Chapter 285

285.41(2)(a) (a) Except as provided under sub. (4), beginning with 1993, the average number of pounds of sulfur dioxide emissions per million British thermal units of heat input from all boilers under the ownership or control of a major utility for any year may not exceed 1.20.

285.41(2)(b) (b)

285.41(2)(b)1. 1. Two major utilities may enter into an agreement for trading emissions unless the sum of the proposed traded emissions and the projected annual emissions of the grantor major utility for the year to which the agreement will apply would exceed the actual annual emissions of the grantor major utility in 1985.

285.41(2)(b)2. 2. To determine whether the major utility that is the grantor in an agreement under subd. 1. is in compliance with par. (a) in a given year, the department shall add the traded emissions and the grantor’s annual emissions and divide the sum by the annual heat input of the grantor.

285.41(2)(b)3. 3. To determine whether the major utility that is the grantee in an agreement under subd. 1. is in compliance with par. (a) in a given year, the department shall subtract the traded emissions from the grantee’s annual emissions and divide the difference by the annual heat input of the grantee.

285.41(4) (4) Variance.

285.41(4)(a) (a) Request; variance conditions. A major utility may request a variance from the emission rate under sub. (2) (a) by submitting the request to the department. No request for a variance may be submitted if the department has served the major utility with written notice under s. 285.83 that the major utility has violated sub. (2) (a). Upon receipt of a request, the department shall, within 45 days, determine if any of the following variance conditions exists:

285.41(4)(a)1. 1. A major electrical supply emergency within or outside this state.

285.41(4)(a)2. 2. A major fuel supply disruption.

285.41(4)(a)3. 3. An extended and unplanned disruption in the operation of a nuclear plant or low sulfur coal-fired boiler under the ownership or control of the major utility.

285.41(4)(a)4. 4. The occurrence of an uncontrollable event.

285.41(4)(a)5. 5. A plan by the major utility to install and place into operation new technological devices that will enable it to achieve compliance with sub. (2) (a).

285.41(4)(b) (b) Compliance plan required. With the request for a variance, the major utility shall submit its plan for achieving compliance with the emission rate. If the request is based on a variance condition specified under par. (a) 1. to 4., the request shall include an explanation of why the major utility cannot achieve or remain in compliance by using fuel with a lower sulfur content or by environmental dispatching.

285.41(4)(c) (c) Grant of variance. The department shall grant a request for a variance if the department determines that a variance condition exists and the major utility’s compliance plan is adequate.

285.41(4)(d) (d) Denial of variance. The department shall deny a request for a variance if the department determines that no variance condition exists or the major utility’s compliance plan is not adequate.

285.41(4)(e) (e) Time limit for response. The department shall grant or deny a request for a variance within 90 days after its receipt of the request.

285.41(5) (5) No impact on other provisions. Nothing in this section exempts a major utility from any provision of ss. 285.01 to 285.39 or 285.51 to 285.87. Compliance with this section is not a defense to a violation of any of those provisions.

285.41(6) (6) Determination of compliance. The department shall determine compliance with sub. (2) (a) using data submitted by the major utilities. Each major utility shall provide the department with any information needed to determine compliance.

285.41(7) (7) Penalty. Notwithstanding s. 285.87, any major utility that exceeds the annual emission rate under sub. (2) (a) in violation of this section shall forfeit not less than $100,000 nor more than $500,000 for each year of violation.

285.41 History History: 1985 a. 296; 1995 a. 227 s. 481; Stats. 1995 s. 285.41; 2015 a. 299.

285.43 285.43 Sulfur dioxide emission rates; state-owned facilities.

285.43(1) (1) Limit. After June 30, 1988, the average number of pounds of sulfur dioxide emissions per million British thermal units of heat input during any year from any large source, as defined under s. 285.45 (1) (a), that is owned by this state may not exceed 1.50.

285.43(2) (2) Compliance. The department shall determine compliance with sub. (1) using data submitted by state agencies. Each state agency shall provide the department with any information needed to determine compliance.

285.43(3) (3) Noncompliance; report required. Noncompliance report required. If the department determines that any large source owned by this state is not in compliance with sub. (1), the department shall submit to the governor and to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under s. 13.172 (2), a report of the noncompliance and recommendations for bringing the large source into compliance.

285.43 History History: 1985 a. 296; 1995 a. 227 s. 482; Stats. 1995 s. 285.43.

285.45 285.45 Sulfur dioxide emission goals after 1992; major utilities and other large air contaminant sources.

285.45(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

285.45(1)(a) (a) “Large source” means a stationary source in this state, other than a fossil fuel-fired boiler under the ownership or control of a major utility, that had sulfur dioxide emissions averaging at least 1,000 tons annually in the most recent 5-year period, that became operational before May 2, 1986, and that is not a boiler subject to the standard of performance for new stationary sources for sulfur dioxide emissions established under s. 285.27 (1).

285.45(1)(b) (b) “Major utility” has the meaning given under s. 285.41 (1) (f).

285.45(2) (2) Goals. It is the goal of this state that, beginning with 1993, total annual sulfur dioxide emissions do not exceed the following:

285.45(2)(a) (a) From all major utilities and large sources, 325,000 tons.

285.45(2)(b) (b) From all fossil fuel-fired boilers under the ownership and control of the major utilities, 250,000 tons.

285.45(2)(c) (c) From all large sources, 75,000 tons.

285.45 History History: 1985 a. 296; 1987 a. 186; 1995 a. 227 s. 483; Stats. 1995 s. 288.45; 2015 a. 299.

285.47 285.47 Nitrogen oxide emission goal; major utilities.

285.47(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “major utility” has the meaning given in s. 285.41 (1) (f).

285.47(2) (2) Goal. It is the goal of this state that, beginning with 1991, the total annual nitrogen oxide emissions from all major utilities do not exceed 135,000 tons.

285.47 History History: 1985 a. 296; 1987 a. 186; 1995 a. 27; 1995 a. 227 s. 484; Stats. 1995 s. 285.47.

285.48 285.48 Nitrogen oxide emissions reductions.

285.48(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

285.48(1)(a) (a) “Call” means a call to implement a state implementation plan that is issued by the federal environmental protection agency before October 29, 1999, or after that date arising out of a call issued before that date, including a call issued after that date pursuant to a federal court order or otherwise.

285.48(1)(b) (b) “Electric cooperative” has the meaning given in s. 76.48 (1g) (c).

285.48(1)(c) (c) “Midcontinent area” has the meaning given in s. 16.958 (1) (e).

285.48(1)(cm) (cm) “Nonutility stationary or mobile source” means a stationary or mobile source that is not an electric generating facility owned by a public utility or electric cooperative.

285.48(1)(d) (d) “Northwestern county” means Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon or Washburn county.

285.48(1)(e) (e) “Other county” means a county that is not a northwestern county.

285.48(1)(f) (f) “Public utility” has the meaning given in s. 196.01 (5).

285.48(1)(g) (g) “State implementation plan” means a state implementation plan for control of atmospheric ozone in another state.

285.48(1)(h) (h) “Summer” means the period beginning on May 1 and ending on September 30 of each year.

285.48(2) (2) Applicability. This section applies if the department of natural resources, pursuant to a call, issues a state implementation plan that requires electric generating facilities in the midcontinent area of this state to comply with nitrogen oxide emission reduction requirements. If the department of natural resources issues such a plan, the department of natural resources shall notify the department of administration and the public service commission. The notice shall specify the date on which electric generating facilities in the midcontinent area of this state are required to comply with the initial nitrogen oxide emission reduction requirements.

285.48(3) (3) Nitrogen oxide emissions standards and limitations.

285.48(3)(a) (a) In establishing nitrogen oxide emission reduction requirements for the control of atmospheric ozone in another state pursuant to a call, the department may not, in a state implementation plan, by rule or through the adoption of control strategies, establish nitrogen oxide emissions standards or limitations that do any of the following:

285.48(3)(a)1. 1. Require less than 2,234 tons, or the greater number of tons determined under par. (d) 1., in total nitrogen oxide emissions each summer from all electric generating facilities located in northwestern counties that are owned by electric cooperatives.

285.48(3)(a)2. 2. Require less than 315 tons, or the greater number of tons determined under par. (d) 1., in total nitrogen oxide emissions each summer from all electric generating facilities located in northwestern counties that are owned by public utilities.

285.48(3)(a)3. 3. Require less than 15,157 tons, or the greater number of tons determined under par. (d) 1., in total nitrogen oxide emissions each summer from all electric generating facilities located in other counties owned by public utilities or electric cooperatives.

285.48(3)(b) (b) The department shall issue emissions allowances in a number that is sufficient to allow the emissions specified in par. (a).

285.48(3)(c) (c) In establishing nitrogen oxide emission reduction requirements for the control of atmospheric ozone in another state pursuant to a call, the department may not, with respect to any nonutility stationary or mobile source in this state, in a state implementation plan, by rule or through the adoption of control strategies, establish nitrogen oxide emissions standards or limitations that do any of the following:

285.48(3)(c)1. 1. Require any reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions for any boiler, turbine or internal combustion engine the designed heat input of which is 250 million British thermal units per hour or less.

285.48(3)(c)2. 2. Require reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions that are in addition to those reductions required by or projected for nonutility stationary or mobile sources based on source-specific nitrogen oxide inventory data or other subinventory information used by the federal environmental protection agency to establish state nitrogen oxide emission budgets concerning interstate pollution transport.

285.48(3)(c)3. 3. Require any additional reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions from nonutility stationary or mobile sources in this state due to this section, including the reduction requirements under par. (a).

285.48(3)(d) (d) If the department of natural resources implements a state implementation plan specified in sub. (2) in a manner that requires reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions that are lower than the reductions set forth in the call published on October 27, 1998, the department of natural resources shall do each of the following:

285.48(3)(d)1. 1. Determine the amounts by which the number of tons specified in par. (a) 1., 2. and 3. shall be increased to reflect the lower reductions.

285.48(3)(d)2. 2. Take action that is necessary to relax any related emissions control requirements in a manner that reflects the lower reductions.

285.48(3)(d)2m. 2m. Determine the amounts by which reduction requirements for any nonutility stationary or mobile source in this state shall be relaxed to reflect the lower reductions.

285.48(3)(d)3. 3. Determine the amount by which the $2,400,000 in assessments under s. 196.86 (2) shall be decreased to reflect the lower reductions and provide notice of the decreased amount to the public service commission.

285.48(3)(d)4. 4. Determine the amount by which the $2,500,000 that is transferred to the air quality improvement fund under s. 16.958 (2) (a) shall be decreased to reflect the lower reductions and provide notice of the decreased amount to the department of administration.

285.48(4) (4) Low-income weatherization and energy conservation measures; renewable energy uses. The department shall ensure that at least 866 tons of total annual reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions required under the state implementation plan are achieved through any of the following:

285.48(4)(a) (a) The use of renewable energy, including renewable energy that is provided by electric providers for the purpose of complying with the requirements of s. 196.378 (2) (a) 2., or renewable energy that is used under programs under s. 196.374.

285.48(4)(b) (b) The implementation of low-income weatherization and energy conservation measures, including programs established under s. 16.957 (2) (a) or programs under s. 196.374.

285.48 History History: 1999 a. 9, 75; 2005 a. 141; 2009 a. 180.

285.49 285.49 Trading program for nitrogen oxide emissions credits. The department shall establish or authorize air contaminant sources to participate in a market-based trading program for the purchase, sale and transfer of nitrogen oxide emissions credits for use in any state implementation plan under s. 285.11 (6) that requires reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. To the extent allowed under federal law, the department shall allow nitrogen oxide emissions reductions by any source in this state, regardless of whether the source is subject to nitrogen oxide controls under a state implementation plan, to be purchased, sold or transferred under the trading program.

285.49 History History: 1999 a. 9.

subch. VI of ch. 285 SUBCHAPTER VI

WASTE INCINERATORS; OZONE DEPLETING
SUBSTANCES; EMISSION LIMITS
AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

285.51 285.51 Solid waste incinerator operator certification.

285.51(1) (1) In this section, “solid waste treatment” has the meaning given in s. 289.01 (39).

285.51(2) (2) The department shall, by rule, establish a program for the certification of persons participating in or responsible for the operation of solid waste treatment facilities that burn solid waste. The certification requirements shall take effect on January 1, 1993. The department shall do all of the following:

285.51(2)(a) (a) Identify those persons or positions involved in the operation of a solid waste treatment facility who are required to obtain certification.

285.51(2)(b) (b) Establish the requirements for and term of initial certification and requirements for recertification upon expiration of that term. At a minimum, the department shall require applicants to complete a program of training and pass an examination in order to receive initial certification.

285.51(2)(c) (c) Establish different levels of certification and requirements for certification for different sizes or types of facilities, as the department determines is appropriate.

285.51(2)(d) (d) Impose fees for the operator training and certification program, except that the department may not impose a fee on an individual who is eligible for the veterans fee waiver program under s. 45.44.

285.51(2)(e) (e) Require that there be one or more certified operators on the site of a solid waste treatment facility at all times during the facility’s hours of operation.

285.51(3) (3) The program under sub. (2) does not apply with respect to any of the following:

285.51(3)(a) (a) A facility described in s. 287.07 (7) (bg).

285.51(3)(b) (b) A solid waste treatment facility for the treatment of hazardous waste.

285.51(3)(c) (c) A solid waste treatment facility for high-volume industrial waste as defined in s. 289.01 (17).

285.51(3)(d) (d) A solid waste treatment facility of a type exempted from the program by the department by rule.

285.51(4) (4) The training required under sub. (2) (b) may be conducted by the department or by another person with the approval of the department.

285.51(5) (5) The department may suspend or revoke a solid waste treatment facility’s operating license if persons at the facility fail to obtain certification required under sub. (2) (a) or for failure to have a certified operator on the site as required under sub. (2) (e).