News

Will Wisconsin’s legislature repeal runoff rule?

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee has voted to repeal the Department of Natural Resources new N.R.151 non-point run-off rules. NR 151 is designed to control runoff from farms, fields, construction sites and urban areas.

The DNR has been in the process of revamping the rules and conducted public hearings on the idea last year. As a result of those hearings, changes were made to tillage setbacks, the definition of a feedlot, wastewater containment and the phosphorus index for cropland.

Republicans charge the new rules exceed federal standards and create an unnecessary financial burden on businesses and communities. Environmental groups say repealing the rules would be a giant step backward. Both houses of the State Legislature would have to approve the measure.