Section 204.01. Purpose.

  The purpose of this chapter is to establish discharge standards, monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements for the use and disposal of sewage sludge and grit and screenings. Section 283.31 , Stats., requires a permit for the lawful discharge of any pollutant into the waters of the state and for the disposal of sludge. Section 283.01 (20) , Stats., defines"waters of the state" to include groundwater. The land application of sludge is considered a potential discharge to waters of the state. It is the intent of the department, through this chapter, to protect public health and to restore, protect and maintain the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the soil, air, surface water and groundwater of the state and to allow no detrimental effects to these resources, and the natural environment. The beneficial use of sewage sludge and its recycling to the land as a fertilizer or soil conditioner is encouraged, rather than disposing of sludge through incineration or landfilling.