 and 160.07(5), Stats.].

Amendments are being proposed to ch. NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, Groundwater Quality, to establish new state groundwater quality standards for substances detected in, or having a reasonable probability of entering, the groundwater resources of the state, provided sufficient scientifically valid technical information exists to allow the Department of Health Services (DHS) to develop recommendations for standards. On November 6, 2020, DHS transmitted the 11th Cycle of Groundwater Standards Proposals to DNR. These proposals included recommendations for new standards for 22 substances including individual standards for 6 pesticides, individual standards for 12 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and combined standards for 4 PFAS. DHS did not recommend standards for 18 PFAS because of limited health information. The department is proposing establishing the recommendations of the department of health services as the enforcement standards for the substances in ch. NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code [s. 160.07(5), Stats.].

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 [e-mail].

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before June 10, 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: Bruce Rheineck – DG/5

Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703

[e-mail] or [e-mail]

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