The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on guidance that helps evaluate the status of the state’s surface water quality.  This guidance is known as the Wisconsin Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM).

A 2018 version of WisCALM [PDF] has been drafted and is open for public comment. From December 20, 2016 to January 27, 2017, DNR is asking for public input on the updates to its assessment and listing methodology. These comments will be considered in further updates made before the guidance is used to assess water quality in early 2017.

Wisconsin DNR Summary of 2018 guidance updates:

  • New numeric criteria quick-reference section at the beginning of the document. This includes tables of numeric criteria and links to further descriptions within WisCALM.
  • Added language on Chloride assessments; a clarification not a change in criteria or assessment methods.
  • Total Phosphorus (TP) targets in lakes for Fish and Aquatic Life (FAL) use were updated to match the Recreation (REC) use criteria. This update does not impact the number of lakes listed for TP or impact permitting.

(source: WI DNR website)

Originally posted in Rock River Recovery Monthly TMDL Implementation Update e-newsletter on 12/21/2016 by WDNR.