DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of Ashland, Dresser, Ladysmith And Spooner Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Projects

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the cities of Ashland, Ladysmith, Spooner and the village of Dresser are applicants for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to improve their public drinking water systems.

These projects are all located in the northern region and include: 

• The city of Ashland is replacing watermains and lead service lines on MacArther Avenue, as well as additional lead service lines throughout the city.
• The village of Dresser is replacing watermains and lead service lines on First and Second streets.
• The city of Ladysmith is replacing watermains and lead service lines on Miner Avenue, as well as watermains on Corbett Avenue and Lindo Avenue.
• The city of Spooner is replacing watermains and lead service lines on Ash Street.

Activities related to these projects are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding these projects.

The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined that the projects will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the projects.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of these projects. Submit comments by Oct. 11, 2023 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Michelle Brietzman, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St. P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
DNRCFELEnvironmentalReview@wisconsin.gov or 608-490-0187

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.