The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released a general permit that streamlines and shortens the wetland permitting process for some residential, commercial and industrial projects impacting wetlands. The
statewide general permit (“GP”) enables projects resulting in the unavoidable filling of less than 10,000 square feet of wetland to get a permit decision more quickly if the project meets the standards and conditions in the general permit. Previously, all landowners wanting to pursue projects that involve wetland fill were required to seek an individual permit and lengthier environmental review. Projects that involve more than 10,000 square feet of wetland fill or do not meet the GP standards and conditions continue to require a wetland individual permit, which has a longer process time, a higher permit fee, and require wetland mitigation and a higher level of environmental review
The general permit for smaller projects identifies the location, design, and construction standards and other conditions any project must meet to qualify for the general permit, and to ensure that minimal environmental effects occur. The general permit is valid statewide for 5 years. When property owners’ projects apply to be covered under the general permit, DNR is required to issue a decision within 30 days.
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address
water quality standards,
wastewater permitting and
assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.
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