The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is calling on the public to offer their comments on the environmental review of a proposed drinking water project in Chetek. The city is looking to tap into the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to finance improvements to its public water system. The main focus of the project is the relocation of a water main to Kleve Street. The specifics of the project were declared in a news release published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Under the state's administrative rules found in Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, the work at hand is considered a minor action and typically would bypass comprehensive environmental analysis. However, due to federal requirements detailed in 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review is mandatory prior to the disbursement of funds. According to the findings by the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, the water main relocation project "will not result in significant adverse environmental effects," and therefore, does not necessitate further environmental analysis or review before the funding is approved, as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
While the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has deemed extensive environmental review unwarranted, the voice of Chetek's residents and other stakeholders remains a critical part of the process. The department has opened the floor for public comments on its decision and the anticipated environmental impact, if any, of the project. Feedback from the community can be submitted until March 5,. Those looking to express their thoughts or concerns can do so through the contact information provided in the original announcement.
