MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Republicans are moving closer to relaxing regulations on high-capacity wells.
The Assembly is poised to vote on a bill Tuesday evening that would exempt well repairs, replacement, reconstruction and ownership transfers from Department of Natural Resources oversight. The measure also would require the DNR to study lakes and streams in the central sands region to determine whether special measures are needed to protect ground and surface water from depletion.
Conservationists and lake property owners have long contended that high-capacity wells are draining lakes and streams in the central sands. They say the bill will protect problem wells forever.
The agriculture sector says the wells are crucial to maximizing yields and hydrating livestock.
The Senate passed the bill in April. Assembly approval would send the measure to Gov. Scott Walker.
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