Industrial Wastewater Systems Plan Review

A wastewater treatment system that receives industrial wastewater and discharges effluent to surface water or groundwater is subject to the administrative rules of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It is necessary that system owners receive Department approval of plans and specifications prior to initiating construction on any industrial wastewater treatment system. This applies to both new construction and modification of existing facilities and includes monitoring devices and groundwater monitoring wells. The only exception to the requirement to obtain plan and specification approval is for replacement of equipment with equipment of similar type and capacity. Additionally, site preparation (limited to clearing, grubbing and rough grading) may proceed prior to plan approval.

Three sets of plans and specifications for systems discharging to surface waters or land (groundwater) should be sent to:

Thomas J. Mugan, P.E., Chief
Wastewater Section
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison , Wisconsin 53707-7921

The plans and specifications generally must be signed and sealed by a professional engineer registered in Wisconsin. For certain industrial wastewater treatment facilities which do not affect public health and for groundwater monitoring wells, the requirements for submittal by a professional engineer may be waived at the discretion of the Department. Factors which will be considered in granting such a waiver include the nature and size of the facility, evidence of the individual's qualifications to design such specialized facilities, and the absence of public health and safety concerns. If you wish to pursue a waiver, contact the Department prior to preparing and submitting plans to determine whether you are eligible.

State statutes and codes provide that the Department approve, conditionally approve, or reject plans and specifications within 90 days of receipt of acceptable plans and specifications, unless a time extension is granted. Department staff will try to complete the review as soon after receipt of a complete submittal as possible; however, depending upon workload on other projects, it may take the full 90 days in some instances.

Prior to developing the construction plans and specifications, the Department recommends the submittal of a preliminary plan that generally describes the anticipated wastewater treatment method. The review of the preliminary plan will enable the system owner to obtain initial feedback from the Department on the overall reasonableness of the proposal with regard to state regulations and water quality protection goals. This early consultation may save time and money in the long run.

To reduce the review time for a project it is important to provide a complete and straight-forward submittal. Incomplete submittals lead to delays and extra staff time on the reviews. To make the most efficient use of staff time, submittals which are obviously incomplete will be returned for completion and resubmittal.

A complete submittal should contain an engineering design report, treatment system plan drawings, and specifications. For additional guidance, see Engineering Design Report Guidance.

If the project involves placement of a structure or material in, near, or over the waters of the State, it will also be necessary to receive a permit under Chapter 30, Wis. Stats. An application for such a permit should be made to the Department Regional office serving your area. For additional information on Chapter 30 permits or other water regulatory permits see Water Permits.

Industrial treatment facilities which discharge wastewater to a municipal sewerage system are reviewed differently. See Industrial Pretreatment Systems for more information.

If you have questions on the submittal requirements for industrial wastewater systems, please contact the Wastewater Section individual responsible for your WPDES discharge permit or your Basin Wastewater Engineer/Specialist.