Wisconsin not fully enforcing strict phosphorus limits aimed at wastewater treatment plants, paper mills and factories, report finds; state legislature adopted limits in 2010 to reduce algae blooms that make people sick
Sandy Yang
WAUSAU, Wisconsin
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April 23, 2012
(Associated Press)
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A published report says Wisconsin is not fully enforcing strict phosphorus limits adopted two years ago to reduce algae blooms that make people sick.
The Wausau Daily Herald says that's despite the Department of Natural Resources secretary's alarm at foul conditions in at least one lake last summer.
The Wisconsin Legislature approved the limits in 2010 They're aimed at wastewater treatment plants, paper mills and factories - which are required to reapply for permits at five-year intervals.
But as of last week, only 19 permits with stricter limits had been issued since September 2010. The DNR still is evaluating applications from over 350 facilities, while hundreds more must apply in the coming years.
DNR water quality specialist Amanda Minks says the agency is issuing new permits as fast as possible.
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