WI DNR Approves Costly Phosphorus Rule
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 16:06
The WI Department of Natural Resources Board of Directors voted 7-0 today to adopt stringent new phosphorus discharge rules. The action could cost industry and municipal ratepayers billions of dollars.
The proposed rule continues to be opposed by the MWFPA due to the significant costs associated with implementation. One estimate put the cost in excess of $4 billion over a 20-year period. The DNR estimated the cost to industry, municipalities, developers and farmers could reach $1.13 billion. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District estimated that the cost of compliance for new equipment alone could reach $500 million or more.
MWFPA has expressed concern that the rule sets unrealistic goals for point-source dischargers while doing little to nothing to lower phosphorus levels in Wisconsin's surface waters.
The rule now goes to the State Legislature for review before final adoption. However, nothing requires the committee to which the rule is referred to hold a hearing or take any action. Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alama), who chairs the State Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education, has indicated the rules may be substantial enough to warrant a hearing by the end of July.