Wisconsin Ag Connection - DNR Makes it Easier to Address Water Quality in Agriculture

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DNR Makes it Easier to Address Water Quality in Agriculture
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/17/2018

The state's natural resources department announced that a new Water Quality Conservation General Permit is now available to help streamline the regulatory process for government agencies that address water quality concerns in agricultural settings. The DNR, along with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and county land conservation departments in Wisconsin, finalized the permit for practices such as grassed waterways, filter strips, lined waterways, grade stabilization structures, stream crossings, and water and sediment control basins.

"Before the general permit, government entities had to go through an individual permitting process for each activity, which takes about 105 days each," said Amanda Minks with the DNR Bureau of Watershed Management. "Now stakeholders will be able to request general permit coverage, which takes no more than 30 days," Minks said. "This could save agencies time and money, especially if they are completing multiple activities in one project."

For more information, visit the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, and search for Wetland disturbance," and look under "General Permits."

The general permit will be in effect for five years.

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