Rothschild, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 590, Article IV governs erosion during active construction separately from the long-term post-construction stormwater rules that follow it. Section 590-45 applies the erosion control article to construction sites with one or more acres of land disturbing activity, while exempting redevelopment with no increase in exposed parking or roads, sites under 10% connected imperviousness with under an acre of parking and rooftop, agricultural and silviculture work, routine maintenance under five acres, and underground utility work. 11(6), with best management practices located ahead of the point where runoff reaches state waters; the Administrator of Public Works can demand stricter controls where sensitive resources need added protection.

Section 590-48 makes the permit itself mandatory before any covered activity starts: the application, plan and fee go to the Administrator of Public Works, who has 20 business days to approve or deny, may require a surety bond or letter of credit, and can issue a permit valid 180 days with extensions of up to another 180 days. Permit holders must notify the Administrator within 48 hours of starting work, notify completion of each BMP within 10 days, inspect BMPs within 24 hours of any rainfall of half an inch or more and at least weekly otherwise, log every inspection with date, inspector name and construction phase, repair any siltation or erosion damage to neighboring land, and allow site access for compliance inspections. Section 590-49 further requires the plan to map the site, sequence construction phases, and specify stabilization, sediment-trapping and dust-control measures.