Starting the Switchboard Registration Process

To begin, you must read the Electronic Business Partnership document below and click Accept at the bottom of the page to agree to the terms of the usage policy. If you do not agree to the terms, click Decline to end the registration process.

Purpose and Parties - The purpose of this document is to establish the parameters of the electronic business partnership. Each partnership consists of the DNR and a regulated entity which will submit data electronically to the DNR. Examples of partners are state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and/or private industry. This registration process identifies individuals that by their jobs provide data through the Switchboard to the DNR under environmental laws and rules for the partners that employ them. DNR and its partners interact by mutual agreement as established under this process. DNR and customers or partners agree that electronic information can be a more accurate and efficient way of doing environmental business. The DNR strives to provide electronic systems that help customers provide environmental compliance data as required.

Identity Proofing - This registration process initiates an implied relationship between the registering partner and the entity for which the individual works. DNR will carefully review the registration information, and may contact the partner for additional information, to ensure that the relationship is valid.

Definition of Data – The data within this agreement and addressed by the electronic system has been previously defined and required by federal and state laws for the purpose of assessing and mitigating the impact of business activities on the environment. For example, Wisconsin Statutes s. 283.55 and administrative rules, define the data and reporting parameters for wastewater permits. New data is also obtained for the purpose of streamlining business functions, for example your e-mail address.

Legal Framework – This partnership does not supersede any state or federal laws, or rules. The partnership is constructed and entered into to meet the requirements of EPA’s Cross Media Electronic Reporting Rule published October 13, 2005. Chapter 137, Wis. Stats., provides the legal framework for electronic documents and electronic signatures used by the DNR. Chapter 12, Wis. Adm. Code also addresses the legal framework for electronic documents.

Authentication - The State's Web Access Management System (WAMS) (opens in new window) provides the authentication mechanism for individuals for use with DNR electronic environmental business applications.

Electronic Signature – Chapter 137 Wis. Stats., provides that an electronic signature carries the same legal enforceability as a handwritten signature. If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies that requirement in that law. The State is developing an electronic signature process and will notify partners when it is available to use.

Exchange Mechanism – The DNR recognizes that partners have differing levels of technical capabilities. Paper forms continue to be available for data reporting. Electronic forms are available for submittals under several programs, and data formats for direct file transfers are also available for several programs. The DNR and customers or partners agree to work together to ensure that the most efficient electronic business process is employed. DNR's electronic forms will conform to the W3C HTML 4.01 standards and may use SMTP e-mail protocols (see www.w3c.org for details).

DNR and Customers or Partners agree to have computer virus protection protocols, consistent with general industry practices, in place prior to conducting electronic business with each other. In the event of a virus attack, each party may delete corrupted files and break any communication linkages until the attack stops. Parties will then reinitiate the reporting event.

Dispute Resolution – DNR and customers agree to work together in good faith in a timely manner to resolve any disagreements about DNR’s electronic systems or the customer’s use of those systems. The standard legal requirements of the programs using electronic systems remain in effect. For example, we will work together to make sure an electronic data submittal system works, but if the system isn't available a permit holder is still required to submit data in a paper format.

Exchange Schedule – The DNR’s electronic systems are designed to be available 24/7, but may not be available due to computer or network glitches. Customers using an electronic system and successfully completing the transaction, as provided by that system, are assured that the DNR has received the information. If, for some reason, the customer determines that the transaction was unsuccessfully executed they agree to inform the DNR that they were unable to complete the transaction. The DNR will then identify the correct back-up procedure in order to successfully obtain the information.

Data Ownership – DNR’s electronic systems may provide the opportunity for the customer to update or add information and save it. This is similar to filling out a paper form. The customer is in control of the electronic information on DNR’s electronic systems until the customer has submitted the document. The submittal requirements may vary for each program. The act of submitting the document finalizes the DNR’s records.

Use and Distribution of Data – The information provided to and available from the DNR’s electronic systems will be used for business purposes of the DNR. The submitted information is subject to the provisions of the Open Records Law and will be made available to the public through program systems and the Facts System. Applicable parts of the information provided will also be provided to other DNR programs for the purpose of keeping their records accurate.

Period of Agreement and Termination - This agreement becomes effective on the date of acceptance and continues until modified by mutual consent or unless terminated with notice by either party. A partner should enter into a new agreement at such time as any of the persons authorized to participate in this process changes.

I have read and accept the above electronic business partnership, and on behalf of myself and my firm, wish to access the registration page.

Note: Clicking "accept" will not register you for the Switchboard. You will need to complete the next page, "send" the data, and then print and sign the registration document and return it by mail. The following pages will help you do this.

I do not wish to access the registration page at this time.

You will be returned to Switchboad home page.