A bill aimed at streamlining approval for development projects near waterways, set to be introduced Wednesday, is already drawing criticism from environmentalists as a threat to clean water.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Jim Steineke, R- Kaukauna, would tighten the period the state Department of Natural Resources has to issue permits for developments near navigable waterways, including those for homeowners, developers and business owners. If the DNR fails to meet its time limits, the application would be considered automatically approved.
“The bill has been touted as ‘streamlining’ the permitting process, and making it more ‘predictable,’ ” said Dennis M. Grzezinski, senior counsel for Midwest Environmental Advocates. “If the proposed bill passes, the process will indeed put polluters on a predictable fast track to degrading and destroying Wisconsin’s waters and will put the state on track for becoming a safe haven for irresponsible developers and polluters.”
Steineke said the legislation simply aims to cut costs for applicants by eliminating permit delays, calling the changes “common-sense reforms.”
“Their fear is completely unfounded,” Steineke said of critics. “All this does is shorten the time frame a bit.”
Under the bill the DNR could submit a one-time request for information after receiving a permit application, but that would not extend the 30-day review period. Steineke said the provision would prevent the DNR from repeatedly asking for information and “continuously delaying” the permitting process.
It would also shorten some of the time limits for public hearings and comments about possible developments. The 30-day time period for someone to request a public hearing, or for the DNR to make a decision about a hearing, would be tightened from 30 days to 10 days, and the 30-day time period for rendering a decision would be shortened from 30 days to 20 days.
Permits or contracts would be considered approved if the DNR misses any of its deadlines.
Grzezinski said the DNR is already facing shrinking budgets and staffing cuts that prevent it from being able to review permits on time.
