Quick Response Actions to Take when Violation is Suspected involving Runoff or Spill Issues
1. Immediately call the DNR 24-hour, toll free hotline: 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-943-0003) and request a conservation warden come to both document your call and sample the area suspicious for contamination - ditch, creek, wetland, etc. There are about 200 conservation and field wardens throughout the state. A good relationship with your local warden might make the difference between getting a quick response and getting his machine. If you know your county warden’s name, find contact information at the link below. Or check the directory of field offices for your county.
2. In addition to above, email your observations to the electronic hotline at le.hotline@wisconsin.gov. Be very specific about location, date & time, details of your observations.
3. Document the contaminated area with your own photos - and use date on camera or sign in foreground with date. If you have a Smart Phone, use this to capture photo.
4. Contact the Ag Runoff Management Specialist for your region. Include precise details of your hotline call, your talk w/warden (or no answer), your photos. A good relationship with your local runoff specialist, who might be responsible for multiple counties, might make the difference between an immediate response or no answer. Always copy Tom Bauman (Thomas.bauman@wisconsin.gov), Coordinator of Ag Runoff Programs in Wisconsin, on all communication.
5. After above is completed, write an email that briefly expresses your observations and your concerns related to above. Send this to the following individuals for maximum exposure to the issue you are respectfully addressing. Request a response. Ask what level of action they are taking to address the increasing evidence of toxic air, contaminated wells, and violation of public health.
WDNR Secretary Daniel Meyer Daniel.Meyer@wisconsin.gov WDNR
Deputy Secretary Ed Eberle Ed.Eberle@wisconsin.gov
Your Senator and your Assembly Representative
Keep copies of every email you send. Consider printing out copies and keeping all together in a single folder.
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