Facility Plan and Sewer Extension Conformance Reviews

Proposed sewerage system projects, including sewer extensions, that are located in areas within designated and nondesignated water quality management planning areas must receive a conformance review from the appropriate review agency prior to submitting plans to the WDNR for approval. The conformance review includes an evaluation of the location of the proposed work and its proximity to environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, floodways, steep slopes, or other environmental or cultural resources. For facility plans, the conformance review also involves evaluating the population statistics used, the projected flows, and impacts on water quality as they relate to the area's sewer service area plan and water quality management plan.

Also see the Wastewater Systems Plan Review Page.

Each water quality planning agency has defined procedures for how they review sewer service area plan amendments, sewer extension requests, certain plumbing plans, and holding tank septage assignments to the sewer service area wastewater treatment plant.

Certain plumbing plans submitted for state approval also need to be in conformance with the areawide water quality management plan. The Department of Commerce refers to this letter as the water quality management (WQM) letter.

See Safety and Buildings Division - Information on Plumbing Water Quality Management Letters. (exit DNR)

Field surveys

The environmentally sensitive areas shown on the sewer service area maps are a representation of the conditions at the time of map preparation, using the best available data. The map might not reflect field survey work that specific development proposals require. The presence and location of wetlands, navigable waters, floodways, floodplains and similar site features may need to be verified by field survey. In some cases, WDNR staff will need to evaluate the navigability of any streams involved and whether or not a water quality certification is needed. Field verification of environmentally sensitive areas should preferably be completed before the sewer service area amendment is submitted to WDNR.

In the event of questions or controversy regarding an environmentally sensitive area delineation on a specific site, the department water resource planner or rivers and regulations administrator should participate in field work with the water quality planning agency, Army Corps of Engineers and city, county and/or WDNR zoning administration staff, as appropriate.

For more information, contact:Tom Gilbert.