Individual WPDES Permit Applications

Follow these instructions to apply for reissuance of, or changes to, an existing individual permit or issuance of a new individual permit.

Existing Individual Permits

• Reissuance of an Individual Permit

  Prior to the expiration of your existing permit, the DNR will notify you by email and letter that you need to apply for reissuance of your individual permit. The Department recommends that you apply for reissuance of your permit using the DNR’s web-based electronic permit application eApplication. A paper application option is available for those unable to access a web-connected computer.

• Significant Permit Modification

  Contact the appropriate WPDES Permits Staff to request a modification of your existing individual permit. Examples of significant permit modifications are to add a new outfall or include process changes.

• Change in Ownership

  Complete and submit the Stipulation of Permit Acceptance (13KB, PDF) form to apply for a change in ownership with no other changes. The change will require only a minor modification of your permit.

New Individual Permits

Contact the appropriate WPDES Permits Staff based upon the location of the proposed discharge or industry type for guidance and specific instructions for applying for new permits. Complete the New WPDES Permit Pre-application Worksheet (10KB, PDF) and mail it to the appropriate DNR permits staff.

Department Actions on Applications
Applicants applying for new individual permits need to complete and submit a permit application far enough in advance so the Department has time to process the application and issue the permit prior to the time discharge will commence. Maximum time deadlines for Department action on applications are specified in s. NR 200.10, Wisconsin Administrative Code. This maximum time period approximates 6 months after the agency receives a complete application.

Plan Approval Requirements
Applicants should also know that plans for any wastewater treatment system require Department approval (up to 90 days) prior to construction. The time periods for Department action on plan submittals may, in some cases, run concurrently with the permit processing time. The same Department contacts can provide more specific advice on plan approval requirements.