By Shereen Siewert
The Department of Natural Resources is soliciting public comments before approving funding to the city of Wausau through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program.
Wausau applied for funding to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system, according to a DNR news release issued Thursday. This project involves the construction of a drinking water treatment facility and the replacement of water mains.
DNR officials say activities related to the projects are considered minor actions for which no environmental analysis. But federal rules require an environmental review be conducted before funding is granted.
“The SDWLP has determined that these projects will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding these projects,” the news release stated.
Public comment is being accepted through Oct. 10. Written or verbal comments should be directed to Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, Department of Natural Resources, CF/2 101 S Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, or at 608-266-9955.
Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the Department of Natural Resources’ consideration of the impacts of the project and reasonable alternatives.
