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Regulation of Dams and Bridges Affecting Navigable Waters (Wisconsin Statutes: Chapter 31)

Country/Territory
United States of America
Territorial subdivision
Wisconsin
Document type
Legislation
Date
2019
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Water
Keyword
Waterworks Hydropower generation Navigation Public health Water abstraction Authorization/permit
Geographical area
Americas, Arctic, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic
Abstract

This chapter of the Wisconsin Statutes concerns regulation of dams and bridges affecting navigable waters. It provides that the department of natural resources in the interest of public rights in navigable waters, to promote safety, and to protect life, health, property, property values, and economic values may regulate and control the level and flow of water in all navigable waters and may erect, or may order and require bench marks to be erected, upon which shall be designated the maximum level of water that may be impounded and the lowest level of water that may be maintained by any dam heretofore or hereafter constructed and maintained and which will affect the level and flow of navigable waters; and may by order fix a level for any body of navigable water below which the same shall not be lowered except as provided in this chapter; and shall establish and maintain gauging stations upon the various navigable waters of the state and shall take other steps necessary to determine and record the characteristics of such waters. The chapter further provides for permits for the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway; permits for dams; permits for dams that affect drained lands; applications for permits to construct; hearing; applications for permits to operate and maintain existing dams; hearing; proposals to accompany applications; water power permits, condition precedent; permit not to be valued; certificate of terms and forfeiture of permits; map, profile and plans; raising or enlarging existing dams; proof of ability to maintain dams required; obligations of owners of bridges and dams; permits to abandon dams; abandoned dams; inspection of dams and orders; transfer of permit; forfeitures and private bridges and dams; nuisances and abatement; dam removal and opportunity for hearing; civil liabilities; may employ hydraulic engineer and assistants; dams on Brule River; dams in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway; dam on Milwaukee River; portage levee system and canal; dams on nonnavigable streams; dams not to injure other dams or sites; jurisdiction of department; flow of water regulated; dams in areas leased by county; restrictions; control by circuit judge; levee commissioners; municipal authority to construct and maintain dams; dam safety; aid program; dam rehabilitation projects; fees for permits, approvals and hearings; and parties to a violation.

Full text
English
Website
docs.legis.wisconsin.gov