Water Evaluation Section

ORW/ERW

Listing Implications

What are the permitting implications of an ORW/ERW decision?

Designation as an ORW or ERW has implications for permitting, in order to protect the quality of the waterway. For instance:

  • Point source discharges must meet background water quality, except in specific cases on ERW.
  • A general or individual permit is required for various waterway alteration activities.
  • Increased environmental review is required for high capacity wells near ORW/ERW.
See the attached document for more information:
What does an ORW/ERW designation mean for permittees? [PDF 95.7KB]

What are the legal impacts and socioeconomic implications?

A detailed study was conducted in 1995 documenting legal and socioeconomic impacts of ORW/ERW decisions in Marinette County. See full report: Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters: Analysis of Effects on Marinette County, WI [PDF 7.3MB].

Last Revised: Monday May 11 2009