| WISCONSIN
Other States: Contact: Roman A. Kaminski, Program Manager or Leroy Jansky, Wastewater Specialist Iowa Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Wisconsin Administrative
Code Onsite regulations for Wisconsin were last amended in February 1997. The entire code is currently being revised. The state of Wisconsin is attempting to move from a prescriptive based to a performance based code. Effective date is targeted for 1999. Alternative soil absorption designs, gravelless/chamber systems, and mound systems are regulated by the current code. In mid 1998, the state of Wisconsin began allowing the use of aerobic treatment units and sand filters on certain existing sites as part of a replacement system. Prior to that, aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and sand filters were only available as "experiments". An existing provision in the current code allows the use of "alternatives" which have been interpreted to include ATU's and single pass sand filters via a petition for variance processes. Under the petition for variance, a few recirculating sand filters and constructed wetland systems have bee allowed. The current code does not require management districts or systems to monitor and maintain onsite wastewater systems. The proposed revision of private sewage code will include a requirement for a management/maintenance plan for all systems. Property owners will be expected to contract with a maintenance provider. Rural cooperatives have expressed an interest in providing this service. The Wisconsin Private Fund Sewage System Replacement and Rehabilitation Grant Program assists homeowners replacing failing systems only. Ms. Jean Joyce, Grant Specialist can be contacted at (608) 267-7113, for more information. Wisconsin does have a certification and licensing program for onsite system installers and inspectors. For more information contact Mr. Kaminski at the above address and/or telephone number. The state of Wisconsin does not have an onsite training center, however training is provided to wastewater professionals. Installers, inspectors, and soil testers have a mandatory annual continuing education requirement. The state either alone or in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Extension staff, or other partners offer training opportunities to fulfill this requirement. Contact Mr. Kaminski for further information. The state of Wisconsin also produces a newsletter concerning onsite technologies called the Wisconsin Plumbing Codes Report. Subscription orders are $20.00 for 12 issues. For more information, contact: Material Orders Mr. James Converse at the University of Wisconsin at Madison can be contacted for information concerning ongoing demonstration, research and testing projects in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Department of Natural Resources have determined certain jurisdictional issues through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between agencies for administering large municipal septic systems. For more information, contact Mr. Kaminski. |