Resources Impacts Summary

This document provides a suggested format for preparation of an Environmental Assessment to be included with facility plan reports for proposals of new or modified sewerage system projects. The required content of an Environment Assessment for sewerage system projects is described in s. NR 110.09(3), Wisconsin Administrative Code. Depending on project specific circumstances, the scope and level of detail for an Environmental Assessment may be less than or greater than what is suggested by this outline.

1. Project Identification

   Applicant: ___________________________________________________
   Address: ________________________________________________________
   ________________________________________________________
   Title of Proposal: ______________________________________________
   Location:
   County: ______________ City/Town/Village ___________________
   Township: ______________ North, Range ____________ East, West
   Section: _________________________________________________
   

2. Project Description

   1. Why is the project needed?
   2. What is to constructed and where?
   3. What area is to be served? (Service area, existing and projected populations)
   4. What is the design flow and loading?
   5. What is the applicable stream classification and effluent limits?
   6. How will the project be implemented? (Construction schedules, financing and user charge)

3. Affected Environment

   1. Physical: Describe existing resource features (including wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelands, floodplains, groundwater, soils and topography) that may be affected by the proposed project.
   2. Biological: Identify plant and animal communities in the planning area with an emphasis upon those species likely to be impacted. Threatened or endangered status should be discussed if applicable.
   3. Cultural: Describe zoning and land use, ethnic and cultural groups, and archaeological and historic resources that may be affected by the proposed project. Describe the economic setting of the area.
   4. Other resource Features: Identify parks, natural areas, prime agricultural land, etc.

4. Project Impacts

   1. Primary:
      1. Describe expected changes in surface water or groundwater quality. List stream crossings and any required Chapter 30 permits.
      2. Describe construction-related impacts such as noise, traffic disruptions and air emissions.
      3. Describe impacts upon flora and fauna.
      4. Describe loss of prime agricultural land or disruption of agricultural activities.
      5. Describe project impacts on wetlands and floodplains. Explain why such resource impacts are necessary.
      6. Describe impacts upon scenic and other aesthetic resource features.
      7. Describe impacts on cultural, historic and archaeological features.

   2. Secondary:

      Describe the future environmental impacts resulting from increased urbanization and land use changes potentially induced by the availability of wastewater collection and treatment services. Special attention should be given to impacts upon wetlands and other surface waters including those resulting from storm water runoff and erosion. Other secondary impacts upon flora, fauna, air quality, agriculture, urban services, scenic values and cultural, historical and archaeological resources should also be addressed.

5. Mitigative Measures

Describe measures proposed to minimize or mitigate adverse primary and secondary impacts noted above.

6. Alternatives Considered
1. Provide a description and cost comparison of alternatives considered. List the capital cost, annual O&M cost and total present worth cost for each alternative.
2. Describe the environmental impacts of the non-selected alternatives identified above which differ from those expected for the selected alternative. Include the "No Action" alternative.
7. Contacts

List agencies, environmental groups and individuals contacted regarding the proposed project. Provide the date of the contact, the person contacted, and a summary of their comments.

• Community and regional maps
• Site map with topographic and other relevant resource features
• Sewer service area map
• Map locating stream crossings
• Other attachments as necessary

Links for Additional Information:

Wisconsin Administrative Codes:
Chapter NR 110 (PDF, exit DNR) - Sewerage Systems
Chapter NR 150 (PDF, exit DNR) - Environmental Analysis and Review Procedures for Department Actions

Endangered Resources Information:
Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory Program

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection -
Agricultural Impact Statement Documents and Information (exit DNR)

WDNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program - Contaminated Properties

WDNR Waterway and Wetland Permits

Historical and Archaeological Review Contact: