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 021-22 (Board Order DG-04-22), which affects ch. NR 140, and is related to setting numerical standards to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater (Cycle 10 Bacteria), at the virtual time and place shown below. Hearing Information
Date: April 22, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Location:
- Meeting ID: 867 1960 4139
- Join by Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Rule Information
The proposed rule will amend ch. NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, to replace the existing total coliform bacteria standards with new state groundwater quality standards for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The proposed rule will also transition total coliform bacteria from a public health groundwater quality standard to an indicator parameter. The purpose of establishing groundwater standards is to protect public health. Some types of E. coli bacteria, when consumed, can cause acute (short-term) gastrointestinal illnesses causing diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Less common effects are chronic (long-term) and include kidney failure, hepatitis, and bloody diarrhea. E. coli bacteria are a subgroup of coliform bacteria and are considered to be a much more specific indicator of fecal contamination, and the potential for pathogens to be present in drinking water, than total coliform bacteria.
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, either use the Zoom link above prior to the day of the hearing or download and complete the fillable hearing appearance form and send it to BruceD.Rheineck@wisconsin.gov . Comments on the proposed scope statement must be received on or before April 22, 2022. 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 scope statement should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Bruce Rheineck – DG/5
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
