April 11, 2023

By Lane Kimble

WTBA members understand the importance of protecting the state’s environment while helping to build the state’s economy.  That’s why WTBA and the Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin (APW) voiced support for two out of three modifications to the state’s nonmetallic mining permit but pushed back against a third.

The associations filed a joint public comment on the permit Friday, April 7.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to reduce the sampling frequency for certain mines and delay discharging screenings until June 30, both of which WTBA and APW support.

However, DNR is also proposing the delay of metals monitoring until 2024.  The associations are urging DNR to remove metals monitoring altogether.  The filed comments stress that the monitoring would negatively impact aggregate producers, the construction industry, and Wisconsin taxpayers alike.

DNR will review comments and then finalize any modifications.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has until June 7 to review the revisions.

If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed modifications or their impacts, please contact WTBA General Counsel Jodi Jensen HERE.