DNR Public Meeting on Phosphorus Discharge
Saturday, October 24th, 2015 -- 8:40 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing this fall to receive comments on the proposed multi-discharger phosphorus variance.The hearing will take place December 9 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, where DNR officials will briefly explain the proposed determination and draft materials for potential submittal to the EPA. The proposed multi-discharger phosphorus variance is designed to provide a new tool for industries and municipalities facing restrictive phosphorus compliance costs.
A multi-discharger variance extends the timeline for complying with low-level phosphorus limits. In exchange, point sources commit to step-wise reductions of phosphorus within their effluent while addressing nonpoint sources of phosphorus from farm fields, cities or natural areas. Since passage of the state law, the Department of Administration and DNR have been working to quantify the economic impacts that would occur without flexibility in managing phosphorus. The preliminary conclusion of the analysis is that complying with phosphorus limits causes substantial and widespread social and economic impacts totaling some $6 billion in costs to upgrade municipal and industrial treatment plants.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.