DNR Seeks Comments on Water Use Permits

In order to implement the Great Lakes Compact in Wisconsin, large withdrawers in the Great Lakes basin will need a Water Use permit beginning on December 8, 2011. Comments on the proposed permitting documents are due by October 31, 2011 so that the DNR can finalize the permits before they are issued beginning on December 8, 2011.

A Water Use permit is required for persons who withdraw water in quantities that average 100,000 gallons per day or more in any 30-day period. The DNR has developed the following permitting documents, and is requesting comments on them:

• Public Notice
• General Permit No. 1 – Existing Withdrawals
• General Permit No. 2 – New and Increased Withdrawals
• General Permit No. 3 – Temporary Construction Dewatering