Section 104.01. General.

 

(1)  "It is...the goal of the state of Wisconsin that, wherever attainable, an interim goal of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water be achieved by 1983. . ." s. 283.001 (1) (b) , Stats. The long-range goal of Wisconsin water quality standards is, therefore, to permit the use of water resources for all lawful purposes. Surface waters which because of natural conditions are not conducive to the establishment and support of the complete hierarchy of aquatic organisms shall not be degraded below present levels, but shall be upgraded as necessary to support assigned uses. Most surface waters within the state of Wisconsin already meet or exceed the goals specified above. However, certain waters of the state may not meet these goals for the following reasons:

(a) The presence of inplace pollutants,

(b) Low natural streamflow,

(c) Natural background conditions, and

(d) Irretrievable cultural alterations.

(1m)  Where it is determined that one or more of these factors may interfere with the attainment of the statutory objectives, a variance from the criteria necessary to achieve those objectives is provided.

(2)  Surface waters within the boundaries of the state shall meet the standards for fish and aquatic life and recreational use with the variances and additions listed below in ss. NR 104.05 to 104.10 . A system is provided within which small streams and other surface waters which cannot support high quality uses are granted a variance from the high quality criteria.

(3)  Effluent limitations specified in this chapter shall be achieved by industrial, private and municipal dischargers by July 1, 1983 unless an earlier date is otherwise provided in a permit issued under s. 283.31 , Stats. Municipal dischargers eligible for state or federal grant-in-aid shall achieve the specified effluent limitations upon completion of construction or modification of facilities approved by the department of natural resources subsequent to adoption of this chapter unless otherwise provided in a permit issued under s. 283.31 , Stats.