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Commission reviews CARPC's draft Dane County Water Quality Plan and local implications for Yahara WINS and TMDL compliance
Summary
Staff introduced CARPC's draft update to the Dane County Water Quality Plan, a technical, ~110‑page policy framework that links watershed priorities, MS4/TMDL permit obligations and local land‑use recommendations; commissioners discussed local watershed priorities and public input opportunities.
Ben summarized the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission’s (CARPC) draft update of the Dane County Water Quality Plan, describing it as a policy framework — roughly 110 pages of technical material and appendices that cover surface and groundwater conditions, sources of pollution (point and nonpoint), and a menu of land‑use and management practices to reduce phosphorus and sediment loading.
Ben said the update reflects regulatory and scientific advances since the earlier plan, noted a kickoff meeting is scheduled that will invite public input, and emphasized that many permittees use regional programs such as Yahara WINS to meet MS4/TMDL requirements because on‑site urban retrofits can be cost‑prohibitive. “It just needs a little refresh,” Ben said of the plan, adding that CARPC’s summary and appendices provide maps and community‑specific recommendations.
Commissioners asked about gaps in the plan’s 2004 coverage (for example, why Swan Creek received less focus than 9 Springs in the earlier edition) and whether the updated plan could better reflect local redevelopment pressures in Swan Creek and Murphy’s Creek watersheds. Ben noted staff will follow CARPC’s public process, can request clearer links to local priorities, and suggested inviting CARPC staff (or their environmental engineer) to present to the commission.
What’s next: Staff will circulate CARPC materials and a link to the document, attend the CARPC kickoff, and return with recommendations on how Fitchburg can provide targeted input into the update.
