March 8, 2010

 

                 

MILLER, BLACK INTRODUCE
GROUNDWATER PROTECTION BILL

Senator Mark Miller and Representative Spencer Black today introduced the Groundwater Protection Bill, a new measure to protect drinking water and the lakes, streams and wetlands that depend on groundwater.

 “While Wisconsin is blessed with a plentiful supply of groundwater, the supply is not unlimited and we are running into those limits in some parts of our state,” Black said.  “This legislation will help us protect our drinking water and our lakes, streams and springs.”

Excessive groundwater withdrawals have led to unhealthy levels of arsenic and radionuclides in some municipal wells in southeast Wisconsin.  Large withdrawals can also lower water levels in nearby lakes and wetlands, impacting property values and recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

The bill creates a new mechanism to protect areas impacted by excessive water withdrawals.  It seeks to meet the water challenges with planning, flexibility, local decision making and conservation.  It also looks to streamline the process for well permits where groundwater resources are not at risk. 

 “Wise use assures water will be available for agriculture, business, and households on a long-term basis,” said Miller.  “This bill provides a framework for Wisconsin to solve emerging problems with its groundwater, and prevent future problems.  It also opens opportunities for new technologies in water conservation and gray water recycling.”

Rep. Black, Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, and Sen. Miller, Chair of the Senate Environment committee, created a Groundwater Work Group last fall to study the issue and recommend changes.  In many dozens of hours of presentations and field trips, the bipartisan Work Group heard from affected citizens, industry, and scientific experts to learn about the problem and possible solutions. 

 “We received important guidance from the scientists of the Wisconsin Natural History and Geological Survey and the University of Wisconsin.  Their expertise helped us develop a bill based on sound science,” said Black.   

The Groundwater Protection Bill is a follow-up to 2003 Act 310, an important first step in protecting Wisconsin’s groundwater.  The bill incorporates the work of the Groundwater Advisory Committee created by that Act.  “We’ve learned a lot in the five years since passing the first Groundwater Protection Act,” said Miller. “We’re building on its successes to ensure that we use this valuable resource in an intelligent and responsible way.”

The bill was introduced at a press conference at a major spring feeding Lake Wingra.  In addition to Miller and Black, the press conference was attended by scientists, fishermen, lake owners and conservationists.