Switchboard Contacts

We have set up the Switchboard Registration Hotline at 608-267-3123 for technical assistance with the WAMS Wisconsin User ID or Switchboard Registration processes. The Hotline will be staffed during normal business hours and will take messages 24/7.

For general information about the Switchboard please contact Tom Aten, (608) 267-7638, Thomas.Aten@Wisconsin.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

These are hot links to sections of this FAQ listing. You can use these links or scroll down.

WAMS Activate WAMS Connecting Logging In

General

I'm already connected, but how do I get hooked up to a new system?
Answer: The second step of the Switchboard Registration process is where you can register for new systems or a new role within a system.

Can consultants and facility representatives register for the same facility?
Answer: Yes, both consultants and representatives can register for the same facility. Also, the same person can register for as many facilities as necessary with their User ID.

How does DNR know that a person or consultant should have access to a company's information?
Answer: When the DNR acts on your registration request, we have access information about the facility and people associated with it. If this information confirms your request we will grant it. If not we may contact the company for confirmation.

Is electronic reporting mandatory?
Answer: Generally not, although certain programs do have such requirements.

Why do I need to create a Wisconsin User Id?
Answer: If you report regulatory information to the DNR through the internet, you will need to create a Wisconsin User (WAMS) Id. The user id assures that only authorized people have access to your company’s information and can report for it.

I don’t have access to a computer.
Answer: You may report electronically at your local public library or DNR service center. If that is not a good option, you will need to contact the DNR program for alternative reporting methods.

I don’t have a unique email address.
Answer: Please sign up for an email account with one of the many free providers. Yahoo, GMail, HotMail, etc are some examples.

WAMS Id Registration

Why do they ask for my home address on the WAMS registration?
Answer: You should not complete the home address section of the WAMS registration. Only the required fields (First Name, Last Name, Email, Account Information and Account Recovery Information) are necessary.

I get an error message when I click on the Self Registration submit button.
Answer #1: If it says the error is address related, please remove your address from the registration form and only fill in the required fields.
Answer #2: Otherwise, please correct the problem on the Self Registration page and try clicking on the Submit button again.

Activating WAMS Id

When I log in to the activation part, it gives an already in use error message.
Answer: You have already activated your account. Please check by logging into
WAMS Profile Management.

I never got an activation email from WAMS.
Answer: We have not been able to figure out why these activation e-mails don't get through. It doesn't happen often, but if you do not get the activation e-mail use this link to contact the Support Center and they can help. This will bring up a web form for you to enter your contact information. Notice that we have pre-filled parts of the form to help route your request for help correctly.

I can’t remember User ID/password when I try to activate my WAMS id.
Answer: Please wait 5 days and then fill out the Self Registration process again. If you try before then, it will tell you your id or email address is already taken.

I can’t click on the WAMS activation link in my email.
Answer: Copy the link from your email and paste it into your web browser’s address box.

I get an error message when try to activate my WAMS id using the log in screen.
Answer #1: If it says you must have cookies enable, please talk to your computer support person to enable cookies on your web browser.
Answer #2: If is says something else, please close your web browser, wait a few minutes and try clicking on the link in your WAMS activation email again.

Switchboard Registration

Do I enter my home or work address on the Switchboard registration?
Answer: You should use the address that you normally use to do business with the DNR. This will be a work address for most people.

How do I know what my Facility Id is?
Answer:The DNR usually puts these on any correspondence it sends to companies. Please check any recent emails or letters from DNR to find the facility id.

I have many facilities that I need to report for. Do I need to fill out a separate registration form for each facility?
Answer: If you need to register for a couple facilities just list the additional Facility ID numbers in the facility comment field as long as your role for each is the same. For more numerous facilities or complicated situations complete the registration process for one facility and email
Thomas.Aten@Wisconsin.gov with a list of additional facilities and roles for each. Note: No matter how many facilities that you register, you only need one Wisconsin User ID.

Why do I need to sign and mail my registration?
Answer: The signed registration form guarantees your identity to us. We need this to comply with recent EPA rules. We will attempt to contact you if you Register but do not return the signed form. After several unsuccessful attempts we must restrict your access to the contact level of the Switchboard.

Which electronic role information do I choose?
Answer: You may choose any roles related to your responsibilities at the facility. The DNR has been contacting people with instructions containing the proper roles to choose. Please check these instructions for a list of electronic reporting roles for each facility you work for.

I forgot to print, sign and mail my registration. What do I do now?
Answer: Call the Switchboard Registration Hotline. An operator will be able to email a copy of the registration to you that you may print out, sign and mail back to us.

Logging In

I can not login into the DNR Switchboard after I have registered.
Answer #1: If it says Login Failed, then the user id or password you typed in was incorrect. Both are case sensitive, so please try again or use Password Problems link on the top left of this page to reset your password.

Answer #2: If it says that you are not connected to a facility after you log in, then we have not authorized your user id to use the DNR Switchboard yet. Make sure that you have completed step #2 of the Switchboard Registration link on the top-left of this page. Please try again after a few days. If the problem persists, please call the Switchboard Registration Hot line.

I forgot my Wisconsin User ID or password.
Answer: We've added a new link on the left sidebar called "Password Problems" that should help you get back on-line.

I've logged in but don't see all the facilities that I work for or am missing roles, how do I add them?
Answer: The best way is to use the Switchboard Registration link on the top left of this page, skip the WAMS step (#1), and follow the registration process for each facility and/or roles that you need to add.

Last Revised: Wednesday July 30 2008