Section 299.01. Purpose and policy.

 

(1)  This chapter is promulgated under ss. 227.11 (2) (a) , 281.11 , 281.12 (1) and 283.001 , Stats., to establish procedures and criteria for the application, processing and review of state water quality certifications required by the provisions of the federal water pollution control act, 33 USC 1251 et seq.

(2)  It is the policy of the department to review, consistent with the requirements of section 1341 of the federal water pollution control act, 33 USC 1251 , et seq., all activities which require a federal license or permit which may result in any discharge to waters of the state and to:

(a) Deny certification for any activity where the department does not have reasonable assurance that any discharge will comply with effluent limitations or water quality related concerns or any other appropriate requirements of state law as outlined in s. NR 299.04 ;

(b) Grant or grant conditionally certification for any activity where the department has reasonable assurance that any discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality related concerns or any other appropriate requirements of state law as outlined in s. NR 299.04 ; or

(c) Waive certification for any activity which the department finds will result in no discharge, any wastewater discharge associated with an activity which will be regulated by the permit authority under ch. 283 , Stats. , or any activity that does not fall within the purview of the department's authority.