The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently inviting public comments for the environmental review of the Waterford Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project. According to a release from the DNR, the Village of Waterford is on the hunt for funds that would back the construction of a new public drinking water system asset: Well #6, accompanied by its necessary pump, well house, and generator to integrate with an existing treatment plant. This system upgrade has been deemed a minor action under environmental guidelines, with no expected significant adverse environmental impacts.
Typically, projects like these don't need an environmental analysis under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code; however, due to federal mandates specific to the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, an environmental review is being conducted even though it's been preliminarily determined that there will be no major environmental effects from the project. The public’s insight on this decision and the project's potential environmental imapcts are considered valuable and are being solicited by the authorities.
The DNR's determination, stating that further environmental review or analysis isn't needed to proceed with the project's funding, has opened the floor for community voices. The public comment period remains open until February 20, offering a two-week window for those interested to share their thoughts or concerns. Officials are emphasizing their interest in the public's perspective and are encouraging active participation in the review process.
Those wishing to put in their two cents can submit their comments on the DNR's dedicated webpage. Interested parties should direct their remarks to the official comment submission page as noted in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announcement. As the project gears up to potentially receive the green light, the input from stakeholders and residents will play a critical role in how, or even if, the project will forge ahead.
