281.11 Statement of policy and purpose. The department shall serve as the central unit of state government to protect, maintain and improve the quality and management of the waters of the state, ground and surface, public and private. Continued pollution of the waters of the state has aroused widespread public concern. It endangers public health […]
281.12 General department powers and duties. (1) The department shall have general supervision and control over the waters of the state. It shall carry out the planning, management and regulatory programs necessary for implementing the policy and purpose of this chapter. The department also shall formulate plans and programs for the prevention and abatement of […]
281.13 Surveys and research. (1) (a) The department is authorized to act with the U.S. geological survey in determining the sanitary and other conditions and nature of the natural water sources in this state, for the following purposes: 1. To determine the nature and condition of the unpolluted natural water sources. 2. To determine to […]
281.14 Wisconsin River monitoring and study. (1) In this section: (a) “Nonpoint source” has the meaning given in s. 281.16 (1) (e). (b) “Point source” has the meaning given in s. 283.01 (12). (2) The department shall conduct a program to monitor and study the introduction of nutrients from point sources and nonpoint sources into […]
281.145 River and stream monitoring and study. (1) In this section: (a) “Nonpoint source” has the meaning given in s. 281.16 (1) (e). (b) “Point source” has the meaning given in s. 283.01 (12). (2) The department shall conduct a program to monitor and study the introduction of nutrients from point sources and nonpoint sources […]
281.15 Water quality standards. (1) The department shall promulgate rules setting standards of water quality to be applicable to the waters of the state, recognizing that different standards may be required for different waters or portions thereof. Water quality standards shall consist of the designated uses of the waters or portions thereof and the water […]
281.16 Water quality protection; nonpoint sources. (1) Definitions. In this section: (a) “Agricultural facility” means a structure associated with an agricultural practice. (b) “Agricultural practice” means beekeeping; commercial feedlots; dairying; egg production; floriculture; fish or fur farming; grazing; livestock raising; orchards; poultry raising; raising of grain, grass, mint and seed crops; raising of fruits, nuts […]
281.165 Compliance with water quality standards for wetlands. (1) Compliance; exemption. An activity shall be considered to comply with the water quality standards that are applicable to wetlands and that are promulgated as rules under s. 281.15 and is exempt from any prohibition, restriction, requirement, permit, license, approval, authorization, fee, notice, hearing, procedure or penalty […]
281.17 Water quality and quantity; specific regulations. (2) The department shall supervise chemical treatment of waters for the suppression of nuisance-producing organisms that are not regulated by the program established under s. 23.24 (2). It may purchase equipment and may make a charge for the use of the same and for materials furnished, together with […]
281.19 Orders. (1) The department may issue general orders, and adopt rules applicable throughout the state for the construction, installation, use and operation of practicable and available systems, methods and means for preventing and abating pollution of the waters of the state. Such general orders and rules shall be issued only after an opportunity to […]
281.20 Orders; nonpoint source pollution. (1) Under the procedure specified in sub. (3), the department may do any of the following: (a) Order or cause the abatement of pollution which the department, in consultation with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection if the source is agricultural, has determined to be significant and caused […]
