External Services
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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…
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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.
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Training
Ch. NR 114, 499 and 524 Wis. Adm. Code require an operator to earn continuing education credits to maintain an active certification. These continuing education requirements are designed to help operators keep current on new requirements and…
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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,…
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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.…
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Septage servicing operator certification
NEW! Septage Operator Handbook and Study Guides: The Operator Certification Program published new versions of the Septage Operator Handbook and Study Guides for Grade T and Grade L operators in January 2026. The study guides are an…
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Operator certification program
About the program The program is responsible for ensuring that various types of professional operators have adequate training to perform the necessary tasks at their facilities or businesses. Review certification and licensing requirements by…
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Waterworks operator certification
Municipal waterworks operators work at community water systems that are owned by, or serve, a city, town, village, county or other municipality. Also included in this definition are county or state-owned public institutions for congregate care or…
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Landfill operator certification
Chapter NR 524, Wisconsin Administrative Code was created as authorized by ss. 289.06, 289.42, and 227.11 (2), Wis. Stats., which contain the requirements for the department to develop a program of certification for persons participating in, or…