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Citizens press DNR for action on wake-boat ballast systems as invasive-species vector
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the DNR board to address wake-surf boat ballast systems that can retain water and spread quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species; advocates proposed pilot decontamination centers and legislative changes if administrative action proves insufficient.
Five public speakers during the open-forum portion of the Natural Resources Board meeting urged immediate attention to ballast systems in wake-surf boats, which several speakers described as impossible to fully drain and therefore a vector for aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as quagga mussels. Jim Olson, a Madison trial lawyer, summarized open-records research and warned that ballast systems retain significant water even when owners believe they have been drained. Carol Phillips and Jeff Meissman (Meissman) said wake-surf boats generate large waves and safety issues and described the design of closed ballast tanks as a unique AIS risk.
Specific requests and proposed solutions: speakers asked the DNR to (1) explore a precautionary rule or temporary restriction on non-drainable ballast until a decontamination and certification system is in place; (2) pursue a pilot program to fund on-demand decontamination centers and a certification process (advocates said they would underwrite initial equipment); and (3) work with legislators to allow local control and specific ordinances where needed. Meissman said his coalition has drafted proposed pilot designs and hired a lobbyist to draft legislation. "Ballast system boats that cannot be drained are in violation of Wisconsin laws and should be prohibited... until this problem is addressed," he said.
Agency response and next steps: board members acknowledged the public concern and asked staff to follow up; the chair said statutory change may be required for some actions but the department is seeking ways to participate. Board members encouraged continued public engagement and asked staff for an update in future meetings.
Context: speakers cited discovery of quagga mussels in Lake Geneva and an industry study showing residual water volumes in ballast systems; they said existing NR 19.055 (invasive-species rule) requires draining ballast and live wells but that enforcement and inspection are difficult when ballast tanks cannot be fully drained or are not easily accessible for inspection.
