Section 103.03. Wetland water quality standards.

 

(1)  To protect, preserve, restore and enhance the quality of waters in wetlands and other waters of the state influenced by wetlands, the following water quality related functional values or uses of wetlands, within the range of natural variation of the affected wetland, shall be protected:

(a) Storm and flood water storage and retention and the moderation of water level fluctuation extremes;

(b) Hydrologic functions including the maintenance of dry season streamflow, the discharge of groundwater to a wetland, the recharge of groundwater from a wetland to another area and the flow of groundwater through a wetland;

(c) Filtration or storage of sediments, nutrients or toxic substances that would otherwise adversely impact the quality of other waters of the state;

(d) Shoreline protection against erosion through the dissipation of wave energy and water velocity and anchoring of sediments;

(e) Habitat for aquatic organisms in the food web including, but not limited to fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, annelids, planktonic organisms and the plants and animals upon which these aquatic organisms feed and depend upon for their needs in all life stages;

(f) Habitat for resident and transient wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians for breeding, resting, nesting, escape cover, travel corridors and food; and

(g) Recreational, cultural, educational, scientific and natural scenic beauty values and uses.

(2)  The following criteria shall be used to assure the maintenance or enhancement of the functional values identified in sub. (1) :

(a) Liquids, fill or other solids or gas may not be present in amounts which may cause significant adverse impacts to wetlands;

(b) Floating or submerged debris, oil or other material may not be present in amounts which may interfere with public rights or interest or which may cause significant adverse impacts to wetlands;

(c) Materials producing color, odor, taste or unsightliness may not be present in amounts which may cause significant adverse impacts to wetlands;

(d) Concentrations or combinations of substances which are toxic or harmful to human, animal or plant life may not be present in amounts which individually or cumulatively may cause significant adverse impacts to wetlands;

(e) Hydrological conditions necessary to support the biological and physical characteristics naturally present in wetlands shall be protected to prevent significant adverse impacts on:

1. Water currents, erosion or sedimentation patterns;

2. Water temperature variations;

3. The chemical, nutrient and dissolved oxygen regime of the wetland;

4. The movement of aquatic fauna;

5. The pH of the wetland; and

6. Water levels or elevations.

(f) Existing habitats and the populations of wetland animals and vegetation shall be maintained by:

1. Protecting food supplies for fish and wildlife,

2. Protecting reproductive and nursery areas, and

3. Preventing conditions conducive to the establishment or proliferation of nuisance organisms.

Cr. Register, July, 1991, No. 427 , eff. 8-1-91; CR 00-164 : am. (1) (g), Register January 2002 No. 553 , eff. 2-1-02.