Environmental protection requirements for tank vessels
Wis. Stat. § 299.62
in effect(1) Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Bulk” means an undivided quantity of a substance that is loaded directly into a vessel and is not divided into individual containers.
(am) “Discharge” has the meaning given in s. 292.01 (3).
(b) “Double hull” has the meaning given in 33 CFR 157.03 (kk).
(c) “Hazardous material” has the meaning given in 46 USC 2101 (14).
(d) “Oil” means hydrocarbon, vegetable or mineral oil of any kind or in any form and includes oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil.
(e) “Tank vessel” means a vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue.
(2) Prohibition.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b) or (c), no tank vessel of under 5,000 gross tons may transport oil or hazardous material in bulk on that part of the Mississippi River over which this state has jurisdiction from the northern boundary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to the southernmost point of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in this state unless the tank vessel has a double hull.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a tank vessel when the tank vessel and its crew are in danger due to extreme weather conditions.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a self-propelled tank vessel or a tank vessel that is propelled by a towing vessel if a tugboat accompanies the self-propelled tank vessel or tank vessel and towing vessel.
(3) Penalties.
(a) Except as provided under par. (b), any person who owns or controls the movement of a tank vessel violating sub. (2) shall be required to forfeit not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000.
(b) Any person who owns or controls the movement of a tank vessel violating sub. (2) and who, within 5 years before the commission of the current violation, was previously convicted of violating sub. (2) shall be fined not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both.
(c) In addition to any penalty under par. (a) or (b), any person who owns or controls the movement of a tank vessel violating sub. (2) from which oil or a hazardous material is discharged shall be required to forfeit triple the amount of the damage to the environment.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/299.62Fetched: 10/7/2026