Press Release: Gov. Evers Directs Agencies to Address Nitrate Contamination in Ground and Surface Water

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 07/31/2019 10:41 AM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2019
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443
 
Gov. Evers Directs Agencies to Address Nitrate Contamination in Ground and Surface Water
 
WATERTOWN — Gov. Tony Evers today announced additional efforts by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to address nitrates in ground and surface water.

“I am committed to protecting Wisconsin’s waters and ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to clean drinking water,” said Gov. Evers. “In the Year of Clean Drinking Water, I’m proud that my cabinet is working with the agricultural and environmental communities to address nitrate contamination.”

As part of the announcement, Gov. Evers directed DNR to pursue rulemaking through NR 151 to reduce nitrate contamination by establishing targeted nitrate performance standard for soils that are most likely to experience nitrogen contamination.

“No matter where they live, everyone needs clean drinking water,” said DNR Secretary-designee Preston Cole. “We are dedicated to working with DATCP to ensure safe, clean water and a healthy natural environment for all Wisconsinites.”

Gov. Evers also directed DATCP to work closely with the DNR by continuing to develop the technical standards needed to meet NR 151.

“Many of our farmers are already helping to lead the way on clean water practices in their communities,” said DATCP Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff. “We look forward to connecting the dots with the agricultural community and our partners at the Department of Natural Resources to ensure our farmers have up-to-date standards and tools to help protect our water systems from nitrate contamination.”
 
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