NewsBits - Issue 3, July 2018

- by Liesa Lehmann, Private Water Supply Section Chief

I hope everyone is enjoying summer so far.  We hope you liked reading the 2017 Year in Review issue of NewsBits.  DNR staff are busy inspecting wells under construction, responding to well contamination and flooding concerns, and drafting NR 812 Rule Changes to correct unclear language, streamline procedures and update construction standards.  Public hearings on NR 812 revisions are expected to occur in late 2018.  We’ll notify all drillers and pump installers of the hearing dates as it gets closer.

What's New

Hello to Two New Field Specialists

Please welcome our two newest field specialists, Adam Scheunemann and Sara Fry.

Adam Scheunemann is the new Private Water Supply Specialist working out of DNR’s Wisconsin Rapids office.  Adam will be covering central Wisconsin counties.  

Adam grew up on a hobby beef farm in central Wisconsin. He has held multiple past positions in the DNR, including reviewing Nutrient Management Plans, working in Aquatic Plant Management and Aquatic Invasive Species, 2 years as a Public Water Supply Specialist and 2 years in the CAFO Program.  Adam also worked as an environmental consultant in Wausau specializing in remediation of soil and groundwater contamination. Adam is excited to start a new journey as a field specialist in Private Water.

Sara Fry is the new Private Water Supply Specialist based in DNR’s Green Bay office.  Sara will cover counties in northeastern Wisconsin.

Sara has a background in microbiology and organic chemistry. Prior to joining the Private Water program, Sara worked with public water supply systems in the Drinking Water program in DNR’s Eau Claire office.

Sara looks forward to working with well owners and well professionals in her new position.

- by Marty Nessman, Private Water Supply Field Supervisor

With the addition of two new field specialists, the county assignments for each specialist have been changed.  Water supply specialists are available to help with your technical questions on code requirements, problem wells and well contamination.  It’s also important to have well owners contact the nearest water supply specialist when there is an E. coli positive well so that they can evaluate the situation and determine if the E. coli is caused by livestock waste runoff.  See DNR’s website for a map and list showing the coverage area for Private Water Field Specialists.

Technology Updates

- by Sandy Hershberger, Private Water Compliance Specialist

If you like submitting well filling and sealing reports electronically, or you drill a large number of wells each year, then “Online WCR” is for you!  Online WCR is a new internet-based Well Construction Report system, where drillers can submit their WCRs electronically.  Your report goes directly to DNR without the need to send in a paper report, and the system looks for common errors to help you submit a complete report.  You can also print a First Water Quality Test form, and view or print reports you previously submitted.  Online WCR is similar to WARS, and uses your same WAMS ID and password.  You will need assigned Unique Well Numbers to get started.  To learn more about Online WCR, or if you’re ready to give it a try, go to DNR’s web page for Online WCR.

Compliance Corner

- by Paul Kozol, Public Water Engineering

Engineering review and approval is required under NR 812.09, Wis. Adm. Code, for the construction, reconstruction* or operation of potable high capacity wells, and for all school and wastewater treatment wells regardless of capacity.  Here are some tips to help you with the application process:

• Start at DNR’s web page on High Capacity Well Applications to find the most current forms and instructions for completing your application.  Forms are occasionally revised, and you can always find up-to-date forms on this web page.
• Use DNR Form 3300-295 to apply for an approval for a high capacity well, school well or wastewater treatment plant well.
• Potable high capacity, school or wastewater treatment well construction, reconstruction or operation requires Form 3300-295 PLUS the potable attachment Form 3300-295A.  Omitting or not fully completing Form 3300-295A may delay the application review and approval process.
• Be sure to read and complete the full requirements of Form 3300-295A. Specifically, submit the Potable Attachments listed as items #1 and #2 when applicable.
• Questions about the high capacity well application process and required submittal materials? Contact the DNR’s Water Use Section at 608-266-2299 or DNRHICAPAPPLICATIONS@wisconsin.gov.

*Note: Replacement high capacity wells meeting certain criteria do not require DNR approval. More information on these situations can be found on DNR’s High Capacity Well Replacement web page.

Enforcement Activity

- by Tom Puchalski, Policy Coordinator

DNR uses a stepped enforcement process when responding to the discovery of work that is not compliant with our well construction and pump installation code. What does stepped enforcement mean for you as a driller or pump installer? It means that when noncompliance issues are discovered, the DNR will start with the lowest level of action that is appropriate to stop noncompliant activity and restore sustained compliance. Stepped enforcement allows you to explain your circumstances and have an opportunity to correct noncompliant action before an enforcement action is issued. Your cooperation and actions that you take to correct noncompliant work and work processes can make a difference.

How can you stay out of the enforcement process before stepped enforcement begins? Read NR 812 and NR 146 to fully understand how to do code compliant work. Ask questions when it is unclear how to do code compliant work.

If you are aware of or suspect safe drinking water violations - such as unlicensed work, noncompliant well construction practices or failure to properly sample drinking water - you can confidentially call or text this information to the numbers below, or submit a report online.

Final Tidbits

• Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent survey about the Well Driller Viewer. We appreciate your feedback!  Watch for future enhancements based on your input.
• Updated Variance application forms and other forms are posted on our Driller/Installer Web Page. If you’ve had difficulty downloading the Fillable PDF version of a form, try opening the Nonfillable PDF versions or use Internet Explorer as your web browser.

 NewsBits

NewsBits is published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater. 

Archived issues are available at: dnr.wi.gov/topic/wells/newsbits.html.