How is Metallic Mining Regulated in Wisconsin?
A number of state statutes and administrative rules specifically regulate metallic mining in this state. However, one very important provision of the statutes requires that mining activities also be regulated by other laws that more specifically address each particular activity that might occur in association with mining. Consequently, for example, any wastewater discharge from a proposed mine would be regulated by the same laws and rules that regulate wastewater discharges from all other municipal and industrial operations in the state. In addition, air emissions from mines are regulated by the state’s air pollution control statute and tailings disposal is regulated by the statute that regulates all municipal and industrial solid waste disposal facilities. The same holds true for groundwater withdrawals, stream crossings, and many other activities related to a mining operation.
