Utica well project riles neighbors

Owner of proposed Wis. mine has problems in Ill.

Published: March 6, 2013
Tags: DNR, Gogebic Taconite, groundwater, Macoupin Energy, mining, water pollution

An investor who’s trying to develop an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin also owns a coal mine in Illinois that’s accused of doing too little to resolve long-standing water pollution problems.

EPA study may dodge tough fracking questions

Published: January 7, 2013
Tags: EPA, fracking, groundwater

An ongoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study on natural gas drilling and its potential for groundwater contamination has gotten tentative praise from both industry and environmental groups.

Fracking decisions loom as study declaring it safe is withdrawn

Published: January 2, 2013
Tags: EPA, fracking, groundwater, John Stodder

A study hailed as clearing the reputation of the oil-extraction method known as fracking has ended up muddying the reputation of the scientist who oversaw it, and thrown a shadow on optimistic forecasts about the nation’s energy prospects.

Study: Fracking doesn’t pose groundwater risks

Published: April 3, 2012
Tags: fracking, groundwater, Stodder

In a possible foreshadowing of long-awaited findings by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin has found “no direct link to reports of groundwater contamination” from the controversial natural gas extraction method known as fracking.

Senate unanimously approves regulation of geothermal well drilling (UPDATE)

Published: March 13, 2012
Tags: Alvin Ott, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, geothermal, groundwater, Keith Meyers, Scott Walker, Steven Sisbach, Wells, Wisconsin Water Well Association

A bill that would make geothermal well drillers a state regulated industry passed through the Senate Tuesday.

At least 60 Wis. communities don’t treat water

Published: February 27, 2012
Tags: Department of Natural Resources, DNR, groundwater, pollution, water

About 60 communities in Wisconsin don’t treat drinking water to kill contaminants, despite a recommendation to the contrary, according to a newspaper report.

Geothermal bill puts heat on drillers

Published: January 27, 2012
Tags: Alvin Ott, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, drillers, Gateway Technical College, geothermal, groundwater, Keith Meyers, Marshall Well Drilling, Steve Ales, Steven Sisbach, Terry Marshall, Tom Niesen, Wisconsin Water Well Association

Contractors are punching more holes in the ground as geothermal systems gain popularity, prompting a call for oversight of those who make a living on the edge of the groundwater supply.

Chemical plant neighbors sue over contamination

Published: October 21, 2011
Tags: chemical plant, groundwater, Madison-Kipp Corp., remediation, soil

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Seven families who live near a Madison chemical plant are suing the company, alleging it has failed to clean up contaminants. The plaintiffs say chemicals from the Madison-Kipp Corp. have poisoned the groundwater beneath their homes and that vapors have seeped up through the soil into their houses. Kipp vice president [...]

DNR reconsiders permit for mega dairy farm

Published: October 14, 2011
Tags: Department of Natural Resources, DNR, groundwater, mega farm, Milk Source, permit, Richfield Dairy

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources says it will reconsider a key permit for a large dairy farm proposed in Adams County because of the effect on local water supplies. The DNR had made a preliminary determination that groundwater used by the 4,200-cow farm wouldn’t harm local supplies. But, a University [...]