Proposed general permit for small recreational projects topic of May 16 hearing
May 9, 2013
Contact(s): Cami Peterson 608-261-6400
MADISON – A proposed general permit to streamline the permitting process for small recreational development projects potentially impacting wetlands is the topic of a May 16 public informational hearing in Madison, state wetland officials say.
The informational hearing is at 1p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building, also known as GEF 2, located at 101 S. Webster St. in Madison.
The proposed general permit is the fourth of its kind required under a law passed in July 2012 by state lawmakers. It would enable people who have a recreational development project resulting in the unavoidable filling of just under one-quarter of an acre, or 10,000 square feet – to get their decision more quickly if they meet the standards and conditions set forth in the general permit. Recreational trails and fields are examples of the kinds of small development projects.
Right now, all landowners wanting to pursue projects that could potentially impact wetlands must seek an individual permit and lengthier environmental review if a general permit is not available.
“This proposed general permit will simplify the permit process for small projects and will benefit larger projects that are able to avoid and minimize wetland impacts so they can qualify for this general permit,” says DNR Waterway and Wetland Policy Coordinator Cami Peterson.
The proposed general permit would set forth the construction standards and other conditions a project must meet to avoid or minimize damage to wetlands and would require DNR to make a decision on the permit within 30 days.
Projects that could potentially disturb more than 10,000 square feet would not be eligible for the general permit but would continue to need the individual permit, which has a longer review time and is more expensive.
Information about DNR individual and general wetland permit process can be found on DNR's website, dnr.wi.gov by searching wetland regulatory programs. To view a copy of the proposed statewide general permit and environmental decision document go to DNR's webiste, dnr.wi.gov, and search for wetland "disturbance."
For more information or to submit written comments on the draft general permit or environmental decision document via U. S. mail, please contact Cami Peterson, DNR-WT/3, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, 608-261-6400.