Protecting Wisconsin's Water: Better Oversight of Development is Necessary to Prevent Runoff Pollution

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Frontier Group

Author(s): Travis Madsen; Bruce Speight; Dan Kohler

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: water quality

Type: Report

Coverage: Wisconsin

Abstract:

The excess flow of runoff pollution into Wisconsin's waterways has led to serious water quality problems, including impaired drinking water quality, degraded wildlife habitat and uncontrolled sewage overflows. In 2002, the state took a major step toward solving these problems by adopting a set of the nation's strongest stormwater regulations. However, flaws in the implementation of rules for construction sites allow developers to skip required runoff prevention measures. Protecting Wisconsin's Water explores problems with the enforcement of the state's runoff prevention rules, suggesting reforms that will re-align oversight of development activity with the ultimate goal: cleaner water for Wisconsin.