Water conservation, reporting, and supply regulation; after the compact takes effect
Wis. Stat. § 281.346
in effect(1) Definitions. In this section:
(d) “Community within a straddling county” means any city, village, or town that is not a straddling community and that is located outside the Great Lakes basin but wholly within a county that lies partly within the Great Lakes basin.
(dm) “Compact” means the Great Lakes — St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact under s. 281.343.
(dr) “Compact’s effective date” means the effective date of the compact under s. 281.343 (9) (d).
(e) “Consumptive use” means a use of water that results in the loss of or failure to return some or all of the water to the basin from which the water is withdrawn due to evaporation, incorporation into products, or other processes.
(g) “Cumulative impacts” means the impacts on the Great Lakes basin ecosystem that result from incremental effects of all aspects of a withdrawal, diversion, or consumptive use in addition to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future withdrawals, diversions, and consumptive uses regardless of who undertakes the other withdrawals, diversions, and consumptive uses, including individually minor but collectively significant withdrawals, diversions, and consumptive uses taking place over a period of time.
(h) “Diversion” means a transfer of water from the Great Lakes basin into a watershed outside the Great Lakes basin, or from the watershed of one of the Great Lakes into that of another, by any means of transfer, including a pipeline, canal, tunnel, aqueduct, channel, modification of the direction of a water course, tanker ship, tanker truck, or rail tanker except that “diversion” does not include any of the following:
1. The transfer of a product produced in the Great Lakes basin or in the watershed of one of the Great Lakes, using waters of the Great Lakes basin, out of the Great Lakes basin or out of that watershed.
2. The transmission of water within a line that extends outside the Great Lakes basin as it conveys water from one point to another within the Great Lakes basin if no water is used outside the Great Lakes basin.
3. The transfer of bottled water from the Great Lakes basin in containers of 5.7 gallons or less.
(hm) “Divert” means to transfer water from the Great Lakes basin into a watershed outside the Great Lakes basin, or from the watershed of one of the Great Lakes into that of another, by any means of transfer, including a pipeline, canal, tunnel, aqueduct, channel, modification of the direction of a water course, tanker ship, tanker truck, or rail tanker except that “divert” does not include any of the following:
1. To transfer a product produced in the Great Lakes basin or in the watershed of one of the Great Lakes, using waters of the Great Lakes basin, out of the Great Lakes basin or out of that watershed.
2. To transmit water within a line that extends outside the Great Lakes basin as it conveys water from one point to another within the Great Lakes basin if no water is used outside the Great Lakes basin.
3. To transfer bottled water from the Great Lakes basin in containers of 5.7 gallons or less.
(i) “Environmentally sound and economically feasible water conservation measures” means those measures, methods, or technologies for efficient water use and for reducing water loss and waste or for reducing the amount of a withdrawal, consumptive use, or diversion that are, taking into account environmental impact, the age and nature of equipment and facilities involved, the processes employed, the energy impacts, and other appropriate factors, all of the following:
1. Environmentally sound.
2. Reflective of best practices applicable to the water use sector.
3. Technically feasible and available.
4. Economically feasible and cost-effective based on an analysis that considers direct and avoided economic and environmental costs.
(j) “Facility” means an operating plant or establishment providing electricity to the public or carrying on any manufacturing activity, trade, or business on one site, including similar plants or establishments under common ownership or control located on contiguous properties.
(je) “Great Lakes basin” means the watershed of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River upstream from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, within the jurisdiction of the parties.
(ji) “Great Lakes basin ecosystem” means the interacting components of air, land, water, and living organisms, including humans, within the Great Lakes basin.
(jj) “Great Lakes council” means the Great Lakes — St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council, created under s. 281.343 (2) (a).
(jm) “Intrabasin transfer” means the transfer of water from the watershed of one of the Great Lakes into the watershed of another of the Great Lakes.
(n) “Party” means a state that is a party to the compact.
(nm) Notwithstanding s. 281.01 (9), “person” means an individual or other entity, including a government or a nongovernmental organization, including any scientific, professional, business, nonprofit, or public interest organization or association that is neither affiliated with nor under the direction of a government.
(o) “Product” means something produced by human or mechanical effort or through agricultural processes and used in manufacturing, commercial, or other processes or intended for intermediate or ultimate consumers, subject to all of the following:
1. Water used as part of the packaging of a product is part of the product.
2. Other than water used as part of the packaging of a product, water that is used primarily to transport materials in or out of the Great Lakes basin is not a product or part of a product.
3. Except as provided in subd. 1., water that is transferred as part of a public or private supply is not a product or part of a product.
4. Water in its natural state, such as in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, aquifers, or water basins, is not a product.
(pm) “Public water supply” means water distributed to the public through a physically connected system of treatment, storage, and distribution facilities that serve a group of largely residential customers and that may also serve industrial, commercial, and other institutional customers.
(ps) “Reasonable water supply alternative” means a water supply alternative that is similar in cost to, and as environmentally sustainable and protective of public health as, the proposed new or increased diversion and that does not have greater adverse environmental impacts than the proposed new or increased diversion.
(q) “Regional body” means the body consisting of the governors of the parties and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, or their designees as established by the Great Lakes — St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement.
(qd) “Regional declaration of finding” means a declaration of finding issued by the regional body under s. 281.343 (4h) (e).
(qm) “Regional review” means review by the regional body as described in s. 281.343 (4h).
(r) “Source watershed” means the watershed from which a withdrawal originates. If water is withdrawn directly from a Great Lake or from the St. Lawrence River, then the source watershed is the watershed of that Great Lake or the watershed of the St. Lawrence River, respectively. If water is withdrawn from the watershed of a stream that is a direct tributary to a Great Lake or a direct tributary to the St. Lawrence River, then the source watershed is the watershed of that Great Lake or the watershed of the St. Lawrence River, respectively.
(t) “Straddling community” means any city, village, or town that, based on its boundary existing as of the compact’s effective date, is partly within the Great Lakes basin or partly within the watersheds of 2 of the Great Lakes and that is wholly within any county that lies partly or completely within the Great Lakes basin.
(tm) “Straddling county” means a county that lies partly within the Great Lakes basin.
(u) “Technical review” means a thorough analysis and evaluation conducted to determine whether a proposal that is subject to regional review under this section meets the criteria for approval under sub. (4), (5), or (6).
(w) “Water dependent natural resources” means the interacting components of land, water, and living organisms affected by the waters of the Great Lakes basin.
(wm) “Water loss” means the amount of water that is withheld from or not returned to the basin from which it is withdrawn as a result of a diversion or consumptive use or both.
(wp) “Water supply system,” when not preceded by “public,” means one of the following:
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., the equipment handling water from the point of intake of the water to the first point at which the water is used.
2. For a system for providing a public water supply, the equipment from the point of intake of the water to the first point at which the water is distributed.
(wr) “Water utility” means a public utility, as defined in s. 196.01 (5), that furnishes water.
(x) “Waters of the Great Lakes basin” means the Great Lakes and all streams, rivers, lakes, connecting channels, and other bodies of water, including tributary groundwater, within the Great Lakes basin.
(y) “Withdraw” means to take water from surface water or groundwater.
(z) “Withdrawal” means the taking of water from surface water or groundwater, including the taking of surface water or groundwater for the purpose of bottling the water.
(zm) “Without adequate supplies of potable water” means lacking a water supply that is economically and environmentally sustainable in the long term to meet reasonable demands for a water supply in the quantity and quality that complies with applicable drinking water standards, is protective of public health, is available at a reasonable cost, and does not have adverse environmental impacts greater than those likely to result from the proposed new or increased diversion.
(2) Determinations concerning applicability of requirements.
(a) Use of surface water divide. For the purposes of this section, the surface water divide is used to determine whether a withdrawal or transfer of surface water or groundwater is from the Great Lakes basin.
(b) Diversions and withdrawals from more than one source. For the purposes of this section, the diversion or withdrawal of water from more than one source within the Great Lakes basin to supply a single facility or public water supply system is considered one diversion or withdrawal.
(bm) Subsequent withdrawals for aquacultural purposes. If a fish farm withdraws water and places it in an aquacultural pond that is registered with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection, any subsequent use of that water from that pond is not a withdrawal for the purposes of this section, if the subsequent use is not, and does not result in, a diversion or an intrabasin transfer.
(c) Water loss. The department shall promulgate rules for determining the amount of water loss from consumptive uses.
(d) County boundaries. For the purposes of sub. (1) (d), (t), and (tm), a county’s boundaries as of December 13, 2005, shall be used to determine whether a county lies partly within the Great Lakes basin.
(e) Baseline.
1g. The baseline for a withdrawal that before December 8, 2008, averaged 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period but to which subd. 1m. does not apply is the amount determined under sub. (4e).
1m. If a person making a withdrawal that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period registered the withdrawal under s. 281.344 (3) (a) 1. and reported as required under s. 281.344 (3) (e) and the department did not automatically issue a notice of coverage under s. 281.344 (4s) (c) or an individual permit under s. 281.344 (5) (c) for the withdrawal, the baseline for the withdrawal is the amount determined under s. 281.344 (5m) for the withdrawal or, if the department determines a different amount under sub. (4e), the amount determined under sub. (4e).
1r. The baseline for a withdrawal not covered by subd. 1g. or 1m. is zero.
2. The baseline water loss for a consumptive use for which the department has specified an authorized base level of water loss under s. 281.35 (6) (a) 2. is the amount of that authorized base level on the compact’s effective date.
4. The baseline volume for a diversion for which the department has issued an approval under s. 281.344 (3m) or (4) before the compact’s effective date is the interbasin transfer amount specified in the approval on the compact’s effective date.
6. The department shall provide a list of the baseline volumes determined under this paragraph to the Great Lakes council and the regional body no later than 12 months after the compact’s effective date.
(em) Change of ownership. Regional review or Great Lakes council approval is not required when there is a change of ownership of a water supply system that withdraws, diverts, or consumptively uses waters of the Great Lakes basin unless the new owner proposes a change that is otherwise subject to regional review or Great Lakes council approval.
(f) Hydrologic units. The Lake Michigan and Lake Huron watershed shall be considered to be a single hydrologic unit and watershed.
(g) Public trust doctrine. Nothing in this section may be interpreted to change the application of the public trust doctrine under article IX, section 1, of the Wisconsin Constitution or to create any new public trust rights.
(3) Statewide registration and reporting.
(a)
1. Any person who proposes to begin a withdrawal from the waters of the state using a water supply system that will have the capacity to withdraw an average of 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, to increase the capacity of a water supply system so that it will have the capacity to withdraw an average of 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, or to begin a diversion shall register the withdrawal or diversion with the department.
2. Any person who, on July 1, 2009, has a water supply system with the capacity to make a withdrawal from the waters of this state averaging 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period and who has not registered the withdrawal under s. 281.344 (3) (a) shall register the withdrawal with the department.
(b) A person to whom par. (a) applies shall register on a form prescribed by the department and provide all of the following information:
1. The name and address of the registrant and the date of registration.
2. The locations and sources of the withdrawal or diversion.
3. The daily capacity of the withdrawal or diversion and the daily capacity to withdraw or divert from each source.
4. An estimate of the volume of the withdrawal or diversion in terms of gallons per day average in any 30-day period.
5. The uses made of the water.
6. The places at which the water is used.
7. The places at which any of the water is discharged.
8. Whether the water use is continuous or intermittent.
9. Whether the person holds a permit under s. 283.31.
10. Other information required by the department by rule.
(c) The department shall maintain a registry containing the information provided under par. (b) and s. 281.344 (3) (b).
(cm) The department may consider domestic security concerns when determining whether information regarding locations of withdrawals and diversions contained in the registry under par. (c) may be released to the public.
(e)
1. Each person who makes a withdrawal from the waters of the state that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period or diverts any amount and who has registered the withdrawal or diversion under par. (a) or s. 281.344 (3) (a) shall annually report to the department the monthly volumes of withdrawal, whether the person withdraws at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for 30 consecutive days, and, if applicable, the volumes of diversion and, subject to par. (em), water loss from consumptive use.
2. In addition to the information required under subd. 1., the department may, by rule, create different reporting frequencies or require additional information from a person who registers a withdrawal, or diversion under par. (a) or s. 281.344 (3) (a) based upon the type or category of water use.
(em) If a person to whom par. (e) 1. applies provides any of the water that the person withdraws to a public water supply system, the person who operates the public water supply system, rather than the person who withdraws the water, shall annually report to the department the volume of water loss from the consumptive use of the water provided to the public water supply system.
(f) The department may require additional information under par. (b) 10. or (e) 2. only if the information is related to the purposes of the compact.
(4) Diversions.
(a) Prohibition. Beginning on the compact’s effective date, no person may begin a diversion, except as authorized under par. (c), (d), or (e) or an approval issued under s. 281.344 (4), and no person may increase the amount of a diversion over the diversion amount specified in an approval under this subsection or over the interbasin transfer amount specified in an approval issued under s. 281.344 (3m) or (4), except as authorized under par. (c), (d), or (e).
(b) Application.
1. A person who proposes to begin a diversion or to increase the amount of a diversion under par. (c), (d), or (e) shall apply to the department for approval.
2. A person may apply under subd. 1. for approval of a new or increased diversion under par. (c) or (e) only if the person operates a public water supply system that receives or would receive water from the new or increased diversion.
3. Operators of 2 or more public water supply systems may submit a joint application under subd. 1. for a new or increased diversion under par. (c) or (e).
4. A person who applies under subd. 1. shall provide information about the potential impacts of the diversion on the waters of the Great Lakes basin and water dependent natural resources and any other information required by the department by rule.
4m. If a person who applies under subd. 1. will not directly withdraw the water proposed to be diverted, the person shall identify any entities that may withdraw the water and provide evidence of support from each of those entities in the form of a letter or resolution.
4p. If the person who applies under subd. 1. will not directly return the water to the Great Lakes basin, the person shall identify any entities that may return the water and provide evidence of support from each of those entities in the form of a letter or resolution.
4s. If the proposal for which a person applies under subd. 1. is subject to the exception standard under par. (f), the person shall provide documentation of how the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the receiving water under par. (f) 3. will be protected and sustained as required under ss. 30.12, 281.15, and 283.31, considering the state of the receiving water before the proposal is implemented and considering potential adverse impacts due to changes in temperature and nutrient loadings. If the receiving water is a surface water body that is tributary to one of the Great Lakes, the person shall include a description of the flow of the receiving water before the proposal is implemented, considering both low and high flow conditions.
5. If the proposal for which a person applies under subd. 1. is subject to the exception standard under par. (f), the person shall provide an assessment of the individual impacts of the proposal for the purposes of par. (f) 5. The person may also include a cumulative impact assessment.
(bg) Determinations.
1. The department shall determine whether a proposal under par. (b) is subject to par. (c) or (e) as follows:
a. If the proposal is to provide a public water supply within a single city, village, or town, the proposal is subject to par. (c) or (e) based on the boundaries of that city, village, or town.
b. If the proposal is to provide a public water supply within more than one city, village, or town, any portion of the proposal that provides a public water supply within a straddling community is subject to par. (c) and any portion of the proposal that provides a public water supply within a community described in par. (e) 1. (intro.) is subject to par. (e).
2. For the purposes of applying the requirements in pars. (c), (e), and (f) to a proposal under par. (b), the department shall use, as appropriate, the current or planned service area of the public water supply system receiving water under the proposal. The planned service area is the service area of the system at the end of any planning period authorized by the department in the approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system.
(c) Straddling communities. The department may approve a proposal under par. (b) to begin a diversion, or to increase the amount of a diversion, to an area within a straddling community but outside the Great Lakes basin or outside the source watershed if the water diverted will be used solely for public water supply purposes in the straddling community and all of the following apply:
1. An amount of water equal to the amount of water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin, less an allowance for consumptive use, will be returned to the source watershed.
2. No surface water or groundwater from outside the source watershed will be returned to the source watershed unless all of the following apply:
a. The returned water will be from a water supply or wastewater treatment system that combines water from inside and outside the Great Lakes basin.
b. The returned water will be treated to meet applicable permit requirements under s. 283.31 and to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes basin.
c. The proposal maximizes the amount of water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin that will be returned to the source watershed and minimizes the amount of water from outside the Great Lakes basin that will be returned to the source watershed.
2m. The proposal is consistent with an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system unless the proposal is to provide water to a straddling community that includes an electronics and information technology manufacturing zone designated under s. 238.396 (1m).
3. If the proposal would result from a new withdrawal or an increase in a withdrawal that would average 100,000 gallons or more per day in any 90-day period, the proposal meets the exception standard under par. (f).
4. If the proposal would result in a new water loss or an increase in a water loss from consumptive use that would average 5,000,000 gallons or more per day in any 90-day period, all of the following apply:
a. The department conducts a technical review.
b. The department notifies the regional body as required in s. 281.343 (4h) (b) 1.
c. The proposal undergoes regional review.
d. The department considers the regional declaration of finding in determining whether to approve the proposal.
(d) Intrabasin transfer.
1. The department may approve a proposal under par. (b) for a new intrabasin transfer or an increase in an intrabasin transfer to which par. (c) does not apply that would average less than 100,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, if the proposal meets the applicable requirements under s. 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or, if those sections do not apply, any requirements specified by the department by rule and, if the water will be used for public water supply purposes, the proposal is consistent with an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system.
2. The department may approve a proposal under par. (b) for a new intrabasin transfer or an increase in an intrabasin transfer to which par. (c) does not apply that would average more than 100,000 gallons per day in any 90-day period with a new water loss or an increase in water loss that would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, if all of the following apply:
a. The proposal meets the exception standard under par. (f), except that the water may be returned to a watershed within the Great Lakes basin other than the source watershed and par. (f) 3m. does not apply.
b. The applicant demonstrates that there is no feasible, cost-effective, and environmentally sound water supply alternative within the watershed to which the water will be transferred, including conservation of existing water supplies as determined under par. (g).
c. If the water will be used for public water supply purposes, the proposal is consistent with an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system.
d. The department provides notice of the proposal to the other parties.
3. The department may approve a proposal under par. (b) for a new intrabasin transfer or an increase in an intrabasin transfer to which par. (c) does not apply with a new water loss or an increase in water loss that would average 5,000,000 gallons per day or more in any 90-day period, if all of the following apply:
a. The proposal meets the exception standard under par. (f).
b. The applicant demonstrates that there is no feasible, cost-effective, and environmentally sound water supply alternative within the watershed to which the water will be transferred, including conservation of existing water supplies as determined under par. (g).
c. If the water will be used for public water supply purposes, the proposal is consistent with an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system.
d. The department conducts a technical review.
e. The department notifies the regional body as required in s. 281.343 (4h) (b) 1.
f. The proposal undergoes regional review.
g. The department considers the regional declaration of finding in determining whether to approve the proposal.
h. The proposal is approved by the Great Lakes council.
(e) Straddling counties.
1. The department may approve a proposal under par. (b) for a new diversion or an increase in a diversion if the water diverted will be used solely for public water supply purposes in a community within a straddling county or, if a community is partly within a straddling county and partly within a county that lies entirely outside the Great Lakes basin, the water diverted will be used solely for public water supply purposes in the portion of the community that is within the straddling county and all of the following apply:
a. The community is without adequate supplies of potable water.
b. The proposal meets the exception standard under par. (f).
c. The proposal maximizes the amount of water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin that will be returned to the source watershed and minimizes the amount of water from outside the Great Lakes basin that will be returned to the source watershed.
d. There is no reasonable water supply alternative within the watershed in which the community is located, including conservation of existing water supplies as determined under par. (g).
e. The proposal will not endanger the integrity of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem based upon a determination that the proposal will have no significant adverse impact on the Great Lakes basin ecosystem.
em. The proposal is consistent with an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that covers the public water supply system.
f. The department conducts a technical review.
g. The department notifies the regional body as required in s. 281.343 (4h) (b) 1.
h. The proposal undergoes regional review.
i. The department considers the regional declaration of finding in determining whether to approve the proposal.
j. The proposal is approved by the Great Lakes council.
2. In determining whether to approve a proposal under this paragraph, the department shall give substantive consideration to whether the applicant provides sufficient scientifically based evidence that the existing water supply is derived from groundwater that is hydrologically interconnected to waters of the Great Lakes basin. The department may not use a lack of hydrological connection to the waters of the Great Lakes basin as a reason to disapprove a proposal.
(f) Exception standard. A proposal meets the exception standard if all of the following apply:
1. The need for the proposed diversion cannot reasonably be avoided through the efficient use and conservation of existing water supplies as determined under par. (g).
2. The diversion is limited to quantities that are reasonable for the purposes for which the diversion is proposed.
3. An amount of water equal to the amount of water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin will be returned to the source watershed, less an allowance for consumptive use.
3m. The place at which the water is returned to the source watershed is as close as practicable to the place at which the water is withdrawn, unless the applicant demonstrates that returning the water at that place is one of the following:
a. Not economically feasible.
b. Not environmentally sound.
c. Not in the interest of public health.
4. No water from outside the Great Lakes basin will be returned to the source watershed unless all of the following apply:
a. The returned water is from a water supply or wastewater treatment system that combines water from inside and outside the Great Lakes basin.
b. The returned water will be treated to meet applicable permit requirements under s. 283.31 and to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes basin and the department has approved the permit under s. 283.31.
c. If the water is returned through a structure on the bed of a navigable water, the structure is designed and will be operated to meet the applicable permit requirements under s. 30.12 and the department has approved the permit under s. 30.12.
4m. If water will be returned to the source watershed through a stream tributary to one of the Great Lakes, the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the receiving water under subd. 3. will be protected and sustained as required under ss. 30.12, 281.15, and 283.31, considering the state of the receiving water before the proposal is implemented and considering both low and high flow conditions and potential adverse impacts due to changes in temperature and nutrient loadings.
5. The diversion will result in no significant adverse individual impacts or cumulative impacts to the quantity or quality of the waters of the Great Lakes basin or to water dependent natural resources, including cumulative impacts that might result due to any precedent-setting aspects of the proposed diversion, based upon a determination that the proposed diversion will not have any significant adverse impacts on the sustainable management of the waters of the Great Lakes basin.
6. The applicant commits to implementing the applicable water conservation measures under sub. (8) (d) that are environmentally sound and economically feasible for the applicant.
7. The diversion will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and interstate and international agreements, including the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
(g) Conservation and efficient use of existing water supplies. The department shall promulgate rules specifying the requirements for an applicant for a new or increased diversion subject to par. (f) to demonstrate the efficient use and conservation of existing water supplies for the purposes of pars. (d) 2. b. and 3. b., (e) 1. d., and (f) 1., including requiring the applicant to document the water conservation planning and analysis used to identify the water conservation and efficiency measures that the applicant determined were feasible.
(i) Diversion amount. In an approval issued under this subsection or a modification granted under this subsection to increase the amount of a diversion, the department shall specify a diversion amount equal to the quantity of water that is reasonable for the purposes for which the diversion is proposed.
(4e) Determining baselines for preexisting withdrawals.
(a) Before issuing automatic notice of coverage under a general permit under sub. (4s) or an automatic individual permit under sub. (5) (c) for a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin for which the department is required to issue automatic notice of coverage or an automatic individual permit, the department shall determine a baseline for the withdrawal under this subsection.
(b)
1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3e. and par. (f), the department shall estimate the baseline for a withdrawal based on the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component in the water supply system used for the withdrawal as of December 8, 2008, based on information available to the department.
2. Except as provided in subd. 3e., if the department has issued an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41, or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., that is required for a withdrawal and the approval contains a limit on the amount of water that may be withdrawn, the department shall provide an estimate of the baseline equal to the limit in the approval as of December 8, 2008.
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility, the department shall determine the amount under subd. 1. for each of the water supply systems to which subd. 2. does not apply and shall determine the amount under subd. 2. for each of the water supply systems to which subd. 2. applies and shall provide an estimate of the baseline that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
(c) The department shall provide the estimate under par. (b) for a withdrawal to the person making the withdrawal.
(d) After receiving an estimate under par. (c), a person making a withdrawal may provide the department with information relating to any of the following:
1. The components of the water supply system used for the withdrawal as of December 8, 2008.
2. Seasonal variations in the amount of water supplied by the water supply system.
3. Plans for expanding the capacity of the water supply system submitted to the department before December 8, 2008.
4. Amounts withdrawn during the 5 years before the year in which the person submits the information.
5. Successful water conservation efforts by persons using the water that is withdrawn.
6. Water loss from consumptive uses of similar types of users compared to the water loss from consumptive use of persons using the water that is withdrawn.
7. Other relevant information.
(e) Except as provided in par. (f), the department shall determine the baseline for a withdrawal based on the estimate under par. (b) and the department’s evaluation of any information provided under par. (d). The department may not consider information provided by any other person.
(f) For a public water supply system that, on June 11, 2008, has approval under s. 281.41 to provide water from the Great Lakes basin for public water supply purposes outside of the Great Lakes basin and approval under s. 283.31 to return the associated wastewater to the Great Lakes basin, the department shall determine the baseline to be the amount of water necessary to provide water for public water supply purposes in the service territory specified in the sewer service area provisions of the areawide water quality management plan under s. 283.83 approved by the department before December 31, 2007, based on the population and related service projections in those provisions.
(g) The department’s determination of a baseline under par. (e) or (f) is not subject to administrative review under ch. 227 except at the request of the person making the withdrawal.
(h) If 2 or more public water supply systems merge after the department determines their baselines under par. (e) and before the department issues the initial individual permits under sub. (5) (c) for the systems, the baseline for the new system is the sum of the amounts determined under par. (e) for the individual systems.
(4g) Determining withdrawal amounts for preexisting withdrawals.
(a) Before issuing automatic notice of coverage under a general permit under sub. (4s) or an automatic individual permit under sub. (5) (c) for a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin for which the department is required to issue automatic notice of coverage or an automatic individual permit, the department shall determine a withdrawal amount for the withdrawal under this subsection.
(b) Except as provided in par. (c), the withdrawal amount for a withdrawal under this subsection is the same as the baseline determined under sub. (4e).
(c)
1. Except as provided in subd. 3., if a person making a withdrawal has increased the amount of the withdrawal over the baseline before the department issues an automatic notice of coverage under a general permit under sub. (4s) or an automatic individual permit under sub. (5) (c), the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 2., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component in the water supply system used for the withdrawal.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
2. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 1. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3. For a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
(4m) Water use permits required in the Great Lakes basin. Beginning on December 8, 2011, a person may not make a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period unless the withdrawal is covered under a general permit issued under sub. (4s), an individual permit issued under sub. (5), or an interim approval under s. 281.344 (5m), except as provided in sub. (4s) (bm).
(4s) General water use permits for Great Lakes basin.
(a) Department to issue. The department shall issue one or more general permits to cover withdrawals from the Great Lakes basin that average 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period but that do not equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days. The department shall include all of the following in a general permit:
1. Reference to the database under par. (i).
2. Requirements for estimating the amount withdrawn, monitoring the withdrawal, if necessary, and reporting the results of the estimating and monitoring, as provided in rules promulgated by the department.
3. Requirements for water conservation, as provided in rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (d).
(am) Term of general permit. The term of a general permit issued under par. (a) is 25 years.
(b) General requirement. Beginning on December 8, 2011, a person who does not hold an individual permit under sub. (5) may not make a withdrawal that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, but that does not equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, unless the withdrawal is covered under a general permit issued under this subsection, except as provided in par. (bm). A person to whom the department has issued a notice of coverage under a general permit shall comply with the general permit.
(bm) Waiver. The department may waive the requirement to obtain coverage under a general permit for a person making a withdrawal that is covered by a permit under s. 30.18 (2) (a).
(c) Automatic notice of coverage for preexisting withdrawals. The department shall automatically issue a notice of coverage under a general permit to a person who makes a withdrawal that is covered by an interim approval under s. 281.344 (5m) and that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period but does not equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or who makes a withdrawal that is not covered by an interim approval and that before December 8, 2008, averaged 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period but that does not equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days. If necessary, the department may request additional information before issuing a notice under this paragraph. The department shall issue a notice under this paragraph no later than December 8, 2011. In the notice provided under this paragraph for a withdrawal, the department shall specify a baseline equal to the baseline determined under sub. (4e) for the withdrawal and a withdrawal amount equal to the withdrawal amount determined under sub. (4g) for the withdrawal.
(d) Coverage under general permit for withdrawals not entitled to automatic notice of coverage.
1. A person who proposes to begin a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin after December 7, 2011, that will average 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, or to increase an existing withdrawal so that it will average 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, but who does not propose to withdraw at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, shall apply to the department for coverage under a general permit, unless the person applies for an individual permit under sub. (5). In the application, the person shall provide the information required by the department by rule.
1m. A person who makes a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin that, before December 8, 2011, averages at least 100,000 gallons per day in any 30-day period, but does not equal 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days and who is not entitled to automatic issuance of notice of coverage under par. (c) shall apply to the department for coverage under a general permit, unless the person applies for an individual permit under sub. (5). In the application, the person shall provide the information required by the department by rule.
2. After receiving an application under subd. 1., the department shall, within the time limit established by the department by rule, determine whether the withdrawal qualifies for coverage under a general permit or notify the applicant of any additional information needed to determine whether the withdrawal qualifies for coverage under a general permit.
3. Except as provided in subd. 3m., if the department determines that a withdrawal qualifies for coverage under a general permit and the department has issued any approvals that are required for the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall issue a notice of coverage. In the notice, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 3e., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component that the person proposes to use in the water supply system.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3m.
a. The department may not approve an application under subd. 1. or 1m. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that serves a population of more than 10,000 unless the withdrawal is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348.
b. The department may not approve an application under subd. 1. or 1m. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, unless the withdrawal is consistent with the water supply service area plan.
c. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. or 1m. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall issue a notice of coverage. In the notice of coverage the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
4. If the department determines that a withdrawal does not qualify for coverage under a general permit, the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for that determination.
(dm) Requiring individual permit. The department may require a person who is making or proposes to make a withdrawal that averages 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period, but that does not equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, to obtain an individual permit under sub. (5) if the withdrawal is located in a groundwater protection area, as defined in s. 281.34 (1) (am), or a groundwater management area designated under s. 281.34 (9).
(e) Increase in withdrawal amount.
1. If a person making a withdrawal that is covered under a general permit issued under this subsection or s. 281.344 (4s) proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal over the withdrawal amount specified in the database under par. (i) for the withdrawal, but does not propose to withdraw at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, the person shall apply to the department for a modification of the withdrawal amount.
3. Except as provided in subd. 3m., if the department has issued any approvals that are required for modifying the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall modify the withdrawal amount to an amount that is, except as provided in subd. 3e., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component that the person proposes to use in the water supply system.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3m.
a. The department may not approve an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that serves a population of more than 10,000 unless the withdrawal is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348.
b. The department may not approve an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, unless the withdrawal is consistent with the water supply service area plan.
c. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall issue a notice of coverage. In the notice of coverage the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
(f) Term of coverage. Coverage under a general permit ends on the date that the term of the general permit under par. (am) ends.
(g) Redetermination. A person to whom the department has issued a notice of coverage under a general permit issued under this subsection or s. 281.344 (4s) shall apply to the department for redetermination of coverage under a new general permit issued under this subsection at least 180 days before the end of the term of the current general permit if the person intends to continue to withdraw from the Great Lakes basin an average of 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period but does not intend to withdraw at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days. If the person is in substantial compliance with the current general permit and the withdrawal qualifies for coverage under the new general permit, the department shall issue a notice of coverage under the new general permit.
(h) Suspension and revocation. After an opportunity for a hearing, the department may suspend or revoke coverage under a general permit issued under this subsection or s. 281.344 (4s) for cause, including obtaining coverage under the permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose material facts or substantially violating the terms of the permit.
(i) Database. The department shall maintain a database of the withdrawal amounts for all withdrawals that are covered under general permits issued under this subsection. Until December 8, 2021, the department shall include in the database the baselines for all withdrawals that are covered under general permits issued under this subsection.
(5) Individual water use permits for Great Lakes basin.
(a) Requirement. Beginning on December 8, 2011, a person may not make a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin that equals at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days unless the withdrawal is covered by an individual permit issued under this subsection. A person to whom the department has issued an individual permit shall comply with the individual permit.
(b) Content of individual permits. The department shall include all of the following in an individual permit:
1. A withdrawal amount as determined under par. (d) 3., 3e., or 3m., (g) 3., 3e., or 3m., or (j) 3., 3e., or 3m., or sub. (4g).
2. Provisions for estimating and, if necessary, monitoring substantial increases in water loss resulting from increases in withdrawal amounts during the term of a permit and reporting the results of the estimating and monitoring, as provided in rules promulgated by the department.
3. Requirements for estimating the amount withdrawn, monitoring the withdrawal, if necessary, and reporting the results of the estimating and monitoring, as provided in rules promulgated by the department.
4. Requirements for water conservation, as provided in rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (d).
5. Limits on the location and dates or seasons of the withdrawal and on the allowable uses of the water, as provided in rules promulgated by the department.
5m. If a decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or (6) applies to the withdrawal, any limit on the amount of the withdrawal necessary to ensure compliance with the decision-making standard.
6. Conditions on any diversion approved under sub. (4) made by the person making the withdrawal.
6m. If s. 281.35 (4) applies to the withdrawal, the matters under s. 281.35 (6) (a).
7. If the withdrawal is from a surface water body tributary to one of the Great Lakes and would result in a water loss of more than 95 percent of the amount of water withdrawn, conditions that ensure that the withdrawal does not cause significant adverse environmental impact.
(c) Automatic issuance of individual permits for preexisting withdrawals. The department shall automatically issue an individual permit to a person who makes a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin that is covered by an interim approval under s. 281.344 (5m) and that equals at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or who makes a withdrawal that is not covered by an interim approval, that equals at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, and that before December 8, 2008, averaged 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period. If necessary, the department may request additional information before issuing a permit under this paragraph. The department shall issue a permit under this paragraph no later than December 8, 2011. In the permit, the department shall specify a baseline equal to the baseline determined under sub. (4e) for the withdrawal and a withdrawal amount equal to the withdrawal amount determined under sub. (4g) for the withdrawal.
(cm) Initial individual permit for existing withdrawals not entitled to automatic notice of coverage.
1. A person who makes a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin that, before December 8, 2011, equals at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days and who is not entitled to automatic issuance of an individual permit under par. (c) shall apply to the department for an individual permit.
2. After receiving an application under subd. 1., the department shall, within the time limit established by the department by rule, determine whether to approve the application or notify the applicant of any additional information needed to determine whether to approve the application.
3. Except as provided in subd. 5., if the department approves an application under subd. 1. and the department has issued any approvals that are required for the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall issue an individual permit. In the permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 4., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component in the water supply system used for the withdrawal.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
4. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
5. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
6. If the department disapproves an application under subd. 1., the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the disapproval.
(d) Initial individual permit for withdrawal begun or increased after December 7, 2011.
1. A person who proposes to begin a withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin after December 7, 2011, that will equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days or to modify an existing withdrawal so that it will equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days shall apply to the department for an individual permit.
2. After receiving an application under subd. 1., the department shall, within the time limit established by the department by rule, determine whether to approve the application or notify the applicant of any additional information needed to determine whether to approve the application.
3. Except as provided in subd. 3m., if the department approves an application under subd. 1. and the department has issued any approvals that are required for the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall issue an individual permit. In the permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 3e., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component that the person proposes to use in the water supply system.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
c. Any limit on the amount of the withdrawal necessary to ensure compliance with a decision-making standard applicable under par. (e) or (f).
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility and subd. 3. c. does not apply, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3m. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall issue an individual permit. In the permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
4. If the department disapproves an application under subd. 1., the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the disapproval.
(dm) Consistency with water supply plans.
1. The department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that serves a population of more than 10,000 unless the public water supply system is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348.
2. The department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 unless the withdrawal is consistent with the water supply service area plan.
(e) Standards for approval of certain unpermitted withdrawals.
1. Except as provided in par. (dm), the department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for a new withdrawal that will equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or for an existing withdrawal that is not covered by a general permit under sub. (4s) and that is proposed to be modified so that it will equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, but to which subd. 2. does not apply, unless the withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Except as provided in subd. 3. or par. (dm), the department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for a new withdrawal that will equal at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or for an existing withdrawal that is not covered by a general permit under sub. (4s) and that is proposed to be modified so that it will equal at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits an application under par. (d) 1., to which subd. 2. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the withdrawal. If the person demonstrates that the water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the withdrawal.
(f) Standards for approval of withdrawals covered by general permits.
1. Except as provided in par. (dm), the department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for a withdrawal that is covered under a general permit under sub. (4s) if the applicant proposes to modify the withdrawal before December 8, 2021, so that it equals 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline or if the applicant proposes to modify the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, so that it equals 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued the current notice of coverage under the general permit and if subd. 2. does not apply, unless the withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Except as provided in subd. 3. or par. (dm), the department may not approve an application under par. (d) 1. for a withdrawal that is covered under a general permit under sub. (4s) if the applicant proposes to modify the withdrawal before December 8, 2021, so that it equals 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline or if the applicant proposes to modify the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, so that it equals 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued the current notice of coverage under the general permit, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits an application under par. (d) 1., to which subd. 2. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the increase in the withdrawal over the baseline or over the withdrawal amount, whichever is applicable under subd. 2. If the person demonstrates that the resulting increase in water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the increase in the withdrawal.
(g) Modification of individual permit for increased withdrawal.
1. If a person making a withdrawal that is covered under an individual permit issued under this subsection or s. 281.344 (5) proposes to increase, during the term of the permit, the amount of the withdrawal over the withdrawal amount specified in the permit, the person shall apply to the department for a modification of the permit to increase the withdrawal amount.
2. After receiving an application under subd. 1., the department shall, within the time limit established by the department by rule, determine whether to approve the application for modification of the permit or notify the applicant of any additional information needed to determine whether to approve the application.
3. Except as provided in subd. 3m., if the department approves an application under subd. 1. and the department has issued any approvals that are required for modifying the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall modify the individual permit. In the modified permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 3e., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component that the person proposes to use in the water supply system.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
c. Any limit on the amount of the withdrawal necessary to ensure compliance with a decision-making standard applicable under par. (e) or (f).
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility and subd. 3. c. does not apply, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3m. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, the department shall modify the individual permit. In the modified permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
4. If the department disapproves an application under subd. 1., the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the disapproval.
(gm) Consistency with water supply plans.
1. The department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that serves a population of more than 10,000 unless the public water supply system is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348.
2. The department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 unless the withdrawal is consistent with the water supply service area plan.
(h) Standards for approval of certain modifications.
1. Except as provided in par. (gm), the department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1., if the person proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal before December 8, 2021, and after the increase the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline, or, if the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal and the modification was subject to the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued that modified permit and if subd. 2. does not apply, unless the increased withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
1m. Except as provided in par. (gm), the department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1., if the person proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, and after the increase the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, and if subd. 2m. does not apply, unless the increased withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Except as provided in subd. 3. or par. (gm), the department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1., if the person proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal before December 8, 2021, and after the increase the withdrawal would equal at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline, or, if the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal and the modification was subject to the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued that modified permit unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
2m. Except as provided in subd. 3. or par. (gm), the department may not approve an application under par. (g) 1., if the person proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, and after the increase the withdrawal would equal at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term, or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits an application under par. (g) 1., to which subd. 2. or 2m. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the increase in the withdrawal over the baseline or over the applicable withdrawal amount, whichever applies under subd. 2. or 2m. If the person demonstrates that the resulting increase in water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the increase in the withdrawal.
(i) Term of permit. The term of an individual permit is 10 years.
(j) Reissuance.
1. A person to whom the department has issued an individual permit under this subsection or s. 281.344 (5) shall apply to the department for reissuance of the individual permit at least 180 days before the end of the term of the permit if the person intends to continue to withdraw from the Great Lakes basin at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days.
2. After receiving an application under subd. 1., the department shall, within the time limit established by the department by rule, determine whether to approve the application or notify the applicant of any additional information needed to determine whether to approve the application.
3. Except as provided in subd. 3m., if the department approves an application under subd. 1., determines that the person is in substantial compliance with the current individual permit, and has issued any approvals that are required for the withdrawal under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., the department shall reissue the individual permit. In the permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the amount in the current permit, except that, if the person proposes in the application to increase the amount of the withdrawal, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is, except as provided in subd. 3e., equal to the smallest of the following amounts:
a. The maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component of the water supply system used for the withdrawal for which the person has approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., or, if an approval under one of those provisions is not required for the most restrictive component of the water supply system, the maximum hydraulic capacity of the most restrictive component that the person proposes to use in the water supply system.
b. If an approval under s. 30.12, 30.18, 281.34, or 281.41 or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., specifies a maximum amount of water that may be withdrawn, that amount.
c. Any limit on the amount of the withdrawal necessary to ensure compliance with a decision-making standard applicable under par. (e) or (f).
3e. If water is withdrawn through more than one water supply system to serve a facility and subd. 3. c. does not apply, the department shall determine the smallest amount under subd. 3. a. or b. for each of the water supply systems and shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the sum of the amounts determined for each of the water supply systems.
3m. If the department approves an application under subd. 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 and determines that the person is in substantial compliance with the current individual permit, the department shall reissue the individual permit. In the permit, the department shall specify a withdrawal amount that is equal to the withdrawal amount in the water supply service area plan.
4. If the department disapproves an application under subd. 1., the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason for the disapproval.
(jm) Consistency with water supply plans; reissuance.
1. The department may not approve an application under par. (j) 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that serves a population of more than 10,000 if the person proposes to increase the amount of the withdrawal over the amount in the current permit, unless the public water supply system is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348.
2. The department may not approve an application under par. (j) 1. for a withdrawal for the purpose of providing water to a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 unless the withdrawal is consistent with the water supply service area plan.
(k) Standards for reissuance in certain cases.
1. Except as provided in par. (jm), the department may not approve an application under par. (j) 1., if the person proposes in the application to increase the amount of the withdrawal so that it equals 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, and if subd. 2. does not apply, unless the increased withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Except as provided in subd. 3. or par. (jm), the department may not approve an application under par. (j) 1., if the person proposes in the application to increase the amount of the withdrawal so that it equals at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits an application under par. (j) 1., to which subd. 2. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the increase in the withdrawal over the withdrawal amount as of the later of the dates under subd. 2. If the person demonstrates that the resulting increase in water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the increase in the withdrawal.
(L) Prior notice. Beginning no later than 60 months after the compact’s effective date, if a proposal for which approval is required under this subsection will result in a new water loss or an increase in a water loss that will average more than 5,000,000 gallons per day in any 90-day period, the department shall provide the other parties and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, with detailed notice of the proposal and an opportunity to comment on the proposal. The department shall provide a response to any comment received under this paragraph. The department may not grant an approval under this subsection until at least 90 days after the day on which it provided notice under this paragraph.
(m) Regional review. If a majority of the members of the regional body request regional review of a proposal described in s. 281.343 (4h) (a) 6. for a withdrawal and the department determines under s. 281.343 (4h) (b) 1. that the proposal is subject to regional review, the department shall conduct a technical review of the proposal and submit the proposal for regional review. The department may not determine under s. 281.343 (4h) (b) 1. that the proposal is subject to regional review unless the proposal will result in a water loss that will average more than 5,000,000 gallons per day in any 90-day period. If the department submits the proposal for regional review, the department may not act on the proposal until the proposal has undergone regional review and the department has considered the regional declaration of finding in determining whether to approve the proposal or until 90 days after the department submits the proposal for regional review, whichever is sooner.
(n) Information to be provided. A person who submits an application under par. (d) 1., (g) 1., or (j) 1. shall provide the information required by the department by rule. If a decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or (6) applies, the person shall provide information about the potential impacts of the withdrawal on the waters of the Great Lakes basin and water dependent natural resources. If the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6) applies, the person shall provide an assessment of the individual impacts of the proposal for the purposes of sub. (6) (b). The person may also include a cumulative impact assessment.
(o) Departmental modifications. After an opportunity for a hearing, the department may modify a permit issued under this subsection as necessary to ensure that a withdrawal complies with any applicable requirement under sub. (5m) or (6).
(p) Suspension and revocation. The department may suspend or revoke a permit issued under this subsection for cause, including obtaining the permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose material facts or substantially violating the terms of the permit.
(q) Transfer of control. A permit is not transferable to any person except after notice to the department. A person who proposes to assume control over a permitted withdrawal shall file with the department a permit application and a statement of acceptance of the permit. The department may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit to change the name of the permittee.
(5e) Requirements for water supply service area plans for public water supply systems in the Great Lakes basin.
(a) Unpermitted withdrawals.
1. Beginning on December 8, 2011, the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for a new withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin of at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or for modification of an existing withdrawal that is not covered by a general permit under sub. (4s) so that it will equal at least 1,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, but to which subd. 2. does not apply, unless the withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Beginning on December 8, 2011, except as provided in subd. 3., the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for a new withdrawal from the Great Lakes basin of at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, or for modification of an existing withdrawal that is not covered by a general permit under sub. (4s) so that it will equal at least 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, that provides for a new withdrawal to which subd. 2. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the withdrawal. If the person demonstrates that the water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the withdrawal.
(b) Increased withdrawals covered by general permits.
1. Beginning on December 8, 2011, the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for modifying a withdrawal that is covered under a general permit under sub. (4s) before December 8, 2021, so that the withdrawal equals 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline or if the plan provides for modifying the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, so that it equals 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued the current notice of coverage under the general permit and if subd. 2. does not apply, unless the withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Beginning on December 8, 2011, except as provided in subd. 3., the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for modifying a withdrawal that is covered under a general permit under sub. (4s) before December 8, 2021, so that the withdrawal equals 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline or if the plan provides for modifying the withdrawal after December 7, 2021, so that it equals 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued the current notice of coverage under the general permit, unless the withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, that provides for an increase in a withdrawal to which subd. 2. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the increase in the withdrawal over the baseline or over the withdrawal amount, whichever is applicable under subd. 2. If the person demonstrates that the resulting increase in water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the increase in the withdrawal.
(c) Increased withdrawals covered by individual permits.
1. Beginning on the December 8, 2011, the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for increasing, before December 8, 2021, the amount of a withdrawal that is covered under an individual permit issued under sub. (5) if after the increase the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline, or, if the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal and the modification was subject to the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued that modified permit and if subd. 2. does not apply, unless the increased withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
1m. Beginning on December 8, 2011, the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for increasing, after December 7, 2021, the amount of a withdrawal that is covered under an individual permit issued under sub. (5) and after the increase the withdrawal would equal 1,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, and if subd. 2m. does not apply, unless the increased withdrawal meets the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m).
2. Beginning on December 8, 2011, except as provided in subd. 3., the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for increasing, before December 8, 2021, the amount of a withdrawal that is covered under an individual permit issued under sub. (5) if after the increase the withdrawal would equal 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the baseline, or, if the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal and the modification was subject to the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), the withdrawal would equal 10,000,000 gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the date that the department issued that modified permit, unless the increased withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
2m. Beginning on December 8, 2011, except as provided in subd. 3., the department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for increasing, after December 7, 2021, the amount of a withdrawal that is covered under an individual permit issued under sub. (5) and after the increase the withdrawal would equal 10,000,000 or more gallons per day for any 30 consecutive days over the withdrawal amount as of the beginning of the current permit term or the date that the department issued a modified permit for the withdrawal if the modification was subject to the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), whichever is later, unless the increased withdrawal meets the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
3. A person who submits a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, that provides for an increase in a withdrawal to which subd. 2. or 2m. would otherwise apply, may choose to demonstrate, using procedures specified in rules promulgated by the department, the water loss that will result from the increase in the withdrawal over the baseline or over the withdrawal amount, whichever is applicable under subd. 2. or 2m. If the person demonstrates that the resulting increase in water loss would average less than 5,000,000 gallons per day in every 90-day period, the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m), rather than the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6), applies to the increase in the withdrawal.
(d) Providing prior notice. The department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 that provides for a withdrawal described in sub. (5) (L) unless the department has provided notice as required under sub. (5) (L) at least 90 days before approving the water supply service area plan and has provided a response to any comment received.
(e) Regional review. The department may not approve a water supply service area plan under s. 281.348 if a majority of the members of the regional body request regional review of a withdrawal described in s. 281.343 (4h) (a) 6. provided for in the plan unless the department complies with sub. (5) (m).
(5m) State decision-making standard. A proposal meets the state decision-making standard if all of the following apply:
(a) The amount of the withdrawal or increase in the withdrawal is needed to meet the projected needs of the person who will use the water.
(b) For an increase in a withdrawal, cost-effective conservation practices have been implemented for existing uses of the water, as required under rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (d).
(c) The applicant has assessed other potential water sources for cost-effectiveness and environmental effects.
(d) Cost-effective conservation practices will be implemented to ensure efficient use of the water, for a new withdrawal, or of the increased amount of an existing withdrawal.
(e) One of the following applies:
1. No significant adverse environmental impacts to the waters of the state will result from the new or increased withdrawal.
2. If the withdrawal is from a surface water body, the applicant demonstrates that the withdrawal will not result in the violation of water quality standards under s. 281.15 or impair fish populations.
3. The department has issued a permit under s. 30.18 for the new or increased withdrawal or has issued a permit under s. 30.12 for a structure that will be used for the new or increased withdrawal.
4. The department has issued an approval under s. 281.34, or s. 281.17, 2001 stats., for the new or increased withdrawal.
(6) Compact decision-making standard. A proposal meets the compact decision-making standard if all of the following apply:
(a) All of the water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin will be returned to the source watershed, less an allowance for consumptive use.
(b) The withdrawal will result in no significant adverse individual impacts or cumulative impacts to the quantity or quality of the waters of the Great Lakes basin, to water dependent natural resources, to the source watershed, or, if the withdrawal is from a stream tributary to one of the Great Lakes, to the watershed of that stream.
(c) The withdrawal will be implemented in a way that incorporates environmentally sound and economically feasible water conservation measures.
(d) The withdrawal will be in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and interstate and international agreements, including the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
(e) The proposed use of the water is reasonable, based on a consideration of all of the following:
1. Whether the proposed withdrawal is planned in a way that provides for efficient use of the water and will avoid or minimize the waste of water.
2. If the proposal would result in an increased water loss, whether efficient use is made of existing water supplies.
3. The balance of the effects of the proposed withdrawal and use, and other existing or planned withdrawals and water uses from the water source, on economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
4. The supply potential of the water source, considering quantity, quality, reliability, and safe yield of hydrologically interconnected water sources.
5. The probable degree and duration of any adverse impacts caused or expected to be caused by the proposed withdrawal and use, under foreseeable conditions, to other lawful consumptive uses or nonconsumptive uses of water or to the quantity or quality of the waters of the Great Lakes basin and water dependent natural resources, and the proposed plans and arrangements for avoidance or mitigation of those impacts.
6. Any provisions for restoration of hydrologic conditions and functions of the source watershed or, if the withdrawal is from the stream tributary to one of the Great Lakes, of the watershed of that stream.
(7) Exemptions. Subsections (3) to (6) do not apply to withdrawals from the Great Lakes basin or diversions for any of the following purposes:
(a) To supply vehicles, including vessels and aircraft, for the needs of the persons or animals being transported or for ballast or other needs related to the operation of the vehicles.
(b) To use in a noncommercial project that lasts no more than 3 months for fire fighting, humanitarian, or emergency response purposes.
(7m) Emergency order. The department may, without a prior hearing, order a person to whom the department has issued an individual permit or notice of coverage under a general permit under this section or s. 281.344 to immediately stop a withdrawal if the department determines that there is a danger of imminent harm to the public health, safety, or welfare, to the environment, or to the water resources or related land resources of this state. The order shall specify the date on which the withdrawal must be stopped and the date, if any, on which it may be resumed. The order shall notify the person that the person may request a contested case hearing under ch. 227. The hearing shall be held as soon as practicable after receipt of a request for a hearing. An emergency order remains in effect pending the result of the hearing.
(8) Statewide water conservation and efficiency.
(a) Goals and objectives. The department shall specify water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives for the waters of the state and for the waters of the Great Lakes basin. The department shall specify goals and objectives for the waters of the Great Lakes basin that are consistent with the goals under s. 281.343 (4b) (a) and the objectives identified by the Great Lakes council under s. 281.343 (4b) (a) and (c). In specifying these goals and objectives, the department shall consult with the department of safety and professional services and the public service commission and consider the water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives developed in any pilot program conducted by the department in cooperation with the regional body.
(b) Statewide program. In cooperation with the department of safety and professional services and the public service commission, the department shall develop and implement a statewide water conservation and efficiency program that includes all of the following:
1. Promotion of environmentally sound and economically feasible water conservation measures through a voluntary statewide program.
1m. Mandatory and voluntary conservation and efficiency measures for the waters of the Great Lakes basin that are necessary to implement subs. (4), (4s), (5), (5m), and (6) and s. 281.348.
2. Water conservation and efficiency measures that the public service commission requires or authorizes a water utility to implement under ch. 196.
3. Water conservation and efficiency measures that the department of safety and professional services requires or authorizes to be implemented under chs. 101 and 145.
(c) Great Lakes basin program. No later than the 24th month beginning after the compact’s effective date, the department shall implement a Great Lakes basin water conservation and efficiency program as part of the statewide program under par. (b), for all users of the waters of the Great Lakes basin, that is designed to achieve the goals and objectives for the waters of the Great Lakes basin that are specified under par. (a). The department shall include in the Great Lakes basin program the activities in par. (b) 1. to 3. applicable in the Great Lakes basin and application of the water conservation and efficiency measures specified under par. (d) in subs. (4) (f) 6. and (g) and (6) (c).
(d) Water conservation and efficiency measures. The department shall promulgate rules specifying water conservation and efficiency measures for the purposes of implementing par. (b). In the rules, the department may not require retrofitting of existing fixtures, appliances, or equipment. The department shall specify measures based on all of the following:
1. The amount and type of diversion, withdrawal, or consumptive use and whether the diversion, withdrawal, or consumptive use exists on December 8, 2008, is expanded, or is new.
2. The results of any pilot water conservation program conducted by the department in cooperation with the regional body.
3. The results of any assessments under sub. (11) (d).
(9) Tribal consultation; public participation.
(a) Tribal consultation. The department shall consult with a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state concerning a proposal that may affect the tribe or band and that is subject to regional review or Great Lakes council approval under sub. (4) or (5).
(b) Public notice.
1. The department shall, by rule, create procedures for providing to interested members of the public notices of each complete application that the department receives under sub. (5) to which the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6) applies, other than an application from a person operating a public water supply system that is covered by an approved water supply service area plan under s. 281.348, and each complete application that the department receives under sub. (4) and of each general permit that the department proposes to issue under sub. (4s) (a). The department shall include, in the rule, at least the following procedures:
a. Publication of the notice as a class 1 notice under ch. 985.
b. Mailing of the notice to any person, group, local governmental unit, or state agency upon request.
c. Publication of the notice through an electronic notification system established by the department.
d. Publication of the notice on the department’s Internet website.
2. The department shall establish the form and content of a public notice by rule. The department shall include in every public notice concerning an application to which subd. 1. applies at least the following information:
a. The name and address of each applicant.
b. A brief description of the proposal for which the application is made, including the amount of the proposed withdrawal or diversion.
c. A brief description of the procedures for the formulation of final determinations on applications, including the 30-day comment period required under par. (c).
d. Information indicating where the complete application may be viewed on the department’s Internet website.
(bm) Notice date. For the purpose of determining the date on which public notice is provided under this subsection, the date on which the department first publishes the notice on its Internet website shall be considered the date of public notice.
(c) Public comment. The department shall receive public comments on a proposal for which it receives an application to which par. (b) 1. applies or on a proposed general permit under sub. (4s) (a) for a 30-day period beginning when the department gives notice under par. (b) 1. The department shall retain all written comments submitted during the comment period and shall consider the comments in making its decisions on the application.
(d) Public hearing.
1. The department shall provide an opportunity for any interested person or group of persons, any affected local governmental unit, or any state agency to request a public hearing with respect to a proposal for which the department receives an application to which par. (b) 1. applies or on a proposed general permit under sub. (4s) (a). A request for a public hearing shall be filed with the department within 30 days after the department gives notice under par. (b). The party filing a request for a public hearing shall indicate the interest of the party and the reasons why a hearing is warranted. The department shall hold a public hearing on a proposal for which the department receives an application to which par. (b) 1. applies or on a proposed general permit under sub. (4s) (a) if the department determines that there is a significant public interest in holding a hearing.
2. The department shall promulgate, by rule, procedures for the conduct of public hearings held under this paragraph. A hearing held under this paragraph is not a contested case hearing under ch. 227.
3. The department shall provide public notice of any hearing held under this paragraph in the manner provided under par. (b) 1. The notice shall include the time, date, and location of the hearing, a summary of the subject matter of the application or proposed general permit, and information indicating where a copy of the application or proposed general permit that is the subject of the hearing may be found on the department’s Internet website. The summary shall contain a brief, precise, easily understandable, plain language description of the subject matter of the application or proposed general permit. If the hearing concerns an application received by the department, the notice shall also include the name and address of the applicant.
(e) Public access to information. Any record or other information provided to or obtained by the department regarding a proposal for which an application under sub. (4) or (5) is received is a public record as provided in subch. II of ch. 19. The department shall make available to and provide facilities for the public to inspect and copy any records or other information provided to or obtained by the department regarding a proposal for which an application for a new or increased diversion or withdrawal under sub. (4) or (5) is received, except that any record or other information provided to the department may be treated as confidential upon a showing to the secretary that the record or information is entitled to protection as a trade secret, as defined in s. 134.90 (1) (c), or upon a determination by the department that domestic security concerns warrant confidential treatment. Nothing in this subsection prevents the use of any confidential records or information obtained by the department in the administration of this section in compiling or publishing general analyses or summaries, if the analyses or summaries do not identify a specific owner or operator.
(h) Expediting review. The department shall take appropriate measures to expedite, to the extent feasible, applicable reviews by the regional body, Great Lakes council, parties, and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec of applications under this section that are subject to regional review.
(10m) Amendment of coastal management program.
(a) The Wisconsin coastal management council, created under s. 14.019, shall amend this state’s coastal management program submitted to the U.S. secretary of commerce under 16 USC 1455, to incorporate the requirements of this section, as they apply to the water resources of the Great Lakes basin, and shall formally submit the proposed amendments to the U.S. secretary of commerce.
(b) After approval of the amendments submitted to the U.S. secretary of commerce under par. (a), the Wisconsin coastal management council shall, when conducting federal consistency reviews under 16 USC 1456 (c), consider the requirements specified under par. (a), if applicable.
(c) If the department issues a permit for a withdrawal to which this section applies, and the withdrawal is subject to a federal consistency review under 16 USC 1456 (c), the Wisconsin coastal management council shall certify that the withdrawal is consistent with this state’s coastal management program.
(11) Information, reports, and assessments.
(a) Statewide inventory.
1. The department shall develop and maintain a water resources inventory consisting of information about the waters of the state including information about the location, type, quantity, and uses of water resources and the location, and type of diversions, withdrawals, and consumptive uses and quantities of withdrawals and water losses. The department shall develop the inventory in cooperation with federal and local governmental entities, agencies of this state and of the other parties, tribal agencies, and private entities. The department shall use information in the registry under sub. (3) (c) in creating the inventory.
2. The department shall create the water resources inventory under subd. 1. no later than June 1, 2014, or the first day of the 60th month beginning after the compact’s effective date, whichever is later.
(b) Annual report on water resources. Beginning within 60 months after the compact’s effective date, the department shall annually report to the Great Lakes council the information from par. (a) regarding withdrawals that average 100,000 gallons per day or more over a 30-day period, including consumptive uses, in the basin and any diversions, as well as the amounts of the withdrawals, water losses from consumptive uses, and diversions in the basin reported under sub. (3) (e).
(c) Program report. No later than 12 months after the compact’s effective date, and every 5 years thereafter, the department shall submit a report to the Great Lakes council and the regional body describing the implementation of the program under this section, including the manner in which withdrawals from the Great Lakes basin are managed, how the criteria for approval under subs. (4), (5), and (6) are applied, and how conservation and efficiency measures are implemented.
(d) Assessment of water conservation and efficiency program. After the compact’s effective date, the department shall annually assess the effectiveness of the water conservation and efficiency program under sub. (8) (c) in meeting the Great Lakes basin water conservation and efficiency goals under sub. (8) (a). In each assessment, the department shall consider whether there is a need to adjust the Great Lakes basin water conservation and efficiency program in response to new demands for water from the basin and the potential impacts of the cumulative effects of diversions, withdrawals, and consumptive uses and of climate. The department shall provide the assessment to the Great Lakes council and the regional body and make it available to the public.
(e) Assessment of cumulative impacts. The department shall participate in the periodic assessment of the impacts of withdrawals, diversions, and consumptive uses under s. 281.343 (4z) (a).
(f) Report on threshold. No later than the 60th month beginning after the compact’s effective date, the department shall submit to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) a report analyzing the impact of the threshold under sub. (5) (a) and providing any recommendations to change the threshold.
(g) Water use report. Beginning no later than 8 years after June 11, 2008, or 5 years after the last report published under s. 281.344 (11), whichever is earlier, and every 5 years thereafter, the department, using water use data reported under this section, shall publish a water use report to summarize water usage, identify related trends, identify areas of future water usage concerns, and recommend future actions to promote sustainable water use. The department shall also include in the report water resource information derived from reporting and data accumulation requirements under other water regulatory laws.
(12) Fees.
(a) Subject to par. (am), a person who has a water supply system with the capacity to make a withdrawal from the waters of the state averaging 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period shall pay to the department an annual fee of $125, except that the department may promulgate a rule specifying a different amount and except that, notwithstanding the department’s rule-making authority, no person is required to pay more than $1,000 per year under this paragraph.
(am) The following are not considered in determining the capacity of a water supply system for the purposes of par. (a):
1. The capacity of a well that has a capacity of less than 100,000 gallons per day and that is used primarily to provide water to a single-family or multifamily residence.
2. The capacity of a well used primarily for fire protection purposes.
(b) In addition to the fee under par. (a), a person who withdraws from the Great Lakes basin more than 50,000,000 gallons per year shall pay to the department an annual fee in an amount specified under par. (c).
(c) The department shall promulgate a rule specifying the amount of the fee under par. (b).
(d) A person who submits an application under sub. (4) shall pay to the department a review fee of $5,000 and shall pay to the department an amount equal to any fees imposed on this state related to review of the proposed diversion by the Great Lakes council or the regional body.
(13m) Exceedances. It is not a violation of this section to withdraw an amount of water that exceeds the withdrawal amount specified in a permit issued under sub. (5) or in the database under sub. (4s) (i), unless the amount by which the withdrawal exceeds the withdrawal amount would result in the application of the state decision-making standard under sub. (5m) or the compact decision-making standard under sub. (6).
(14) Penalties.
(a) Any person who violates this section or any rule promulgated or approval issued under this section shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $10,000 for each violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
(c) In addition to the penalties under par. (a), the court may order the defendant to abate any nuisance, restore a natural resource, or take, or refrain from taking, any other action as necessary to eliminate or minimize any environmental damage caused by the violation.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/281.346Fetched: 10/7/2026