Hearings and Meetings Archive
Contested Case Hearing Concerning DNR-25-0002 Enbridge Energy's Line 5 Segment Relocation Project in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties
Date: 09/15/2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - End of Agenda
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Division of Hearings and Appeals, 608-266-3865
On Nov. 14, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Department) issued Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 to Enbridge Energy, LP (Enbridge). On Dec. 12, 2024, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, by its attorneys, Earthjustice, and 350 Wisconsin, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Sierra Club, by their attorneys Midwest Environmental Advocates and Clean Wisconsin, filed Petitions for a Contested Case Hearing with the DNR pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 227.42, 30.209, and 281.36(3q).
By letter dated Jan. 2, 2025, the Department granted the requests for a contested case hearing. The issues for hearing are the following:
(1) Whether activities authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and wetland permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 281.36(3n)(c) and Wis. Admin. Code Ch NR 103 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(2) Whether wetland compensatory mitigation required by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meets state wetland mitigation requirements under Wis. Stat. § 281.36(3r) and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 350 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(3) Whether structures and deposits in navigable waters authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and waterway permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.12 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(4) Whether the removal of material from the beds of navigable waters authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meets state requirements and waterway permitting
standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.20 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(5) Whether temporary clear span bridges authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and waterway permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.123 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(6) Whether activities authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state water quality certification standards under Wis. Admin. Code § 299.04 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(7) Whether the Department’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) described the purpose of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives to the proposed project in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c)3. and Wis. Admin. Code §§ NR 150.30(2)(b) and (e).
(8) Whether the EIS contained a complete environmental analysis in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c) and Wis. Admin. Code §§ NR 150.30(2)(f), (g), and (h).
(9) Whether the construction activities proposed in the notice of intent meet the terms and conditions for coverage under the WPDES Construction Site Stormwater General Permit No. WI-S067831-6.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a contested case hearing commencing on Aug. 12, 2025, and continuing on Sept. 3, 2025, through Oct. 3, 2025, as needed. Proceedings will commence at 9:00 a.m. each day of hearing. The hearing shall be held in person as follows:
a. On Aug. 12, 2025 the hearing shall be held at the Northwood Technical College Conference Center, 2100 Beaser Avenue, Ashland, Wisconsin.
b. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 3 – 12, 2025 at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
c. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 15 – 19, 2025, at the Northwood Technical College Conference Center, 2100 Beaser Avenue, Ashland, Wisconsin.
d. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 22 – 26, 2025 at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
e. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 29 – Oct. 3, 2025, as needed, at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
To allow for public observation of the hearing in the two locations, the hearing will also be available by video and telephone via Microsoft Teams. To connect by video, use Microsoft Teams on the web or the Teams app, then enter the Meeting ID: 247 227 844 895 and passcode: aK6Bt7Ye.
To connect by phone, dial 1-608-571-2209, and then enter the Meeting ID: 589 521165# when prompted. Witnesses shall testify in person, not by video or phone, unless agreed to by the parties or otherwise ordered by the ALJ.
Members of the public desiring to participate in this hearing pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § NR 2.08 will be allowed the opportunity to do so at the beginning of the presentation of evidence. Such interested persons must enter an appearance either prior to or at the commencement of the contested case hearing on Aug. 12, 2025. Appearances may be entered in person or via Teams. Public statements shall then be heard in person on Aug. 12, 2025 in Ashland and on Sept. 3, 2025, in Madison. Information about the hearing may be found at the DNR Website and can also be requested from Susan Burns at 608-266-3865. Please monitor the DNR website for updates.
The hearing is a Class 1 contested case pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.01(3)(a), and the provisions of Wis. Stat. ch. 227 will apply. The procedures relating to contested cases set forth in Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 2 will be followed. Said procedures will closely resemble those that are normally followed at a trial in State circuit court. All parties are advised that they have the right to seek the aid and assistance of legal counsel and to be represented by legal counsel at the contested case hearing.
The permit application and other information relating to this matter are on file and may be inspected and copied at the offices of the Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Copies of documents on file may be obtained by writing to the Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin, 53707-7921. Reasonable costs will be charged for copies of all information excluding public notices and fact sheets.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be made to any qualified individual upon request. Please call the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865 with specific information on your request prior to the date of the scheduled prehearing or hearing.
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DNR LISTENING SESSION #20 REGARDING PFAS INVESTIGATIONS IN MARINETTE, PESHTIGO AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Date: 09/11/2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Alyssa Sellwood, Alyssa.Sellwood@wisconsin.gov or 608 622-8606
This is a public listening session regarding the PFAS contamination in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities. The DNR and the Department of Health Services (DHS) will share updates and be available to answer questions and hear concerns from community members regarding the ongoing PFAS cleanup and investigation.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. These contaminants have made their way into the environment through spills of PFAS-containing chemicals, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.
More information is available on the DNR Marinette and Peshtigo PFAS webpage.
Join in-person:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
1601 University Drive, Marinette, WI 54143
Room MN 101/102 (Enter at doors closest to Green Gable Road)
Join by phone at 1-305-224-1968; use meeting ID 868 4368 9296.
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Wetland Study Council
Date: 09/11/2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Tom Pearce, Thomas.Pearce@wisconsin.gov or 608 800-1643
The Wetland Study Council will meet to discuss wetland policy and permitting topics.
Join in person:
State Natural Resources Building, Room 313
101 S. Webster Street
Madison, WI 53707
Join by phone: 608-571-2209; Meeting ID: 907 565 505#.
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Wolf Advisory Committee
Date: 09/11/2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Danielle Deming, Danielle.Deming@wisconsin.gov or 715-459-8365
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold the first meeting of the Wolf Advisory Committee on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. The committee discusses policy and technical topics relevant to wolf management. This meeting will be open to the public in person or virtually via Zoom.
There will be an in-person public comment period; written comments will also be accepted. Interested individuals should email their interest or public comment to Danielle Deming at Danielle.Deming@wisconsin.gov no later than noon on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Agenda (subject to change)
9 – 9:15 a.m. Welcome, Purpose & Orientation
9:15 – 10 a.m. Who Are We & Appreciative Interviews
10 – 10:30 a.m. Charter & Scope Walkthrough
15-minute break
10:45 – ~11 a.m. Public Comment*
*Please email Danielle.Deming@wisconsin.gov or call 715-459-8365 by 12 p.m. noon, Sept. 10 to register to speak.
~11 a.m. – Noon Wolf Monitoring Overview and Population Estimates
Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch
1 – 1:30 p.m. Co-Creating Working Agreements
1:30 – 2 p.m. Gallery Walk – What's at Stake
2 – 2:30 p.m. TRIZ Lite (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Reflection & Integration
2:45 – 3 p.m. Closing & Next Steps
Join in-person:
Hotel Marshfield
2700 S Central Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
For those wanting to view the meeting virtually, register on Zoom by noon on Sept. 10 to attend.
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2025 Brownfield Redevelopment Learning Sessions For Local Governments
Date: 09/10/2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person; See Details for Information
Thomas Coogan, Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov
Meeting to share information to support local governments in the redevelopment of brownfield properties.
Contact Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov to register at least 3 days in advance.
Join in person:
Mid-State College
1001 Centerpoint Dr.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
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Council On Recycling Meeting
Date: 09/05/2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Jennifer Semrau, Jennifer.Semrau@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-0960
Agenda topics for the council include DNR and legislative updates, The Recycling Partnership (TRP) Film and Flexibles Coalition, recycled commodity markets and the impacts of tariffs, aerosol cans as universal waste & vapes guidance updates, discussion and possible action on potential battery legislation and more.
A complete agenda can be found on the Wisconsin Council on Recycling's webpage.
To register with DNR security for in-person attendance, please RSVP by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, by contacting Jennifer Semrau at Jennifer.Semrau@wisconsin.gov.
Join in person:
Department of Natural Resources, Room 513
101 S Webster St.
Madison, WI 53703
Join this meeting via Microsoft Teams.
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DNR Deer Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: 09/03/2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Jeff Pritzl, Jeffrey.Pritzl@wisconsin.gov or 920-366-3450
This is a public meeting of the Deer Advisory Committee.
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Deer Advisory Committee Charter and Work Plan Approval (decision)
- Public Comment Period
- Spring Hearing Rule Proposal Recommendations (decision)
- Allow CDACs to recommend the January Archery Extension w/o the Holiday Hunt
- Allow the harvest of white deer in Marathon, Portage, Wood, Winnebago and Jefferson Counties
- Novel proposals from the committee
- Surveying Deerhunters Differently (informational)
- Increasing sample size of the post-season deer hunter questionnaire
- Exploring alternative ways of surveying hunters
- Surveying other stakeholders
- Certified Hunter Program (informational)
- PA pilot example directed at Crop Damage Permittees
- WDOT Deer Crash Reporting (informational)
- Hotspot analysis and how we might inform CDACs better
- Members Matters
Join this meeting via Microsoft Teams.
Meeting ID: 264 234 659 278 8; Passcode: ab9xD2sm
Join this meeting by phone: 608-571-2209; Conference ID: 354 080 660#
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Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Meeting
Date: 09/03/2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Mackenzie Manicki, Mackenzie.Manicki@wisconsin.gov or 608-206-4561
The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will meet to cover updates on the DNR's progress with updating Wisconsin's Invasive Species Rule, ch. NR40 Wis. Admin. Code. The Council will also hear a presentation from Maureen Kalscheur regarding updates on aquatic invasive species monitoring in the state. Other topics include updates from the Council's Education Committee and Council members themselves.
Join this meeting via Microsoft Teams.
Meeting ID: 284 234 037 368; Passcode: DUbyDy
Join by phone: 608-571-2209; Conference ID: 281 347 447#
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Contested Case Hearing Concerning DNR-25-0002 Enbridge Energy's Line 5 Segment Relocation Project in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties
Date: 09/03/2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - End of Agenda
Location: In-Person & Virtual Options; See Details for Information
Division of Hearings and Appeals, 608-266-3865
On Nov. 14, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Department) issued Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 to Enbridge Energy, LP (Enbridge). On Dec. 12, 2024, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, by its attorneys, Earthjustice, and 350 Wisconsin, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Sierra Club, by their attorneys Midwest Environmental Advocates and Clean Wisconsin, filed Petitions for a Contested Case Hearing with the DNR pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 227.42, 30.209, and 281.36(3q).
By letter dated Jan. 2, 2025, the Department granted the requests for a contested case hearing. The issues for hearing are the following:
(1) Whether activities authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and wetland permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 281.36(3n)(c) and Wis. Admin. Code Ch NR 103 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(2) Whether wetland compensatory mitigation required by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meets state wetland mitigation requirements under Wis. Stat. § 281.36(3r) and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 350 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(3) Whether structures and deposits in navigable waters authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and waterway permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.12 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(4) Whether the removal of material from the beds of navigable waters authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meets state requirements and waterway permitting
standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.20 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(5) Whether temporary clear span bridges authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state requirements and waterway permitting standards under Wis. Stat. § 30.123 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(6) Whether activities authorized by Permit #IP-NO-2020-2-N00471 meet state water quality certification standards under Wis. Admin. Code § 299.04 or whether additional or modified conditions are required.
(7) Whether the Department’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) described the purpose of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives to the proposed project in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c)3. and Wis. Admin. Code §§ NR 150.30(2)(b) and (e).
(8) Whether the EIS contained a complete environmental analysis in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c) and Wis. Admin. Code §§ NR 150.30(2)(f), (g), and (h).
(9) Whether the construction activities proposed in the notice of intent meet the terms and conditions for coverage under the WPDES Construction Site Stormwater General Permit No. WI-S067831-6.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a contested case hearing commencing on Aug. 12, 2025, and continuing on Sept. 3, 2025, through Oct. 3, 2025, as needed. Proceedings will commence at 9:00 a.m. each day of hearing. The hearing shall be held in person as follows:
a. On Aug. 12, 2025 the hearing shall be held at the Northwood Technical College Conference Center, 2100 Beaser Avenue, Ashland, Wisconsin.
b. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 3 – 12, 2025 at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
c. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 15 – 19, 2025, at the Northwood Technical College Conference Center, 2100 Beaser Avenue, Ashland, Wisconsin.
d. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 22 – 26, 2025 at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
e. The hearing shall resume on Sept. 29 – Oct. 3, 2025, as needed, at the Hill Farms State Office Building, in Room S149, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, Wisconsin.
To allow for public observation of the hearing in the two locations, the hearing will also be available by video and telephone via Microsoft Teams. To connect by video, use Microsoft Teams on the web or the Teams app, then enter the Meeting ID: 247 227 844 895 and passcode: aK6Bt7Ye.
To connect by phone, dial 1-608-571-2209, and then enter the Meeting ID: 589 521165# when prompted. Witnesses shall testify in person, not by video or phone, unless agreed to by the parties or otherwise ordered by the ALJ.
Members of the public desiring to participate in this hearing pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § NR 2.08 will be allowed the opportunity to do so at the beginning of the presentation of evidence. Such interested persons must enter an appearance either prior to or at the commencement of the contested case hearing on Aug. 12, 2025. Appearances may be entered in person or via Teams. Public statements shall then be heard in person on Aug. 12, 2025 in Ashland and on Sept. 3, 2025, in Madison. Information about the hearing may be found at the DNR Website and can also be requested from Susan Burns at 608-266-3865. Please monitor the DNR website for updates.
The hearing is a Class 1 contested case pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.01(3)(a), and the provisions of Wis. Stat. ch. 227 will apply. The procedures relating to contested cases set forth in Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 2 will be followed. Said procedures will closely resemble those that are normally followed at a trial in State circuit court. All parties are advised that they have the right to seek the aid and assistance of legal counsel and to be represented by legal counsel at the contested case hearing.
The permit application and other information relating to this matter are on file and may be inspected and copied at the offices of the Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Copies of documents on file may be obtained by writing to the Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin, 53707-7921. Reasonable costs will be charged for copies of all information excluding public notices and fact sheets.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be made to any qualified individual upon request. Please call the Division of Hearings and Appeals at 608-266-3865 with specific information on your request prior to the date of the scheduled prehearing or hearing.
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Wetland Study Council Committee On Wetland Conservation Projects
Date: 08/29/2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Tom Nedland, Thomas.Nedland@wisconsin.gov or 920-286-3739
A meeting to discuss the permitting and review process for wetland conservation and agricultural conservation projects that take place in wetlands and hydric soil areas.
Join by phone: 608-571-2209; Meeting ID: 772 988 664#
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