MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state Department of Natural Resources has approved three high-capacity well permits near sensitive trout streams where a judge had already invalidated previous permits.
The Wisconsin State Journal reports the DNR approved permits near Fourmile Creek, Buena Vista Creek and Stoltenburg Creek this year. The agency found in 2015 that pumping could harm the streams and a Madison judge last year invalidated three well permits along the streams out of fears the wells could impair the streams.
The permits approved this year allow wells as close or closer to the streams than the original permits.
DNR spokesman Jim Dick says the agency approved the permits based on Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel’s opinion that the agency can’t consider well impacts on nearby waters.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.