Defender, Winter 2015, Clean Wisconsin

Defender

Winter 2015

RPS

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ith 26 new faces in the Capitol for the new legislative session, Clean Wisconsin is hard at work educating them about issues that matter to our natural resources. Following are our priorities for the 2015-’16 legislative session.

Protecting our Waterways

Focus on Energy

groundwater protections

microbeads

PRIORITIES Our priorities for the 2015-’16 legislative session

By Amber Meyer Smith, Director of Programs & Government Relations

Groundwater over-pumping has severe impacts to farms, businesses, municipalities and citizens. It has been 10 years since Wisconsin took the first step in protecting groundwater, and Wisconsinites are desperately waiting for the next step to prevent their waterfront property from drying up and their favorite trout streams from running dry. Both Minnesota and Michigan have figured out ways to provide sustainable groundwater resources for all users, and it is past time for Wisconsin to do the same. See more on page 5.

Promoting Clean Energy & Efficiency Focus on Energy Wisconsin has histori-

cally led the country in energy efficiency due in large part to the statewide Focus on Energy program. But in 2011, budget funding for the program was cut by $60 million despite the many independent studies on the program that confirm savings for all ratepayers and a $3.50 return for every $1 invested. It is time to look at expanding this key savings program to help maximize the potential for all ratepayers.

Expanding the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Wisconsin’s current RPS of 10% by 2015 ties us for the lowest standards for renewable energy in the country. All utilities were easily able to meet this

pharmaceutical waste

continued on page 4

Clean Wisconsin 634 W. Main St., #300 Madison, WI 53703-2500

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1291 Madison, WI

Last December, we released Don’t Drink the Water, our report detailing some startling news: In four counties across southeastern Wisconsin, homeowners can’t drink water from their faucets and students can’t drink from water fountains in their schools. Why? Because their groundwater is contaminated with dangerously high levels of a substance called molybdenum.

Finding “Mo”

Report highlights connection between coal ash reuse, groundwater contamination

By Paul Mathewson, Staff Scientist

Also in this issue

Molybdenum is a naturally occurring heavy metal that’s healthy for humans in trace amounts, but becomes toxic in large doses. And while it occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust and typical groundwater levels are very low, human activities can add molybdenum, or Mo for short, into the environment. Don’t Drink the Water documents our study looking into that human pollution.

We started by gathering information on nearly 1,000 private wells in Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties.

We found molybdenum contamination was continued on page 7

Burr Oak Victory | Climate Survey | Fund for Lake Michigan

&

News, Notes

Events

Leave a Legacy: February is Planned Giving Month!

Keep looking after Wisconsin’s environment for generations to come by making a planned gift to Clean Wisconsin! February is Planned Giving Month, and we hope you’ll consider naming Clean Wisconsin as a beneficiary of your will or estate plan. There are many easy ways this can be done. These gifts don’t have to be large or complex, but they are very impactful. Anyone can be a donor.

If you have already named Clean Wisconsin in your plan, please call and let us know. If you have any questions about leaving a legacy, contact development director Angela Cao at 608-251-7020 x17 or acao@cleanwisconsin.org.

Because we can’t protect Wisconsin’s environment without you, we want to know why you care enough to support us. Did you learn your conservation ethic from your grandparents? Do you take a daily hike through the woods near your home?

Are you worried about the impacts of climate change? We want to learn about the places you love in Wisconsin, why they’re worth protecting, and why you support us. To share your story, contact Jake at 608-251-7020 x23 or jimmel@cleanwisconsin.org. Thank you again for supporting our work!

Play a starring role in our Epicurean Evening event

Join the growing list of businesses sponsoring Epicurean Evening! We have three sponsorship packages available and are seeking items for our silent auction. Visit www.wisconsinepicureanevening.org or contact Jake at jimmel@cleanwisconsin. org or Angela at acao@cleanwisconsin.org.

Save the Date for the next Speakers event

Join us the evening of Tuesday, April 21 at Madison’s Fluno Center for the next installment of the Doug La Follette Environmental Speakers Program. Our featured speaker is Brock Evans, president of the Endangered Species Coalition.

Evans focuses his work on forest, wilderness and energy policies, especially as they affected public lands.

The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wine and food will be provided.

Check our website for additional details as the date nears.

Red Cedar Watershed Conference Thursday, March 12 University of Wisconsin-Stout | Memorial Student Center, Menomonie Learn how the economic and environmental health of the Red Cedar watershed affects us all, whether you farm, live along the water or live in town. Join us for a day of exploring how we can all be part of the solution.

2015 Planned Keynote Speakers: • Rod Olson, MD, Red Cedar River Partnership and co-chair of the Red Cedar Watershed Conference • Ray Archuleta, Conservation Agronomist, NRCS East National Technology Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina • Sean Kershaw, Executive Director, Citizens League of Minnesota Learn more at www.uwstout.edu/profed/redcedar

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On behalf of its more than 30,000 members, supporters and coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin a wonderful place to live, work and play.

STAFF Development Director

Angela Cao Director of Science & Research

Tyson Cook Chief Financial Officer

Nick Curran, CPA Organizing Hub Coordinator

Melissa Gavin Membership & Development Coordinator

Jake Immel Water Quality Specialist

Emily Jones Staff Scientist

Paul Mathewson Director, Programs & Gov’t Relations

Amber Meyer Smith Water Resources Specialist

Ezra Meyer General Counsel

Katie Nekola Staff Attorney & Climate Resilience Project Manager

Pam Ritger Senior Policy Director

Keith Reopelle

Mark Your Calendar

• Join our Action Network at cleanwisconsin.org • Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter • Watch legislative floor sessions, committee hearings and interviews at wisconsineye.org • Sign up to receive notifications about action on bills you care about at http://notify.legis.state.wi.us • Learn more about your legislators by entering your address or using the interactive map at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

The Defender is owned and published quarterly by Clean Wisconsin, 634 W. Main St., #300, Madison, WI 53703, 608-251-7020.

A one-year subscription membership is $35. Please direct correspondence to the address above.

Volume 45, No. 1 Issue date: January 2015 ©2015 Clean Wisconsin. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1549-8107

Clean Wisconsin protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the State Capitol and holding elected officals and polluters accountable.

President & CEO

Mark Redsten

Share your story with Clean Wisconsin

Stay informed on what’s happening in our state government

634 W. Main St., #300 • Madison WI 53703 Phone: 608-251-7020 www.cleanwisconsin.org

Printed with soy ink on unbleached, recycled paper.

Grant & Foundations Manager

Ella Schwierske Midwest Clean Energy Coordinator

Sarah Shanahan Office Manager

David Vitse Clean Energy Specialist

Katy Walter Communications & Marketing Director

Amanda Wegner Senior Staff Attorney

Elizabeth Wheeler

BOARD Chair Luke Fairborn, Milwaukee Vice Chair Chuck McGinnis, Middleton Treasurer Gof Thomson, New Glarus Secretary Shari Eggleson, Washburn Belle Bergner, Milwaukee Elizabeth Feder, Madison Scott Froehlke, Montello Gary Goyke, Madison Margi Kindig, Madison Karen Knetter, Madison Mallory Palmer, Madison Glenn Reinl, Madison Carl Sinderbrand, Madison Arun Soni, Madison Bruce Wunnicke, Richland Center Board Emeritus Kate Gordon, San Francisco

Winter 2015

from the President & CEO

Water Emergency

Clean Wisconsin, other groups ask EPA to take immediate action in Kewaunee County for safer water

By Elizabeth Wheeler, Senior Staff Attorney

Groundwater pollution in Kewaunee County has been an issue of growing concern. The contamination is largely caused by a combination of Karst geology and a high concentration of agricultural waste applied to land in the region. The contamination stems from the nitrates and bacteria in the waste, presenting a serious public health risk.

In late October 2014, Clean Wisconsin, along with five other environmental organizations, filed a Petition for Emergency Action requesting the EPA exercise its emergency powers under the Safe Drinking Water Act as a first step toward remedying the Karst geology is particularly susceptible groundwater contamination in the county’s private drinking to groundwater water wells. contamination. Why? The law empowers EPA to Because its defining feature, step in to provide safe drinkcracked, porous rock with an ing water in an area where abundance of underground contamination poses serious caves and openings, allows public health threats. We asked for easy leaching of water and EPA to investigate the source of pollutants from the land use contamination and take action above. against polluters that should Nitrate pollution be held accountable. This efis linked to blue baby synfort builds upon ongoing lodrome, a condition in which cal efforts, including a unanihigh levels of ingested nitrate mous vote taken by Kewaunee prevents blood from properly County Board of Supervisors, transporting oxygen throughwhich is seeking to limit winter out the body. manure spreading in the areas Bacterial contamination most susceptible to groundwater pollution. of wells can lead to a number The petition asks EPA to of various ailments, including immediately supply local resibut not limited to: dents with a safe and reliable • gastrointestinal illness source of clean drinking wa• headaches ter, conduct further studies on • gastroenteritis the source and extent of the • meningitis groundwater contamination, and use its authority to require cleanup of the contamination.

Clean Wisconsin and the other petitioners have met with EPA to discuss the petition, and we have learned that EPA is reviewing the petition and working with state and local authorities to determine what the appropriate response is.

Residents of Kewaunee County are extremely concerned about the situation, including Lynda Cochart (see right). More than 150 people in Kewaunee County and beyond added their comments to our petition, many heartfelt pleas to protect the people and families who live here. Thank you to everyone who added their name and shared their comments and stories.

It’s a new legislative session and as you’ll read in the pages ahead, we expect the new session to be a challenging for Wisconsin’s environment.

Despite the difficulties ahead, I’m optimistic we can work with legislators and stakeholders of all interests for the benefit of our environment.

At the top of our legislative agenda this year is protecting Wisconsin’s groundwater. Our groundwater faces Mark Redsten many threats from over-pumping to President & CEO pollution from sources such as coal ash contamination. We are working with legislators to ensure our water policies keep pace with all the pressures on this precious resource.

As the EPA continues to craft new rules for carbon emissions and coal plants, we will continue to find new ways to implement renewable energy projects and other strategies to reduce climate change impacts in Wisconsin. We will work with utility executive management teams to achieve these necessary reductions and to plan for a future where utility shareholders benefit from making the clean energy investments we’re all demanding and that our planet needs.

More than ever, we will remain vigilant. Our legal department will closely monitor proposed changes to environmental rules, and individual pollution permits to ensure our natural resources are protected before problems arise. And, of course, we will hold polluters who violate their permits accountable.

Our science department will expand to further support our policy and legal teams, and will do more investigations and research into the scope and cause of emerging issues across our state. And finally, we will seek opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders across the spectrum. When we understand different perspectives, we can protect and defend Wisconsin’s natural resources and make Wisconsin better for future generations.

Even in the face of great pressure, 2014 saw victories for Wisconsin’s environment. The PSC voted to authorize payments for the Fund For Lake Michigan. The EPA issued new pollution standards requiring reductions in climate change emissions, and two court decisions for the Richfield and New Chester dairies affirmed our legal team’s work and further protected Wisconsin’s water. With this momentum and firm support, we’ll continue to protect our air, water and the places we love in Wisconsin.

“

Thank you for all you do,

A month ago, my granddaughter fell on the farm and cut her hands and knees. In an immediate response, she ran to the restroom to wash them off. I didn’t want to frighten her, so I then suggested that we rinse it with nice, clean bottled water. A 6-year-old should not have to worry about safe water to wash her cuts, hands or face. I had a very unsettling night worrying about what I might have exposed my precious granddaughter to. You have to be on guard all the time so she doesn’t drink the water, brush her teeth with the water or get a washcloth near her mouth. My grandchildren can’t stay overnight anymore because you can’t bathe them in the tub.

Recently as I began to make dinner, I realized I didn’t have a full gallon of water left. I couldn’t boil and rinse pasta and have any water left for morning coffee. I had to make a choice. You have to stop dinner, go 15 miles and use a gallon of gas to go to the nearest store, and 15 minutes home and another gallon of fuel. The water to make a meal or coffee can get quite costly. Even buying water every time I go somewhere it is easy to run out.

—Lynda Cochart, Kewaunee County resident

”

www.cleanwisconsin.org 3

Priorities continued from front cover requirement, even achieving the commitment years early. It is time to update the RPS and take advantage of renewable energy opportunities into the future.

Protecting our natural resources from mining

mercury thermostat recycling

Whether it’s Gogebic Taconite’s proposal to mine the Northwoods or the growing frac sand mining industry, Clean Wisconsin will be looking at all legal, scientific and policy angles to make sure operations don’t jeopardize our clean air and clean water.

Proper disposal of toxic materials to protect waterways Promoting proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals Improper disposal

of unused prescription drugs is a problem for our environment. The presence of toxins and other endocrine disruptors in the Great Lakes was confirmed by a 2013 study by the UWMilwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. The study found the presence of 14 chemicals in Lake Michigan near sewage outfalls related to pharmaceuticals and personal care products “of medium or high ecological risk” and that the concentrations “indicate a significant threat to the health of the Great Lakes.” Wisconsin took the first step in 2013 with AB 448, which allows local governments to run collections programs. However, that funding is drying up, and we need to look for more sustainable forms of unused prescription drug collection to keep pollutants out of our waterways and keep medications out of the hands of children and drug abusers.

Banning microbeads in personal care products Those little plastic particles

used in toothpastes, hand soaps and face scrubs are now showing up in our waters. Early research shows that the Great Lakes, including lakes Superior and Michigan, is teeming with microbeads. A study found, on average, 17,000 tiny pieces of plastic per square kilometer in Lake Michigan, pieces of plastics that are getting in the fish we catch and the water we drink. Illinois was the first state to ban their use in personal care products with the support of industry, and we now have a bill here. See “‘Bead Bills” on page 6.

Recycling mercury thermostats A recent study indicates that there are nearly

By the Numbers

one million thermostats still in use that contain mercury in Wisconsin. With an estimated 50,000 disposed of in our state every year and every inland lake already under a fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination, we have to find ways to encourage recycling of thermostats. It only takes one gram of mercury a year, less than the amount in a single thermostat, to contaminate a 20-acre lake. In 2013, AB 424 was introduced to address this problem but did not pass.

26 new legislators for 2015 Assembly 63 Republicans, 36 Democrats

Largest GOP margin in the state Assembly in more than 50 years

Senate 19 Republicans, 14 Democrats

frac sand mining

Groundwater Victory!

DNR removes nitrate exemption from Burr Oak Heifers permit

By Elizabeth Wheeler, Senior Staff Attorney

In spring 2014, we asked you, our members and allies, to speak up about a DNR proposal to grant a permit for a heifer operation in Adams County.

The permit would have relaxed groundwater standards for harmful nitrates, a substance linked to health problems for infants and pregnant women. Today, we are happy to report that your voices made a difference! In December, the DNR issued a final permit that removed the nitrate exemption found in an earlier draft of the permit.

The facility in question, Burr Oak Heifers, was fined $65,000 in 2013 for groundwater contamination it caused. However, in early 2014, the DNR proposed to issue a permit that would allow elevated levels of nitrates in the groundwater nearby. Clean Wisconsin worked closely with local residents to oppose the exemption, and nearly 100 concerned people attended a hearing last April to voice their concerns about the facility‘s dangerous impacts on groundwater. The DNR heard these concerns and not only withdrew the variance proposal but also required additional groundwater monitoring at the site.

Thank you so much for your support!

Without your help, we couldn’t secure these victories for Wisconsin’s groundwater.

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Winter 2015

PHOTO: Jake Ausel

What To Expect

Groundwater Legislation

For years now, Clean Wisconsin has been focused on resolving the problems created by groundwater over-pumping and high capacity wells. With fellow advocates, scientists and attorneys, we have drafted key principles for lawmakers as they proceed this session with drafting legislation to address this critical issue. These core principles will help us evaluate legislation as it is introduced: 1. Groundwater management and permitting must be based on science 2. Legislation must help citizens and protect natural resources that are impacted by over-pumping 3. Legislation must prevent problems caused by over-pumping of groundwater in the future 4. Legislation cannot roll back current protections We need to let legislators know it is past time to take the next step forward, not backward. Both Minnesota and Michigan have figured out how to provide sustainable groundwater resources for all users and have funded programs that allow for a robust, protective process for issuing high capacity well permits. Wisconsin must do the same.

As we communicate these core principles in the Capitol, we also need your help. We need you to reach out to your legislators and let them know that you expect these core principles in any legislation addressing high capacity wells and groundwater concerns.

The legislative session moves fast. Please visit our website to join our Action Network so we can keep you up updated on groundwater legislation and other policies that impact our natural resources.

Climate Survey: Seeds of Challenge A survey of how extreme weather impacts Wisconsin’s agriculture

By Katy Walter, Clean Energy Specialist

Science tells us that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather like droughts, storms and floods. Here in Wisconsin, we’ve already had a number of these weather events that have had a real impact on Wisconsin’s famers. The drought of 2012 lowered crop yields and drove up the cost of grain, causing farmers in Wisconsin to spend $800 million more on inputs like feed, seeds and pesticides than the previous year. Then in 2013, excessive moisture and rain resulted in $61.9 million in payments from USDA to Wisconsin farmers, $52 million more than the year before.

But these numbers only tell part of the story. As the nation debates how to act on climate change, we felt it was time to take a closer look at how climate change will impact Wisconsin’s cornerstone industry. To that end, we undertook a survey of farmers in the 2013 Farm Fresh Atlas. We received 60 responses from a wide variety of farms across Wisconsin, from orchards near Bayfield to dairy cattle operations in Jefferson.

What did we learn? Weather is already unpredictable, and farmers are accustomed to adapting and finding solutions, but climate change is going to make adapting even more difficult. Here are some of the highlights from the survey: • 2013’s heat wave was trouble for dairy farms. One farmer noted that when a cow’s reproductive cycle is hit with a hot spell, it can take years for her to recover. 2013’s hot spell led this farmer to sell of cows that should have given birth again.

• In Northern Wisconsin, summers have grown significantly drier. Growers now need to install irrigation systems, which lead to increased energy costs and impact on local groundwater resources.

• The 2012 drought was tough on vegetable growers, who saw lower crop yields, increased labor and water costs, and complete crop loss in some instances.

• Heavy rains in 2007 and 2008 cost a 120-acre vegetable farm in Western Wisconsin over $1 million in vegetable losses.

To read the full report, visit www.cleanwisconsin.org/news/reports-factsheets www.cleanwisconsin.org 5

Raising a stink over

Ammonia Pollution

By Elizabeth Wheeler, Senior Staff Attorney

More than three years have passed since we, along with 20 other national, regional and local organizations, called on EPA to regulate ammonia emissions under the Clean Air Act. While ammonia has significant harmful effects on human health ranging from mild irritation of the eyes, throat and nose to pulmonary edema, burns, even death at extreme exposure levels, this hazardous air pollutant is exempt from regulation under Wisconsin law when it is emitted from agricultural waste. Each year, over 82,000 tons of ammonia enter our air from Wisconsin’s livestock facilities, but the lack of state and federal regulation and oversight means that there are no restrictions on the concentration or amount of pollution that can be released by any particular facility. In addition, there is little information about where in the state there may be unsafe levels of ammonia in the air.

Many of you regularly contact us with reports of the negative impacts that concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFOs) have on your communities, including the foul odor that they can emit. Ammonia is a significant source of odor for some of these facilities, yet there are substantial legal hurdles to addressing the ammonia and other air pollution directly. We believe that EPA regulation of ammonia under the Clean Air Act would remove at least one of those hurdles and put us in a better place for protecting human health from the negative effects of air pollution from CAFOs. For all these reasons, Clean Wisconsin is joining a lawsuit with Environmental Integrity Project and a number of other national, regional and local organizations to require EPA to respond to our 2011 petition. The lawsuit, filed in late January, asks for the EPA to respond to our petition within 90 days.

Ammonia Facts • Wisconsin considers ammonia to be a hazardous air contaminant, yet exempts agricultural waste from ammonia hazardous air pollution regulations.

• Even at low concentrations, ammonia can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, particularly for those with asthma or emphysema.

• In Wisconsin, livestock operations emitted over 82,000 tons of ammonia in 2011, over two-thirds of all ammonia emissions from all sources in the state.

‘Bead Bills New bills aimed at banning the manufacture of microbeads & phasing them off shelves

Preparing for action Expect action on Waukesha’s diversion application this spring You are right to feel like it is taking years for any major developments concerning Waukesha’s history-making application to divert Lake Michigan water outside of the Great Lakes basin. It literally is taking years: Waukesha first formally indicated its interest in submitting an application in 2010, though the DNR did not consider the application complete enough to officially begin its process until over a year later.

But it appears things are set to get exciting in 2015! The DNR continues to review the final revised application submitted by Waukesha in fall 2013. According to DNR staff, the process may reach a major new milestone this spring.

DNR’s next big move will be the release of its draft technical review and draft decision on Waukesha’s application as well as its draft Environmental Impact Statement on the diversion proposal. The DNR is required by law to provide time

for the public review to these documents, and they will hold at least one public hearing in addition to providing all of us with the opportunity to submit written comments. This is a key part of the process where citizens, lake users and everyone with a stake in the long-term protection of the Great Lakes will be asked to participate in the process. Your attendance at public hearings and/or comments in writing will be essential to make sure the voice for sustainable long-term management of the lakes is heard loud and clear.

We all know how important the Great Lakes are to our quality of life, family memories, and to the economy of the state and nation. We must work hard to ensure that the Great Lakes Compact works properly, and Waukesha’s diversion application is the first major test of the Compact. Let’s work together to defend Lake Michigan, all the Great Lakes, and the Great Lakes Compact!

Check our website for updates or join our email Action Network!

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As mounting evidence shows plastic microbeads are getting into our Great Lakes, state lawmakers are poised to kick off the new legislative session with bills to curb the amount of plastic pollution affecting our waters.

Microbeads are small pieces of plastic added to products like body scrubs and toothpastes. Due to their small size, they can work through water treatment systems and into our waterways, aquatic life and our own bodies. Once there, the microbeads just keep adding up, since they don’t easily break down in the environment.

The bills from Senator Rob Cowles and Representative Mary Czaja are based on Illinois’s 2014 law to ban microbeads. The bills would require manufacturers to phase out the use of microbeads in their products in the next few years and ultimately off store shelves. At publication, these bills are being circulated for co-sponsorship.

In addition to polluting our water, this plastic gets in the fish we catch, where it can harm their digestive systems. Chemicals in the plastic can also cause other abnormalities, and the microbeads can kickstart the process of biomagnification, which causes much greater concentrations of chemicals in animals higher up the food chain.

While some major companies have agreed to eventually phase out microbeads, it’s imperative that we do all we can to protect our waters and reduce the use of unnecessary microbeads. Clean Wisconsin is happy to see these among the first bills of the new session and to help move them forward.

Winter 2015

Report continued from front cover widespread in the area: nearly half of the wells had molybdenum levels above the DNR’s 40 parts per billion (ppb) enforcement standard and 20% had levels above the Department of Health Services’ health advisory limit of 90 ppb. While the average well we tested had 50 ppb, a nationwide groundwater study found a median level of 1.0 ppb, and a study of nearly 3,000 wells in northern and central Wisconsin report a median level of just 0.2 ppb.

Nearly half the wells

had molybdenum levels above DNR’s 40 parts per billion enforcement standard

20% of the wells

had levels above the DHS’s health advisory limit of 90 ppb

Looking for the source

PHOTO: Cole Monka, WCIJ

We found molybdenum contamination was widespread in the area

Once we mapped out the contaminaThough it is most often disposed of in tion, we looked into possible causes. The dedicated landfills, in recent years, more two largest sources of molybdenum pol- coal ash has been diverted toward so-called lution are molybdenum mining and coal “beneficial reuse” projects instead. This is ash, the solid waste leftover from burning especially true in Wisconsin, where 85% coal. Since Wisconsin has no molybdenum of coal ash is reused. The EPA has studied mines, we focused on coal ash as the most some uses, like using coal ash in concrete, likely contamination source. Molybdenum bricks and wallboard, and has shown it to is naturally present in coal at levels similar be safe for people and the environment. to levels in soil, but it becomes concentrat- But in these uses, the coal ash is bound up ed in coal ash as the organic components of or “encapsulated” through chemical reaccoal are burned. When the ash is exposed tions, limiting the ability of contaminants to the environment, these metals can leach to escape into the environment. However, Molybdenum Levels in Southeastern Wisconsin Drinking Water out and contaminate groundwater. other uses, like when coal ash is used as Waukesha County

Milwaukee County

±

structural fill in construction sites, are less safe. These “unencapsulated” uses do not bind the coal ash, making it easier for contaminants to get into the surrounding environment and water.

To see if the high levels of molybdenum correlated with unencapsulated uses of coal ash, we gathered records of coal ash use in the region and well data dating back to 1988. We mapped over 1 million tons of coal ash used in about 400 projects throughout the four counties. However, we know this is an incomplete picture of where coal ash has been used since we were missing records for several years in the available records, and coal ash is known to have been used to fill area wetlands and ravines since at least the 1960s.

We then looked to see if there was any relationship in terms of distance between high molybdenum levels and places where coal ash was used. Our analysis revealed that the closer a well was to a coal ash reuse site, the higher the molybdenum levels tended to be. The relationship was stronger with sites where larger amounts of coal ash were used and where groundwater flows toward wells coincided with coal ash use.

We confirmed this relationship on a local scale using additional water testing we conducted within two miles of an elementary school where coal ash had been used as fill during construction. When we checked it against other potential human sources of molybdenum, like solid waste landfills and

By Emily wastewater treatment facilities, we Jones didn’t find a similar relationship.

More work needed

Our study illustrates the urgent need for further investigation and added protections around the practice of coal ash use in Wisconsin. Coal ash regulations need to be strengthened to protect drinking water resources, and gaps in the available information need to be filled to provide a more complete picture of coal ash use in the state. Clean Wisconsin is committed to working to ensure that all Wisconsinites have access to safe, clean drinking water and will continue to work on this issue.

Racine County Kenosha County

Help us gather additional data!

Private Drinking Water Testing

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0 - 10

Molybdenum Levels (ppb)

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20 - 40

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10 - 20

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Data from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; private well test results from 967 unique well locations.

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Visit www.cleanwisconsin.org/ well-testing to find out how and where you can have your private well tested.

Then, send us your results!

Coordinate System: WGS 1984 Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere Projection: Mercator Auxiliary Sphere Datum: WGS 1984 Author: Tyson Cook, Clean Wisconsin (2014)

www.cleanwisconsin.org 7

With a little help from some Friends Businesses, organizations stand up for Fund for Lake Michigan

By Mark Redsten, President & CEO

In December 2014, the Public Service Commission (PSC) made many important decisions about our water and energy future. One especially important decision they made impacted The Fund for Lake Michigan, the foundation created when Clean Wisconsin and Sierra Club settled a legal dispute with owners of the Elm Road Generating Station (ERGS). As a reminder, The Fund for Lake Michigan will award nearly $4 million in grants and funding to Lake Michigan restoration and improvement projects in Wisconsin each year for 24 years. It should be no surprise then, that the Fund is vital to many efforts in Southeast Wisconsin and that there is great support for this organization.

One detail of our legal settlement requires that the PSC approve the $4 million annual payment in the ERGS owners’ rate cases. In early 2014, a group named the Friends of the Fund for Lake Michigan, along with Clean Wisconsin, worked hard to show the value of the Fund for Lake Michigan to the PSC. The Friends group successfully organized nearly 100 businesses, local elected leaders, state agency officials and nonprofit organizations to show their support of the Fund. The Friends of the Fund for Lake Michigan included important Wisconsin businesses like MillerCoors, Johnson Controls and Quad/Graphics, to name a few.

These businesses and many others were more than happy to help! In fact, many of them did even more than become “Friends of the Fund;” some actually testified in favor of the Fund for Lake Michigan in the formal rate case proceeding. The Friends group and its attorneys in the rate case did an outstanding job making the case for approving the funds with a unanimous 3-0 vote from the PSC Commissioners As president of Clean Wisconsin, I have the good fortune to serve on the oversight committee that helps decide how the $4 million is allocated in Wisconsin each year. This settlement, and the work that is being done as a result, is a huge victory for Wisconsin, and a very tangible example of the good work of our legal and policy team.

Thank you to these Friends Mayor Dan Abendroth, City of Mequon • Mark Brickman, Owner, Brickman Consulting • Mayor Dan Devine, City of West Allis • Mayor John Dickert, City of Racine • Dan Dineen, Partner, Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. • Don Gallo, Shareholder, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren • Dean David Garman, UWM School of Freshwater Sciences • Paul Jones, Former President/CEO/ Chairman, A.O. Smith • Dennis Klein, Chairman, KBS Construction • Paul Luber, Chairman of the Board, Super Steel • Rich Meeusen, President/ CEO/Chairman, Badger Meter Inc. • Mayor Justin Nickels, City of Manitowoc • Christine Nuernberg, Former Mayor, City of Mequon • Neil Palmer, Village President, Elm Grove • Mayor Steve Scaffidi, City of Oak Creek • Kevin Shafer, Executive Director, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District • Dave Spano, President and CEO, Annex Wealth Management • Dan Sweeney, Community Dev. Officer, Wells Fargo • Kurt Wahlen, Village Administrator, Mount Pleasant • Michael Weiss, President, General Capital Group • Interim Dean Sammis White, UWM School of Continuing Ed. • Dan Willems, Vice President and General Manager, Spancrete • Scott Yauck, President/CEO, Cobalt Partners • Anne Zizzo, President/CEO, Zizzo Group • A.O. Smith • Atlas Management, LLC • Badger Meter • Cobalt Partners • Case New Holland • General Capital Group • GRAEF • Johnson Controls • KBS Construction • MillerCoors • Quad/Graphics • Rexnord Corporation • Sloan Valve Company • Spancrete • Super Steel • Veolia Water • Water Council • Zizzo Group • Zurn • Airport Gateway Business • Association • Beerline B Apartments • CenterPointe Yacht Services • Cognitive Edge Consulting • Continuum Architect + Planners • Dominion Properties • Eco-Resource Consulting • Hanging Gardens, LLC • PaveDrain, LLC • Reed Street Yards • STEMhero • Strategic Frontiers, LLC • Stonehouse Water Technologies • Vandewalle and Associates • Vegetal iD • 30th St. Corridor Corp • Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Friends of Harrington Beach • Kenosha County Division of Parks • Land Conservation Partnership of Ozaukee County • LISC-Milwaukee • Menomonee Valley • Partners • Mequon Nature Preserve • Milwaukee Community • Sailing Center • Milwaukee Co. Dept. of Parks, • Recreation and Culture • Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District • Ozaukee Treasurers Network • Ozaukee Washington Land Trust • Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee • Riveredge Nature Center • Rotary Club of Milwaukee • Sand County Foundation • Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club • The Gateway to Milwaukee • The Nature Conservancy • The Water Council

Legislative Leader Profile Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa), who represents the 72nd Assembly District, began his third term in January.

After seeing high rates of recidivism in his job as discharge planner at the Wood County Jail, Krug started his own employment and training company called NEW Opportunities that focused on helping individuals become self-sufficient to break the cycle of reincarceration.

In the Legislature, Krug has been very focused on issues of high-capacity wells and groundwater. With 40% of Wisconsin’s high-capacity wells located in the six-county Central Sands area that Krug represents, he knows all too well the problems that can be caused by groundwater over-pumping.

“I’m seeking a balance in allowing access to water for industry and protecting the resource for recreational and future generational use,” Krug remarked.

In order to try and strike that balance, Krug created an advisory committee composed of local agricultural and environmental interests. The group is intended to foster dialogue on a complicated subject.

“This session, I’ll be looking to move legislation forward that helps strike that balance that everyone in my area is looking for,” Krug said.

Representative Krug serves as the vice chair of the Assembly Environment & Forestry Committee and will have an important voice on all issues related to natural resources protection. He will also serve on the Mining and Rural Development Committee. But his focus for now is on moving forward to protect landowners and resources from the impacts of high-capacity wells. Clean Wisconsin looks forward to working with him on those efforts.

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Rep. Scott Krug 72nd Assembly District R-Nekoosa office phone: 608-266-0215 rep.krug@legis.wisconsin.gov

Winter 2015

Polar Vortex: Not a one-time thing

Under the Lens

By Matt Landi, Science & Policy Associate

The infamous polar vortex of 2014 lowered temperatures all around Wisconsin, with temperatures in Stevens Point reaching as low as negative 26 degrees and brutal wind chills reaching negative 50 degrees. Brrrrrrrrr!

So, what exactly was that polar vortex? Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t just a onetime thing. The term “polar vortex” actually describes an atmospheric phenomenon that regularly occurs over Earth’s polar regions. In the winter, the poles receive little heat from the sun, which causes much lower temperatures and air pressures compared to midlatitude areas of the globe. This difference in air pressures creates strong westerly winds, known as the polar jet streams, that each encircle the polar regions in a spinning vortex, trapping the cold air at the poles.

While a polar vortex is typically contained over the poles, changes in conditions can allow the frigid air to escape and invade lower latitudes. In particular, the Arctic Oscillation is the pattern of changing pressures over the Arctic relative to pressure systems further south. When pressure is high in the Arctic region and low in the mid-latitudes, the Arctic Oscillation is said to be in the negative phase, which causes distortions to the polar jet stream, allowing colder Arctic air to escape to the mid-latitudes. This is exactly what happened on January 5, 2014, during last winter’s polar vortex event. Figure 1 illustrates this below.

The bad news is that emerging scientific research suggests that a warming Arctic region, due to global climate change and characterized by less sea ice and snow cover in the Arctic, will increase the frequency and severity of negative phases of the Arctic Oscillation. This unnatural phenomenon is called the warm Arctic-cold continents pattern. Reduced Arctic sea ice increases the amount of sunlight that the Arctic Ocean absorbs, which consequently radiates more heat into the atmosphere, warming temperatures over the North Pole.

This reduces the difference in air figure shows the extent of this jet stream disruppressure between the pole and mid- This tion and polar vortex expansion on January 5, 2014 latitudes, weakening the polar jet compared to the typical extent of the polar vortex. stream, allowing more distortions of the polar vortex and colder air reaching into lower latitudes. This means that if left unchecked, a warming climate change will likely increase the frequency of events similar to last winter’s polar vortex event. So prepare yourself, Wisconsin. Winter is coming…

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SAVE THE DATE

2nd Annual

A night with celebrity chefs for

October 1, 2015 | Monona Terrace Madison Join Clean Wisconsin for An Epicurean Evening, our second annual celebrity chef event to benefit our statewide work for breathable air, drinkable water, clean, efficient energy and the places we all love.

Chefs currently confirmed:

Daniel Bonanno, Pig in a Fur Coat Anna Dickson, Merchant Michael Pruett, Cento Madison More to come!

Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. | Dinner at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 per table of 8.

Our inaugural event in 2014 sold out! Get tickets TODAY at

www.wisconsinepicureanevening.org Executive Chef Sponsors

Front of House Sponsors Hoyos Consulting LLC

Produced in conjunction with

Join our ever-growing list of sponsors!

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