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Senator Janet Bewley <br /> Representative Nick Milroy <br /> November 23,2021 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Furthermore,when reviewing the concerns of Preserve Burnett County,there does not appear to be a full <br /> understanding of the differences in sizing systems for campgrounds and those for residential homes. <br /> RVs generally don't contain clothes washers,water softeners,nor have the same size water heaters that you would <br /> see in a house, effectively lessening the volume of wastewater entering a system.When they cite average water <br /> usage per person,this generally equates to residences. In the experience of our staff in reviewing many designs <br /> that submit actual water usage(meter readings)and comparing those to our code design values,the latter are very <br /> conservative across the board. In fact,we often entertain reduced sizing of POWTS based upon actual water <br /> usage.For campgrounds,we always make sure water meter readings take place over holidays when peak usage is <br /> anticipated. <br /> Our current code applies a safety factor of 150%of the estimated flow rates towards the final design. Wisconsin's <br /> POWTS program was considered the model in the country/world as the industry's leading researchers under the <br /> Small-Scale Waste Management Program at the University of Wisconsin were highly influential in the program <br /> development prior to their retirement. Wisconsin is still recognized as being in the upper echelon of states thanks <br /> to the individuals that have worked with the program past and present. <br /> If members of Preserve Burnett County have data and thoughts they wish to share for consideration,then we <br /> would encourage them to follow-up on the message our section chief provided. <br /> Finally,the department,and other state agencies,are guided by the statutes when developing administrative rules <br /> and codes.Clearly there is statutory authority to draft and propose amendments to codes governing the sizing and <br /> management of campground POWTS to protect the health, safety and general welfare of campground occupants <br /> and nearby residents. <br /> However, if the department were to commence working on code changes that were primarily intended to limit the <br /> development of a campground those proposed code changes would certainly be opposed by the current legislative <br /> majorities or fought in the courts. <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this issue. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> wo <br /> Michael Tierney <br /> Legislative Liaison <br />