Environmental Week In Preview – Week of March 11, 2013
March 11, 2013: The DNR will hold a public meeting to gather public input on the potential installation of a second ozone monitor in Kenosha County. In April 2012, the DNR indicated in a letter that a location for an ozone monitor that would be more representative of general population exposure may be investigated. This meeting will be review the need for an additional possible monitoring location.
March 11, 2013: The DNR rescheduled its hearing that was to be held on March 5th on proposed revisions to ch. NR 27, Wis. Adm. Code to add 8 species and remove 16 species to the Wisconsin endangered and threatened species list and update 20 scientific names. The species to be added to the list include the Upland Sandpiper (threatened), the Black Tern (endangered), Kirland’s Warbler (endangered), Beach-dune Tiger Bettle (endangered), Fawnsfoot (threatened), Ottoe Skipper (endangered), Shovel-headed Leafhopper (endangered), and Issid Planthopper (threatened). The DNR proposes to remove the following species: Barn Owl, Bewick’s Wren, Snowy Egret, Greater Redhorse, Blanding’s Turtle, Butler’s Gartersnake, Pygmy Snaketail, American Fever-few, Bog Bluegrass, Canada Horse-balm, Drooping Sedge, Hemlock Parsley, Prairie Indian-Plantain, Snowy Campion, Yellow Gentian and Yellow Giant Hyssop.
March 12, 2013: The DNR will hold a public hearing on an air pollution control construction permit application from Harley Davidson Motor Company – Tomahawk for modification of coating lines.
March 15, 2013: The DNR will hold a public hearing on an air pollution control construction permit application from Calumet Superior LLC for modifications to fluid catalytic cracker processes and the naptha splitter to be conducted during the 2013 plant maintenance turnaround.
March 13, 2013: The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Public Works, and Telecommunications will hold a public hearing on SB 71 which will allow for political subdivisions to impose restrictions on a wind energy system that is more restrictive than the PSC rules if the restriction serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety, does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency.
What to look for in the coming weeks:
March 19, 2013: Public Hearing on proposed rule revisions to ch. NR 211 regarding the pretreatment requirements for DNR, pretreatment programs of publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and for industries discharging to POTWs.
April 8, 2013: The Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Spring County Conservation Meeting. Questions considered at the meeting include how to regulate the hunting of wolves with dogs and hunting and trapping within state parks.
