The proposed groundwater standards would apply through other regulatory programs outside of ch. NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, that regulate facilities, practices and activities which may impact groundwater quality. Once adopted, numerical groundwater standards become the criteria for protecting public health, and are used in the regulation of:
— Solid and hazardous wastes
— Spills and remediation sites
— Wastewater and water quality
— Septic tanks
— Salt storage
— Fertilizer and pesticides, etc.
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:
There are no federal groundwater standards, and there is no parallel process for regulating groundwater contaminants at the federal level.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
The department will examine the economic impact of the proposed rule when the rule is developed. Additional review and modification of regulatory program rules that rely on ch. NR 140 groundwater standards may impact the estimated cost of implementation and compliance. The economic impact to small businesses is indeterminant until the rule is drafted. State groundwater quality standards protect both public health and welfare. There may be cost savings in reducing the exposure to these known substances of public health concern. Human health impacts and drinking water treatment system costs to remove contamination may be avoided when groundwater pollution is reduced or eliminated. Adoption of groundwater quality rules and regulations by state regulatory programs minimizes the concentrations of polluting substances in groundwater, minimizes water treatment system costs and health care costs, while safeguarding public health and welfare.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The department anticipates holding one public hearing in the month of July 2024. The hearing will be held by videoconference. The department will hold the hearing to gather stakeholder input on a rule package that is used statewide.
Contact Person: Bruce Rheineck, (608) 266-2104
