Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule to revise ch. NR 140, relating to setting numerical standards to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater (Cycle 10 Bacteria), at the time and place shown below. Hearing Information
Date: October 21, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location:
- Meeting ID: 865 0041 6271
- 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. 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. Infants and young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for illness from pathogens in water.
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 DNR140GroundwaterQualityStandards@Wisconsin.gov. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before October 28, 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 rules 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
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis:
The rule is not expected to impact small businesses.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
