The rule is 'Comm 83' (proposed by Wis. Dept. of Commerce).  It allows a variety of new experimental septic systems for homes and businesses on lands which previously couldn't be developed because of poor soil conditions. These are lands with high water tables, wetlands, or thin soil, where tests show the soil "doesn't perc" enough to properly filter wastewater before it reaches underground drinking water, lakes or streams.

Up to now, soil conditions protected many beautiful parts of Wisconsin from urban sprawl.  But powerful lobbying interests of realtors and homebuilders have pushed to weaken the rules:

1. Weaker Standards --- Weakens water quality health standards for underground drinking water supplies. Exempts new systems from meeting water quality standards for nitrates, chlorides and total dissolved solids.  These are chemicals most likely to cause health problems from household sewage.  The rule also allows septic discharges onto the land or to "confined" surface water bodies.

2. Experimental Treatments  ---Allows risky technologies never tested in Wis. field conditions.   These technologies are more complex to maintain and operate, and will be far more difficult to administer and supervise at the local level than currently used technologies.   Water contamination could increase.

3. Urban Sprawl -- Open lands will be degraded with scattered housing subdivisions, vacation homes, and commercial spreads.  Forests and open spaces will be so fragmented that hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor pursuits will be restricted.  Rapid growth already threatens rural Wisconsin.  This rule will turn development pressure into a  roaring stampede.  Local governments will be unable to stop unwise growth without new zoning laws, which are difficult to pass.  Until now, soil condition had been a natural land use control.

4.  Increased Local Property Taxes --- DNR reports there are already 600,000 private septic systems operating in the state.   Under the new rules many more would be installed.  The state is not providing any additional funds to local counties for the monitoring and enforcement of the new experimental systems allowed by the new rule.  Costs will fall on local property taxpayers. Worse yet, local county code administrators believe that under the new rules they will not be able to ensure the protection of our water supplies. They believe widespread use of the new systems would result in a higher risk of failure and water contamination from bad systems.

5. Broad Economic Impacts ---  Because the new rule will promote scattered growth patterns, local governments (and taxpayers) will be bankrupted trying to extend city services over wide areas.  (Fire, police, schools, medical, electrical, water, etc.)   Highway  costs will increase, as more people drive farther for work, school, shopping, recreation, and daily needs.

The rule has been held up temporarily, while the Dept. of Commerce re-writes the Environmental Impact Statement.   The changes won't be in affect for this coming building season, but by next winter rule approval may be granted.  Unfortunately, local  Zoning Administrators are already getting training sessions from Dept. of Commerce on how to use the rule.  Watch for public hearings!

 

        1000 Friends of Wisconsin's annual conference "Land Use in Wisconsin: Taking Action" will be held at the Best Western Hotel in Stevens Point, March 31.
        Workshops and discussion panels will guide activists in developing strategies.  Call (608) 259-1000 for information.