For the Hub City Times

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently  announced that the city of Marshfield is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system.

The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the city of Marshfield.

“Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project,” a DNR release stated.

“The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.”

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by May 17 to: Department of Natural Resources, C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2, 101 S Webster St., P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI, 53707, or
608-234-2238 or Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project’s impacts and reasonable alternatives.

Marshfield Utilities found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. The homes that exceeded the action level were homes that have lead services.

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

See the May 12 edition of the Hub City Times for more information.