Section NR 512.16 - Environmental reviewTo aid the department in complying with ch. NR 150, and in determining the need for an environmental impact report, the feasibility report shall include an environmental analysis section. This analysis shall include the following items:
(1) PROJECT SUMMARY. The department's initial site report opinion letter, a brief overview of the project and a listing of the statutory authority and other relevant local, state and federal permits or approvals required as well as the need for exemptions, zoning changes and any other special permits or approvals.(2) PROPOSED PHYSICAL CHANGES. A brief description of the proposed physical changes including: (a) The changes in terrestrial resources. This discussion shall include the quantity of soil to be excavated and the lateral extent of soil removal; the quantity and source of soils designated to be used in the construction, operation or closure of the landfill. All earthen modifications such as clearing and grubbing, excavation, soil placement necessary to reach the proposed sub-base grades, construction of access roads, stockpiles, and storm water controls shall also be described.(b) The changes in aquatic resources including the potential impacts to streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes and flowages. This discussion shall include the discharge rates and volumes, in relevant quantities for groundwater control structures, leachate collection systems and storm water control structures under existing conditions as well as that anticipated during active operations and following closure. Information or any reports on how the proposed landfill and soil borrow sources designated to be used in the construction, operation or closure of the first phase of the proposed landfill comply with s. 30.19, Stats., and ch. NR 103 shall also be included.(c) Buildings, treatment units, roads and other structures such as sedimentation basins and fences to be constructed in conjunction with the facility. This discussion shall include the size of the facilities and the number of miles of road to be constructed.(d) Emissions and discharges such as dust, engine exhaust, odors, noise, gases, leachate, storm water and collected groundwater associated with landfill preparation, construction, operation, closure and post-closure of the landfill.(e) Other changes anticipated with landfill development.(f) Maps, plans and other descriptive material to clarify the discussion such as a county map showing the general area of the project, a map of the proposed service area, a USGS topographic map, a plat map, zoning map, county wetlands map, soils map and a landfill development plan.(3) EXISTING ENVIRONMENT. A brief description of the existing environment that may be affected shall be included. At a minimum this shall contain: (a) A description of the physical environment including the regional and local topography, geology, surface waters and associated drainage features, hydrogeologic conditions, air, wetlands and designated soil borrow sources.(b) The dominant aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species and habitats found in the area including any threatened or endangered species and amount, type and hydraulic value of wetlands.(c) Land use including dominant features and zoning in the area.(d) Social and economic conditions including any ethnic or cultural groups.(e) Other special resources such as archaeological, historical, state or local natural areas, and prime agricultural lands.(4) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES. A brief discussion of the probable adverse and beneficial impacts including primary, indirect and secondary impacts shall include: (a) The physical impacts which would be associated with landfill design, construction and operation, including air quality, windblown paper and dust and visual impacts.(b) The biological impacts including destruction and creation of habitat, alteration of the physical environment and any impacts to endangered or threatened species.(c) The impacts on land use.(d) The social and economic impacts to local residents and cultural groups and the communities and industries served by the landfill such as effects on taxes, traffic and roads, noise, consistency with local planning and zoning.(e) Other special resources such as archaeological, historical, state or local natural areas and prime agricultural lands.(f) Probable adverse impacts that cannot be avoided including groundwater and surface water impacts, modifications of topography and any soil borrow source limitations on development around the landfill, any loss of agricultural or forest land, displacement of wildlife and adverse aesthetic impacts for people in and around the landfill.(5) ALTERNATIVES. Identify, describe and discuss feasible alternatives including taking no action; enlargement, reduction or modification of the project; other landfills, locations or methods to the proposed action and their impacts. Particular attention shall be given to alternatives which might avoid some or all adverse environmental impacts, including planned and existing waste reduction and recycling, incineration, solid waste disposal, and transfer facilities that may serve to handle the waste expected to be disposed of at the proposed landfill, taking into account the economics of waste collection, transportation and disposal.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources § NR 512.16
Cr. Register, January, 1988, No. 385, eff. 2-6-88; renum. from NR 512.19 and am. (intro.), (2) (a) to (f), (3) (a), (b), (e), (4) (a), (d) to (f), (5), r. (1), cr. (1), Register, June, 1996, No. 486, eff. 7-1-96; CR 13-022: am. (intro.) Register March 2014 No. 699, eff. 4-1-14. Information provided in previous sections of the initial site report, any pre-feasibility report or feasibility report may be referenced to satisfy this section.