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Published on January 15, 2025
Reeseville, Wisconsin Set for Drinking Water System Upgrade, DNR Seeks Public Input on Environmental ImpactSource: Unsplash/taichi nakamura

The village of Reeseville, Wisconsin is on track to receiving an upgrade to its drinking water infrastructure, courtesy of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. According to a recent press release by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the funding aims to address the village’s watermain on Garfield Street and lead service lines, ensuring safer water for the local residents.

While such infrastructural developments are usually met with environmental concerns, this particular project is classified as a minor action under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, and initially exempted from intricate environmental analysis. Despite this, a nod is given to federal requirements that necessitate an environmental review prior to disbursing the funds. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has pre-emptively concluded that the project is not likely to cause significant environmental harm. Even so, they're open to comments from the public on this decision and any potential ecological repercussions it might entail.

In a move that underscores the importance of community feedback, the DNR is accepting public comments until January 29. Interested parties are invited to send their thoughts via mail to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Office or email [email protected]. This step ensures that voices from the community are not just heard, but could potentially influence an environmentally sound approach to upgrading Reeseville’s drinking water system.

Should the comments received during this period indicate the necessity for a detailed environmental analysis, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may conduct one. Such an analysis would provide a comprehensive look at the project's impact and consider any reasonable alternatives—a critical measure for balancing development with ecological preservation. For those looking to chime in with their opinions or concerns, details for submission can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announcement page.