Section 121.06. Designation of areawide water quality planning areas and agencies.

 

(1)  As the need arises, the department shall recommend that the governor designate areawide planning areas which as a result of urban and industrial concentrations or other factors have substantial and complex water quality control problems.

(2)  Within each of these planning areas the department shall recommend to the governor for designation a single agency capable of developing effective areawide water quality management plans. Each recommended planning agency shall:

(a) Be either a regional planning commission established under s. 66.0309 , Stats., or be a representative organization whose membership shall include elected officials of local governments or their designees, having jurisdiction in a designated areawide water quality management planning area.

(b) Demonstrate substantial local support for designation through resolutions from local units of government deemed by the department to be critical to the successful preparation and implementation of an areawide water quality management plan.

(c) Demonstrate the technical capability to complete the plan in a timely manner.

(3)  The department may recommend that the governor withdraw or modify the designation of a designated agency or designated area or both when a compelling need for such change has been demonstrated. Prior to making such a recommendation to the governor, the department shall, conduct a public participation process, including at a minimum a public hearing in the affected area.

History: Cr. Register, January, 1979, No. 277 , eff. 2-1-79; am. (2) (intro.) and (a) and (3), Register, August, 1981, No. 308 , eff. 9-1-81 ; correction in (2) (a) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register March 2011 No. 663 .