Triennial Standards Review Process Overview

Every three years, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) will review Wisconsin's water quality standards and select specific standards or related guidance for development or revision. This comprehensive evaluation, called the Triennial Standards Review (TSR), is required by the federal Clean Water Act and is an essential process to keep Wisconsin's waters swimmable, fishable, drinkable and suitable for use by industry, agriculture and the citizens of the state. This review will help focus WDNR efforts to integrate the latest science and technology and federal requirements into how the State regulates water quality. In addition, it will assist the Department with its workplanning process and with identifying needed actions for moving projects forward. The Triennial Review process will be carried out in two phases:

Phase 1: Generate a prioritized list of standards for review

• Compile potential topics
• Internal ranking
• Public ranking
• Finalize prioritized list

See Phase 1 Description...

Phase 2: Revise or develop each selected Water Quality Standard or guidance

• Internal revision or development
• Advisory Committee (if needed)
• Legal and administrative approval
    » Decision Point:
       • If rulemaking is not needed, adopt revisions.
       • If rulemaking is needed, continue through rulemaking process below.
• Natural Resources Board (NRB) approval for public hearings
• Public comment & revisions (if needed)
• Legal and administrative approval
• NRB adoption of revised rule
• Legislative review
• Adopt revised Rule
• Submit report to EPA on all revisions during the triennium

See Phase 2 Description...

Process Overview Documents

The following documents provide more detail about the TSR process and the timelines associated with it.

TSR Guidance [PDF 388KB]
TSR Flow Charts [PDF]
Overview Presentation [PDF]

For questions or comments, please contact Kristi Minahan at 608-266-7055 or kristi.minahan@wisconsin.gov.