Construction site storm water permits

On June 1, 2016, DNR’s Wetland Screening and Delineation Procedures guidance established a wetland screening process requiring customers applying for storm water, CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), and waterway and wetland permits to submit specific screening information with their application. The wetland indicator layers for this purpose were developed by the Department of Natural Resources and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with making a preliminary determination of the potential for wetlands on a given property. Only a wetland professional can verify wetlands are present on a property.

Historically, the wetland indicator layer, commonly known as the “pink layer” was the only wetland indicator layer available on the surface water data viewer. This layer is being replaced by an updated layer, colored purple, to more accurately depict wetland potential. For the time being, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) displays both Wetland Indicator layers on its Surface Water Data Viewer (SWDV) online: the “Maximum Extent Wetland Indicator” pink layer and the “Minimum Extent Wetland Indicator” purple layer. The agency is piloting the purple layer for screening accuracy. However, an error was found when the purple layer went live. The DNR’s wetland mapping team is working quickly to correct this issue.

To those who have already submitted an application based on the purple layer, DNR staff reviewing permit applications will continue to screen using the “Maximum Extent Wetland Indicator” pink layer. The agency also expects applicants to screen for wetlands based on the pink layer until further notice.