SECRETARY FISCHER ANNOUNCES EPA RECOGNITION OF COMMERCE ONSITE WASTEWATER PROGRAM

MADISON—Department of Commerce Secretary Jack L. Fischer, AIA, today announced that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Wisconsin for adopting the agency’s Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems.

“Private onsite wastewater treatment systems are a significant part of our nation’s water infrastructure, serving 25 percent of existing homes and 33 percent of new development,” Secretary Fischer said.  “I am pleased that the EPA has recognized Wisconsin for a balanced approach that protects public health and the environment while promoting effective wastewater treatment.”

The EPA noted that Wisconsin has demonstrated its commitment to protecting human health and the environment by improving onsite system performance.  The federal agency gave particular credit to Commerce Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program Manager Roman Kaminski for his efforts to help communities institutionalize the management of onsite wastewater systems, thereby meeting water quality and public health goals.

For more information on Commerce’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program, visit

http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-PowtsProgram.html