DNR Sets Hearing On Lake Michigan Diversion Infrastructure

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources plans to take public comment this month on whether to allow Waukesha to build a supply system to divert water from Lake Michigan.

The DNR has scheduled a public hearing on the permit for Aug. 20 at Carroll University in Waukesha.

The Great Lakes Compact Council in 2016 approved Waukesha's request to divert $8.2 million gallons daily from the lake and return it treated back to the lake. The city needs wetland and waterway construction permits to build a pipeline that would cross 22 navigable waterways. Three crossings would require a permit. Nearly eight wetland acres would be temporarily impacted. Less than a hundredth of a wetland acre would be permanently impacted.

The DNR has tentatively agreed to issue the permits.

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