Source: http://www.wisconsinwaterlaw.com/chapter-2-updates.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 06:18:50+00:00

Document:
2015 Wis Act 387 created a new section 30.053 which provides that except for the boating regulations in subchapter V or where specifically provided otherwise, "nothing in this chapter applies to an artificial water body as defined in section 30.19(1b)(a)."
2015 Wis Act 387 redefined the term "areas of special natural resource interest" in Wis. Stat. § 30.01(1am). It removed the general category of "scientific areas" which DNR broadly defined in Wis. Admin Code NR 1.05, and replaced it with a set of specific waters published on DNR's website. The effect of this change is to allow exemptions to be more widely available.
2.02b(3) State Pier Regulations -- Individual Permits p. 67.
Recent changes to Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1k)(f) provide that the process for challenging a DNR determination to deny a pier exemption, is to commence a declaratory judgment action in circuit court rather than a contested case proceeding and judicial review.
In Konneker v. Romano, 2014 WI App ___, ___ Wis. 2d ___, (2012AP69 unpub) the court of appeals evaluated whether a deed with a riparian easement intended to convey the right to construct and maintain a pier, and concluded that no such intent was found.
2015 Wis. Act 387 made several changes to remove restrictions regarding the placement of boat shelters based on the distance from shore or degree of adjacent development. These provisions apply to permit exemptions in 30.12(3)(a)13 and 30.12(3)(c) and to individual permits in 30.12(3m).
Several provisions in 2015 Wis. Act 387 broadened the ability to maintain and use boathouses, while retaining the general prohibition on the construction of new boathouses. The definition of boathouse in Wis. Stat. § 30.01(1d) provides that a boathouse retains its status as a boathouse regardless of the current use of the structure. However, a provision was added to prevent the conversion of a wetbay to enable other uses of the boathouse. Many boathouses have been partially or completely converted to other uses and this provision makes it clear that such uses can continue. The boathouse provisions on repair and maintenance in Wis. Stat. § 30.121(1) were expanded to allow for repair of foundations and Wis. Stat. § 30.121(3c) was amended to allow for changes in configurations (such as the placement of windows and doors) as part of boathouse repair.
2015 Wis Act 387 broadened the provisions governing general permits for the replacement of seawalls. See, Wis. Stat. § 30.12(3)(a)13.
§2.03f(1) Construction Sites Near Navigable Waters – Grading Permits, p. 86.
§2.03f (1) Stormwater Ponds, p. 86.
construction and maintenance of stormwater ponds.
In-line ponds. In 2009, the DNR took the position that the Clean Water Act prohibits locating stormwater retention ponds in navigable waters or wetlands. There are however cases which seem to support a contrary result. See, Ohio Valley Envtl Coalition v. Aracoma, 556 F. 3d 177, 186 (4th Cir 2009) and Williams Pipe Line Company v. Bayer, 964 F. Supp 1300 (S.D. Iowa 1997). Nevertheless, this restriction is now codified in Wis. Admin Code § NR 151.003(2). This rule provides that if a municipality builds a stormwater pond in a navigable water, it is not entitled to credit for the sediment reduction obtained from such a pond. Since ponds are normally built precisely for that purpose, this is a major practical barrier in addition to whatever restrictions the DNR may impose through the Chapter 30 permit process. There are exceptions to this restriction for non-navigable waters and intermittent navigable waters, as well as some facilities authorized before 2011.
2015 Wis Act 387 broadened the provision in NR 151.003 in two respects. First, Wis. Stat. § 281.16(2)(c) authorizes credit for in-line ponds for an artificial water regardless of whether it was navigable. Second a new provision, Wis. Stat § 30.19(4)(d) now requires DNR to consider the "sediment control in and water quality improvements to the watershed as a whole" from such ponds.
potential for contaminants, testing can be limited or avoided. Where testing shows contaminants over certain specified “ceiling levels” the disposal of the sediment may be subject to additional limitations.

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