We Energies’ Water Permit to be Discussed at DNR Public Hearing

OAK CREEK, WI -- A local environmental advocacy group says they're planning to speak out in favor of stronger water protections at a DNR public hearing regarding We Energies’ Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System draft water permit.

The Wisconsin DNR will be holding the public informational meeting on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 at the Oak Creek Community Center. The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

According to officials with The Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin, WE Energies' permit "currently includes a provision that would allow We Energies to discharge mercury-tainted water into Lake Michigan at nearly triple the human health standard. It also allows We Energies to continue outdated coal ash handling practices until 2023, which is the latest possible date to use such techniques under federal law."

The Clean Power Coalition opposes both of these provisions, and told Oak Creek Patch that they plan to attend the meeting to speak out in favor of limiting Mercury emissions and improving coal ash handling procedures.

Press conference speakers will include State Sen. Chris Larson, Pastor Jonathan Barker, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha and Frank Michna, neighbor of We Energies and Lake Michigan fishing enthusiast among others.

Patch File Photo by Scott Anderson