Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 200-299 - Environmental Protection - Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Chapter NR 204 - Domestic sewage sludge management
Section NR 204.01 - Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to establish discharge standards, monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements for the use and disposal of sewage sludge and grit and screenings. Section 283.31, Stats., requires a permit for the lawful discharge of any pollutant into the waters of the state and for the disposal of sludge. Section 283.01(20), Stats., defines"waters of the state" to include groundwater. The land application of sludge is considered a potential discharge to waters of the state. It is the intent of the department, through this chapter, to protect public health and to restore, protect and maintain the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the soil, air, surface water and groundwater of the state and to allow no detrimental effects to these resources, and the natural environment. The beneficial use of sewage sludge and its recycling to the land as a fertilizer or soil conditioner is encouraged, rather than disposing of sludge through incineration or landfilling.

The department has promulgated this chapter pursuant to state statutory authority. Local governments should not enact ordinances which are inconsistent with this chapter or which infringe upon the spirit and general policies of the state's sludge program.