Regulations
- Webpage
WPDES permit application materials, instructions, reporting & compliance documents
View required application materials if you are a proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) applying for the first time for a WPDES permit or you are an existing CAFO applying for a renewal of your WPDES permit.Preliminary and final…
- Webpage
Nutrient management planning
A Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Water Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit requires a field-specific, phosphorus-based nutrient management plan (NMP) that outlines the amounts, timing, locations, methods and other…
- Webpage
Manure spills response, planning and prevention
Get help immediately if runoff or aspill occurs!Report manure spills immediately!Call our 24-hour spill emergency hotline: 1-800-943-0003.All agricultural or livestock operations, regardless of size, must report manure spills or runoff that may…
- Webpage
First-time CAFO WPDES permit applications
If your operation has 1,000 animal units (AU), your operation is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and you must obtain a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit (WPDES) from the Department of Natural Resources.
- Webpage
Concentrated animal feeding operations WPDES permits
What is an “animal unit”?“Animal units” (AU) measure equivalencies between animal types as established by s. NR 243.05, Wis. Adm. Code and the CAFO WPDES permit program. For example, 1,000 beef cattle, 715 milking cows or 200,000 chickens are each…
- Webpage
Trapping Regulations
A summary of Wisconsin's trapping laws and how they affect you is contained in the pamphlets listed below. Fall 2025-Spring 2026 Wisconsin Trapping Regulations
- Webpage
Wastewater operator certification
A "certified operator" is an individual who has met the requirements of Chapter NR 114, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and has been issued a certificate by the DNR to operate one or more of the classifications of wastewater treatment plants.
- Webpage
Small water system (OTM/NN) operator certification
Small water system operators work at an "other than municipal" (OTM) community water system or a non–transient non–community (NN) water system. OTM systems serve groups of 25 or more year-round residents; they can include mobile home parks,…
- Webpage
Septage business license requirements
All septage businesses in the State of Wisconsin that service and/or dispose of septage (septic tanks, holding tanks, sanitary grease interceptors, portable restrooms, privies, etc.) shall be licensed pursuant to ch. NR 113, Wis. Adm. Code.…
- Webpage
Septage servicing operator certification
All septage businesses in the State of Wisconsin must designate a master operator to serve as operator-in-charge (OIC). The OIC is directly responsible for the operation of the septage servicing business (reference: sub. NR 114.153(5), Wis. Adm…