On Sept. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final rule repealing the 2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The revised rule is intended to increase predictability and stability in water pollution enforcement. Since the Clean Water Act was originally enacted, there has been ambiguity […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Northern Wis. to Discuss PFAS
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2019 - 10:08am By Hamilton
After meeting in 15 locations around the state, the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality has likely wrapped up its public hearings. Below is an update on the last four meetings in northern Wisconsin, where the task force discussed several topics, including PFAS. Green Bay On Aug. 28, the task force met in Green […]
PFAS Update: Evers EO, DNR Scope Statements, Hearing on Fire Fighting Foam Bill
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2019 - 9:54am By Hamilton
Regulation of PFAS compounds is quickly moving forward in Wisconsin at both the legislative and administrative rule levels. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. PFAS are present in the bloodstream of 98 percent of Americans. Competing studies […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Milwaukee
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2019 - 10:43am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met earlier this month in Milwaukee to discuss lead in drinking water, among other issues. (Agenda). Task force members began the day with a tour of the UW Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science. Legislators then heard from several presenters, starting with the Department of Health Services (DHS) and […]
Water Quality Task Force Continues to Meet Around the State
Date Fri, Aug. 2, 2019 - 10:42am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality is continuing to meet around the state to hear testimony from stakeholders and hold public hearings. Recent task force meetings have been held in Sturtevant, Tomahawk and Stevens Point. Sturtevant On July 11, the task force traveled to southeastern Wisconsin to hear about wastewater and cleanup programs. First, […]
DHS and DNR Release Strict PFAS Groundwater Standard
Date Wed, Jun. 26, 2019 - 5:25pm By Hamilton
The Department of Health Services (DHS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Trade, Agriculture & Consumer Protection announced last week a recommended groundwater standard of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) combined for PFOA and PFOS. PFOA and PFOS are the most extensively produced and studied of a class of chemicals referred to as […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Mauston & La Crosse
Date Thu, Jun. 13, 2019 - 3:01pm By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality convened for two more meetings this week in Mauston and La Crosse. In La Crosse on June 13, the task force first heard from the Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA). Overall, WRWA emphasized that the task force should recognize that water issues and regulations affect small rural systems […]
DOJ Restructuring to Focus on Environmental Enforcement
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:43am By Hamilton
On May 23, Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a restructuring at the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will allow for more environmental enforcement. The restructuring merges DOJ’s Environmental Protection Unit and Consumer Protection Unit under a single Public Protection Unit. Kaul said the new unit is “a step toward revitalizing the enforcement of our consumer protection […]
Legislators Circulate Bills Addressing PFAS
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:29am By Hamilton
Last week, legislators on both sides of the aisle circulated differing proposals to address PFAS in Wisconsin. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. Competing studies debate whether or not PFAS have negative health effects, and, if they do, […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Janesville
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:18am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met in Janesville on May 29 for another public hearing. The task force heard from conservationists, farmers, septic utilities, and energy experts before taking public testimony. First, the committee heard from Rock County’s conservationist and environmental health director. The county officials gave a presentation outlining concerns about nitrate […]