Administrative Rules

Administrative Rules
- The Rulemaking Process
  
  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) develops administrative rules on aspects of environmental policy including air and water quality, wildlife and fishery management, and waste disposal. Rules proposed by DNR must be reviewed and approved by the Natural Resources Board (NRB), an oversight board with seven members appointed by the governor to serve staggered six-year terms. Chapters containing DNR rules can be found in the NR section of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
- DNR Rulemaking: NR 140 Groundwater Quality Standards
  Status: Scope statement approved by the governor; awaiting preliminary hearing and NRB vote.
  
  Summary: Proposes groundwater standards for four PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and GenX chemicals) based on health advisories issued by the U.S. EPA.
  
  Scope Statement: SS 075-22 was approved by the governor on September 8, 2022.
  - Sep. 20, 2022
    
    DNR Begins New Groundwater Rulemaking
- Active DNR Rules
  DNR has several rules in place regulating PFAS:
  
  Drinking Water
  
  Chapter NR 809 includes drinking water maximum contaminant levels of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
  
  Surface Water
  
  Revision of chapters NR 105, NR 106, and NR 219 and other related regulations to add surface water quality criteria and analytical methods for PFOS, PFOA, and any other PFAS for the purpose of protecting public health. Additionally, revisions to the procedures in the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permitting program to implement the new water quality criteria, including additional monitoring and new effluent limitations. Previously, DNR could address PFAS discharges in WPDES permits on a case-by-case basis. This rule set a uniform standard and procedures.
  
  Firefighting Foam
  
  Chapter NR 159 limits and regulates the use, storage, containment, treatment, and disposal of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS. This foam is used to extinguish liquid fires, particularly fuel fires at airports and harbors.
  - Jun. 17, 2022
    
    State Rules Move Forward
  - Mar. 02, 2022
    
    DNR Board Approves, Modifies, Rejects PFAS Rules
  - Oct. 07, 2021
    
    DNR Proposes Permanent Foam Rule, Provides Fiscal Analysis

PFAS

Contents

The Rulemaking Process

DNR Rulemaking: NR 140 Groundwater Quality Standards

Active DNR Rules