May 14, 2025

By Lane Kimble

WTBA’s largest committee packed a ton of important information and updates into its latest meeting at the WTBA offices this week.

The Environmental Committee covered nonmetallic mining regulations, ATCP 93, federal orders and rule changes, select site transfer clarifications, and even received a state budget update Wednesday morning.  Members joined both in-person and remotely.

WisDOT Erosion and Sediment Control Engineer Jeremy Ashauer was the group’s first guest speaker, covering a litany of issues and concerns including Trans 401, threatened and endangered species such as the karner blue butterfly and rusty patch bumblebee, and in-stream restrictions.

The committee also heard from ARTBA’s VP of Regulatory Affairs Prianka Sharma and WTBA contract lobbyist Eric Petersen.  WTBA’s Lane Kimble shared recent videos he produced on reclamation site success stories and recycled construction materials.

Walbec Group’s Jim Mertes chairs the 40-person committee, which is overseen by WTBA General Counsel Jodi Jensen.