Section 347.05. Preliminary application and analytical requirements.

 

(1)  Prior to submission of a formal application, anyone seeking to remove material from the beds of waterways shall provide the department with preliminary information including:

(a) Name of waterbody and location of project;

(b) Volume of material to be dredged;

(c) Brief description of dredging method and equipment;

(d) Brief description of proposed disposal method and location and, if a disposal facility is to be used, size of the disposal facility;

(e) Any previous sediment sampling (including field observations) and analysis data from the area to be dredged or from the proposed disposal site;

(f) Copy of a map showing the area to be dredged, the depth of cut, the specific location of the proposed sediment sampling sites and the bathymetry of the area to be dredged; and

(g) Anticipated starting and completion dates of the proposed project.

(2)  An initial evaluation shall be conducted by the department within 30 business days after receipt of the information under sub. (1) to determine if there is reason to believe that the material proposed to be dredged is contaminated. This initial evaluation shall be used by the department in specifying sediment sampling and analysis requirements to the applicant under s. NR 347.06 and shall be accomplished with existing data. Factors which shall be considered by the department in its evaluation of the dredging site and, if appropriate the disposal site, include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Potential that contaminants may be present. Potential routes that may have introduced contaminants into the dredging site shall be identified by examining appropriate maps, aerial photographs, or other graphic materials that show surface watercourses and groundwater flow patterns, surface relief, proximity to surface and groundwater movement, private and public roads, location of buildings, agricultural land, municipal and industrial sewage and stormwater outfalls, etc., or by making supplemental field inspections.

(b) Previous tests of the material at the dredging site or from other projects in the vicinity when there are similar sources and types of contaminants, water circulation and stratification, accumulation of sediments, general sediment characteristics, and potential for impact on the aquatic environment, as long as nothing is known to have occurred which would render the comparisons inappropriate.

(c) The probability of past introduction of contaminants from land runoff.

(d) Spills of toxic or hazardous substances.

(e) Introduction of contaminants from point sources.

(f) Source and previous use of materials used or proposed to be used as fill.

(g) Natural deposits of minerals and other natural substances.

(h) Any other relevant information available to the department.

Cr. Register, February, 1989, No. 398 , eff. 3-1-89.