Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 400-499 - Environmental Protection - Air Pollution Control
Chapter NR 400 - Air Pollution Control Definitions
Chapter 285, Stats., directs the department of natural resources to organize a comprehensive program to enhance the quality, management and protection of the state's air resources. Chapters NR 400 to 499 are the central part of that program. Chapter 285, Stats., also addresses the role of county government in establishing local air pollution control programs in cooperation with the department.
The objectives of these rules are to maintain standards of air quality at a level which will provide adequate protection to public health and welfare, and prevent detrimental effects on property and our environment.
Nothing in chs. NR 400 to 499 or in ch. 285, Stats., prohibits a county or local jurisdiction from adopting more restrictive ordinances where local conditions indicate their need. Chapters NR 400 to 499, all or in part, may be adopted by reference by a county or municipality.
It is the department's policy to seek reasonable uniformity among local air pollution control ordinances in order to make the statewide comprehensive program more effective and less complicated for all persons concerned.
Chapters NR 400 to 499 are subject to periodic revision to reflect changing state and federal mandates, advancing control technology, increasing knowledge of the effect on human health of sub-acute long term exposure to air pollutants, and increased knowledge of the effect of pollutants on plant life, animal life, soils and water resources.
