6. Utilities This analysis describes the existing condition and issues relative to public and private utility systems in Marathon County, including municipal sewer and water systems, private, on-site sewage systems and wells, electric power utilities, natural gas facilities and services, and telecommunication facilities and services. It also describes conditions and issues regarding surface water management. Sanitary Sewer Utilities Sanitary waste disposal is handled through public sanitary sewer service in most incorporated or urban areas of Marathon County and through on-site septic systems in unincorporated areas. According to the 1990 Census, about 70 percent of the County’s sanitary sewage disposal is handled by public sewer and slightly more than 28 percent is handled by individual septic systems. Municipal Sanitary Sewer Service Most of the incorporated areas of Marathon County provide public sanitary sewer service within defined sewer service areas as shown on Figure 6-1. Areas in Marathon County served by public sewer include:

• Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Area (includes the cities of Wausau and Schofield, the villages of Rothschild, portions of the villages of Weston and Kronenwetter, and portions of the towns of Rib Mountain, Stettin, and Weston.)

• City of Mosinee • Village of Athens • Village of Birnamwood • Village of Brokaw • Village of Edgar • Village of Fenwood • Village of Hatley • Village of Marathon City • Village of Spencer • Village of Stratford • Unincorporated Town of Milan (in the Town of

Johnson) • Unincorporated Town of Rozellville (in the Town of

Day) Sewer Service Areas Sewer service areas essentially define boundaries within which public sewer service may be available. Sewer service area boundaries often incorporate areas not currently served by public sewer, but where public sewers may be extended to accommodate future growth. Areas currently served by municipal sewer systems are typically incorporated and require annexation into an incorporated municipality prior to extension of utilities. The Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Area is the largest sewer service area in Marathon County providing sanitary sewer service to the Wausau metropolitan area, as

described below. All other sewer service areas in the County are limited to the municipal boundaries of the communities they serve with the exception of the City of Mosinee, whose sewer service area extends into the Town of Mosinee. More detailed information on local sewer service areas and sewer facilities is provided in the comprehensive plans of each respective community. Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Area: This area effectively consists of a north half, which encompasses the cities of Wausau and Schofield, and the towns of Stettin and Weston (portion) and a south half, which encompasses the Village of Rothschild, and portions of the villages of Weston and Kronenwetter and the Town of Rib Mountain. The cities of Wausau and Schofield are served by the Wausau Wastewater Treatment Center, operated by Wausau Water Works. The remaining communities are served by the treatment plant operated by the Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewerage District (RMMSD). An update to the Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Plan, expected to be adopted in early 2006, also includes the Town and City of Mosinee. • Wausau Water Works - The Wausau Wastewater

Treatment Center serves the City of Wausau and the City of Schofield. It also currently serves about 25 homes and businesses in the Town of Stettin, however that will decrease as some of those users are removed to make way for the planned new I-39/51 and STH 29 interchange. A major amendment to the Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Plan affecting the area served by Wausau Water Works was approved in 1991. This added 2,860 acres of developable land to the sewer service area, mostly located

in the towns of Maine, Stettin, Wausau and Weston. The recent extension of sewer and water to the east along Franklin St. (CTH Z) to accommodate the new Wausau East High School is expected to encourage more development on the eastern edge of the City of Wausau. As a result, further amendments may be needed to make sure the sewer service area includes adequate land for anticipated future development and treatment facility capacity is sufficient to accommodate future demands.

• RMMSD - A major amendment to the Wausau Urban Area

Sewer Service Plan affecting the south half of the service area was approved in 1998. This amendment added 4,772 acres of developable land to the area served by the RMMSD. A more detailed description of the distribution of this acreage within individual communities is provided in the Analysis of Existing Conditions and Issues report completed for each local community.

While this major amendment of the service area boundary encompassed ample land to accommodate anticipated development through 2020, two events have since occurred that will likely result in the need for another amendment. First, the building of a major medical complex (St. Clare’s Hospital/Ministry Health Care) in the Village of Weston, and second, the incorporation of the entire Town of Kronenwetter as a village. Both of these events will likely generate additional development potential that was not anticipated at the time of the 1998 major amendment. In addition, the Town of Mosinee is seeking to establish a sanitary district to serve a proposed development directly west of the City of Mosinee limits with an anticipated

population of 1900 persons and over 300 acres. The Town plans to connect their sanitary district to RMMSD. As noted above, the updated Wausau Urban Area Sewer Service Plan will include the Town and City of Mosinee.

Sewer System Planning Requirements Sewer Service Area “208” Plans - Regulations for municipal sanitary sewer systems stem from the Clean Water Act passed in 1972. The primary goal of this legislation was to improve water quality to a “fishable and swimmable” standard. Section 208 of this Act required the preparation of areawide water quality management plans. This was translated at the state-level through NR 121 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which requires that water quality management plans also address sanitary sewer service needs for 20 years into the future. These requirements form the basis of Sewer Service Area “208” Plans. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has review and approval authority over Sewer Service Area plans; however, the technical work to prepare the plan is typically done by local government staff. In addition, a local advisory committee is engaged in the plan development and public review process. Sewer Service Area plans identify areas within which sewer services may be made available during the 20-year planning period. These sewer service areas are defined to accommodate anticipated growth in population and employment without negatively impacting environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., floodplains, shoreland, wetlands, and steep slopes). The plans address sewage treatment facilities to ensure they are designed to meet water quality standards. These plans are intended to be

updated every five years and can also be amended in response to unanticipated or changing conditions affecting the service area. The WDNR has established criteria for reviewing amendment requests. Sewer Treatment and Collection Facilities Wastewater treatment plants serving the Wausau metro area and other rural centers throughout Marathon County appear to be in good repair, with adequate capacity to serve anticipated future development within their respective sewer service areas. Many have been upgraded or built within the last fifteen years. Local wastewater collection systems (pipe network and lift stations) are also generally in good condition, although some contain old pipes. Sewer pipes and mains are typically replaced and upgraded in conjunction with road reconstruction or in response to known problems. In addition, most local communities, as a matter of policy, do not extend sewer service without annexation. Private Sewage Systems Most of the unincorporated areas of Marathon County use private on-site septic systems for sewage disposal. All of these systems include a septic tank or aerobic treatment tank and some type of absorption field alone or in combination with passive or active treatment components or holding tanks. Areas of the County with soils suitable for septic tank absorption fields are shown on Figure 6-2. Areas determined unsuitable for septics typically have physical characteristics, such as high bedrock or high water tables, that are not conducive to installation of conventional, in ground absorption fields.

Types of Systems Under the revised Comm 83 standards, property owners have a wider array of system options than previously available. Septic tanks can be steel, concrete, fiberglass or plastic, but they all must now be equipped with a filter to prevent the movement of solids out into the soil absorption component. In addition, rock in drainfields may now be substituted with specifically engineered foam peanuts bound in mesh or plastic chambers. On-site waste disposal systems generally fall into four categories: • Conventional Systems – these systems include an

absorption field that is buried under the natural ground level. These systems cannot be built in areas where soils do not allow effluent treatment due to high clay content or bedrock where groundwater is too near the surface, or where soils percolate too rapidly and thus pose problems for groundwater contamination.

• Mound Systems – these systems include an absorption

field that is constructed above ground, creating a “mound”. This type of system is generally used where clay soils, groundwater, rapid permeability or bedrock prevent construction of conventional systems.

• Mechanical Treatment Components – these generally

replace or augment the septic tank component and may include aerobic treatment tanks and/or self -contained

artificial media or sand filters to clean the effluent prior to its discharge into the soil absorption component.

• Holding Tanks - Holding tanks are considered the system

of last resort and are only allowed if other types of septic systems cannot be used. Temporary holding tanks (e.g., less than 2 years) are sometimes allowed in areas where public sewer is approved for installation in the near future.

Regulation of Private Sewage Systems Chapter 15 of the General Code of Ordinances for Marathon County requires private sewage systems on all premises intended for human habitation or occupancy that are not served by public sewer. The County Code incorporates by reference rules, regulations, and laws in the Wisconsin Statutes and Wisconsin Administrative Code governing private sewage systems. • Comm 83 – This refers to Chapter 83 in the Wisconsin

Administrative Code under the Department of Commerce. It sets standards for regulation of private sewage systems. This code was updated in 2000 and now allows the use of new concepts and technologies through a system of individual component approval. Standards for effluent are based on a drinking water standard, although nitrates are generally exempted.

• WDNR – The WDNR reviews septic treatment and

dispersal systems that handle over 12,000 gallons per day (gpd). WDNR also licenses sites for surface disposal of sludge.

Permit Requirements The Marathon County Department of Conservation, Planning and Zoning (DCPZ) reviews and issues permits for private sewage systems. Soil and site evaluations are required to determine if the proposed septic system is suitable for the specific property and location before a permit will be issued. If deemed necessary, floodplain and/or wetland delineation may also be required prior to permit issuance. In addition, a maintenance agreement must be submitted prior to permit issuance. All septic tanks installed on or after July 1, 1980, are required to be pumped at least once every three years. Water Utilities Like sanitary waste disposal, most residents and businesses in incorporated or urban areas of Marathon County get water service through public water systems while those in rural areas obtain water through private wells. Groundwater is the primary source of water used by residents, businesses and industries in Marathon County. The availability of water varies across the County depending on the local geology. Generally, the area surrounding the Wisconsin River Valley has access to an ample water supply from alluvial aquifers along the Wisconsin and Rib Rivers. As shown on Figure 6-3, groundwater supply is most limited or difficult to access in parts of the County where dense bedrock is close to the surface. Areas with high bedrock are most prevalent in the west-central part of the County, north and east of the City of Wausau, and south of Bull Junior Creek in Kronenwetter.

Municipal Water Service Similar to sanitary sewer service, most incorporated areas of Marathon County provide public water service to property within their jurisdictional boundaries. Areas in Marathon County served by public water systems include:

• City of Mosinee • City of Schofield • City of Wausau • Village of Athens • Village of Brokaw • Village of Edgar • Village of Hatley • Village of Kronenwetter • Village of Marathon City • Village of Rothschild • Village of Spencer • Village of Stratford • Village of Spencer • Parts of the towns of Rib Mountain and Stettin • Abbotsford and Colby (mostly in Clark County)

Most of the communities that provide public water service treat their water supply. Communities in the Wisconsin River valley typically treat their water for iron and manganese. Communities further west, including the villages of Athens and Stratford, add chlorine and fluoride, and sometimes a caustic soda to raise the water pH level. All municipal water systems must be routinely tested to ensure compliance with drinking water standards set by the EPA and the WDNR. The frequency of testing varies with the size of the community, with larger

communities subject to more frequent tests. If any contaminants exceed the standards, the public must be notified. Likewise, communities must publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report that compiles the results of water tests. Water Service Areas Public water service is usually only provided within the boundaries of incorporated cities and villages. In a few situations, a local community might provide emergency back-up water supply or sell water wholesale to an adjacent community. All local communities draw their water supply from multiple wells. Existing wells provide sufficient water to meet current needs. However, a few communities, including the Village of Brokaw, City of Mosinee, Village of Spencer, and potentially the City of Wausau are looking to add new wells to accommodate future development needs. As noted above and shown on Figure 6-3, the groundwater supply in some parts of the County may be limited or difficult to find, mostly due to dense bedrock. The depth to groundwater also varies across the County as shown in Figure 6-4. While groundwater may be found within 50 feet of the surface in most areas of the County, depths over 50 feet occur in some isolated areas throughout the County. Some communities with low water flows, such as the Village of Athens, discourage land uses that require high water use from developing there. Wellhead Protection The State of Wisconsin has a two-part wellhead protection program that was approved by the EPA in 1993. It mandates that wellhead protection plans be developed for any municipal

well proposed after May 1, 1992. These plans must be approved by the WDNR before a community can use the new well. Section NR 811.16(5) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code defines specific requirements for required wellhead protection plans. While there is no requirement to prepare plans for older wells, the WDNR encourages communities to voluntarily prepare plans to protect older wells. The intent of wellhead protection planning is to protect the public water supply through proactive steps to prevent contaminants from entering public water supply wells. This is primarily achieved through control of development and land uses in the land area that contributes water to a well; defined as the wellhead protection area. Plans also identify potential sources of groundwater contamination and present strategies to reduce contamination risks and respond to contamination events. Other management tools might include public purchase of property around wells and conducting public educational and awareness programs regarding water contamination. In Marathon County, nine communities have WDNR approved wellhead protection plans in place. These include: Village of Brokaw, Village of Hatley, Village of Kronenwetter, City of Mosinee, Town of Rib Mountain, Village of Rothschild, Village of Stratford, City of Wausau, and Village of Weston. All plans, except in the Village of Stratford, were developed to include all the wells within each community. Storage and Distribution Facilities Storage Facilities - Local municipalities use a variety of storage facilities, including water towers, ground storage

reservoirs, and clear wells. These facilities are reportedly in good condition and provide adequate storage to meet current and anticipated needs. In Athens, a new 150,000-gallon water tower was constructed in summer 2003. No other communities are currently planning to construct any new water storage facilities. Distribution Systems – All communities report that their networks of distribution pipes and mains are in good working condition, although some include old, clay pipes, which are being replaced with PVC pipes in accordance with improvement schedules. Most communities replace or upgrade pipes in conjunction with road reconstruction or in response to a known problem. Some communities have capital improvement programs that indicate when pipes will be replaced, typically within a 5-year programming schedule. Communities without capital improvement programs upgrade systems as budgets allow and circumstances merit. Private Water Wells Most residents and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Marathon County get their potable water from private wells. It is estimated that there are about 18,000 private wells in Marathon County, most of which are for human consumption while a few provide for crop irrigation and/or livestock watering. The quality of well water is generally very good; however, some areas of the County report high levels of fluoride (e.g., Stettin) and several communities in the Wisconsin River Valley note high levels of iron and manganese in their water.

In some areas, particularly those with highly permeable soils, groundwater contamination is a concern. Groundwater contamination has occurred at various locations in the County, often resulting from human activities including an old landfill, chemical spills and leaching, and high nitrates in runoff. Testing of private wells is done on a voluntary basis. According to the report Focus: Life in Marathon County 2003-2005, the Marathon County Health Department laboratory analyzes more than 6,000 private wells in the County each year. The County laboratory tests for coliform bacteria, nitrate-nitrogen levels, and fluoride. There are concerns that wells are not routinely being tested for other contaminants, particularly pesticides and herbicides such as atrazine. Where samples have been taken, about a third exceeded the 10 mg/liter enforcement standard, and could pose health risks. As a result of testing in conjunction with development of a watershed management plan (discussed below), an atrazine restrict area was developed in the Lower Big Eau Pleine watershed. The availability of groundwater varies in terms of access to the water supply and the amount of water available. The depth to reach water varies across the County as shown in Figure 6-4. Some areas, particularly those with high bedrock, require wells with depths of 100-feet or more. Likewise, the volume of available groundwater varies and is also in shortest supply where bedrock is located near the surface, particularly in the central part of the County (see Figure 6-3). Water supplies are generally good in the Plover River watershed and along the Wisconsin River Valley.

Private Well Regulations - The State Private Well Code, under Chapter NR 812 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which is enforced by the WDNR, regulates the siting, design and construction of private wells, including pumps. Any well, or combination of wells on one property that are capable of producing at least 70 gallons per minute all together must obtain approval from the WDNR prior to construction. The State also requires that new wells be tested. This is generally the responsibility of the well driller. There are also rules regarding abandonment of wells, which typically occurs in areas after they are served by public water supplies. Permit Requirements – Marathon County does not issue permits for private wells. As noted above, WDNR administers the State code regarding private wells. There is some concern that the WDNR does not have enough staff to adequately enforce the code and, given tight budgets, additional staffing is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Surface Water Management Surface water management (also referred to as “storm water management”) is one of the key components in efforts to improve water quality. It primarily involves controlling the volume, quality and storage of runoff. Storm water management facilities in urban areas generally consist of a network of curbs, gutters, catch basins and pipes to collect water and holding or detention ponds to hold the water until it can seep into the soil or evaporate. Storm water management also typically involves some degree of control over development and/or construction practices to minimize runoff and erosion. These are often referred to as “best management

practices” (BMPs) and may include restrictions on the amount of impervious area allowed on a parcel, limits on removal of vegetative cover which protects against erosion, and restrictions on building on steep, highly erodable slopes. Requirements for surface water management planning stem from the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 objectives to improve water quality. All levels of government, from federal to local get involved in the management and regulation of surface water, depending on the size of the area, its incorporation status, and the specific activities or use of the land that could affect surface water quantity or quality. Storm water management at the local level typically occurs through site development standards and erosion control regulations. In Marathon County these standards are found in the Zoning Code (Chapter 17) and Land Division Regulations (Chapter 18). Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits are required for large, and certain smaller municipalities or urbanized areas. In addition WPDES permits are required for paper mills, treatment plants and several of the large dairies and animal operations in Marathon County. These permits regulate discharges to groundwater and surface waters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deals with flood control and requires municipalities to perform floodplain mapping and develop management plans in order to receive federal flood insurance. Areas within the designated 100-year floodplain are discussed in greater detail in the Natural Resources section. The County administers land use and development control in areas identified as shoreland, floodplains and wetlands in accordance with the Zoning Code

(Chapter 17). Generally, new development is not allowed in these areas, although there are structures that were built prior to current development restrictions that remain in the floodplain. County Management Plan - In 2001, Marathon County adopted the Land and Water Resource Management Plan (LWRMP) in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin Act 27, Chapter 92.10). The County adopted an update to this plan in 2005. The primary intent of this plan is to identify a vision for natural resource management in Marathon County and outline strategies to protect the quality and quantity of soil and water resources. The County is particularly concerned about non-point sources of pollution, including failing septic systems, urban runoff, and issues often identified with rural areas such as soil erosion, animal waste and pesticides. Non-point pollution is best addressed at the watershed level. Marathon County encompasses portions of 22 watersheds as shown in Figure 6-5. The WDNR has ranked these watersheds according to water pollution impacts and designated five as “priority” watersheds to receive special planning and funding through the voluntary, state-funded Priority Watershed Program. Preparation of resource management plans for the following watersheds is currently underway: • Springbrook in the Town of Harrison; • Upper Yellow River in the Town of Spencer; • Upper Big Eau Pleine in western Marathon County (done); • Lower Big Eau Pleine in the south-central part of the

County (done); and

• Lower Big Rib River, which extends west from the City of Wausau and north and south of STH 29 to just west of the Village of Edgar.

Energy Utilities Access to energy is essential to support the needs of residents as well as those of commerce and industry. Demand for electricity and natural gas service continue to rise as population and job growth occurs. Having a reliable and relatively inexpensive supply of energy is critical to the state and regional economy. Recent power shortages in California and on the east coast and significant increases in home heating and fuel costs have raised concerns about Wisconsin’s energy supply and the adequacy of the electrical generation and distribution system. Electrical Power Wisconsin maintains relatively low electric rates, ranking the lowest of seven Midwestern states and 13th lowest nationally. Most electricity in the State is produced by coal-fired and nuclear powered generating plants, although several newer power plants are fueled by natural gas. Other technologies such as wind power, bio-fuels, fuel cells, etc. are becoming more competitive and are also considered part of the State’s long-term strategy to ensure sufficient power generation. Generating capacity and distribution capacity are two key components of electrical power supply. While power plants located in the region and the State have capacity to meet most demand, additional power can be purchased from generating plants located outside Wisconsin. The ability to import power

from outside the State is important to protect against power interruptions, particularly during peak demand periods. Concerns have been raised about Wisconsin’s inter-state transmission capacity and the limited interconnections in the power grid between the east and west part of the State. According to a report produced by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (“2001 Energy Policy: /Strategic Directions for Wisconsin’s Energy and Economic Future”), there is only one major interconnection between the two electric regions in Wisconsin, which are located on opposite sides of the Wisconsin River. Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) is the primary supplier of electric power in Marathon County although some areas in the County are served by other providers, including Xcel Energy (northwest portion of the County), Taylor Electric, Clark Electric and Alliant (far eastern portion of the County). WPS is an investor-owned utility based in Green Bay, WI with more than 50,200 electric customers in Marathon County, serving nearly all but the western side of the County. WPS currently operates three power plants (Weston 1, 2, and 3 units) all located in the villages of Kronenwetter and Rothschild. These plants provide 456 megawatts of coal-fired capacity. WPS has applied for licensing of an additional 500 megawatts of coal-fired capacity through construction of a new plant (Weston 4), which they hope to have operational by the fall of 2008. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and WDNR must approve the request, which WPS submitted in late 2003. Local zoning agencies and federal agencies will also be involved in the approval process.

Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line - The American Transmission Company (ATC) was granted approval to construct a 220-mile electric transmission line that will run from the Village of Weston to Duluth, Minnesota. This is a highly controversial project. Supporters state that the 345 kilovolt line is essential to improve reliability of the State’s electrical grid and prevent energy shortages that could have significant negative impacts on the area economy. Those opposed have concerns about electro-magnetic impacts on animals and humans, loss of rural and visual character, and the imposition of a major structure on their land. The PSCW initially approved this line in 2001, however significant increases in cost estimates resulted in the project being resubmitted for PSC approval. In December 2003, the PSC re-approved the line, with construction expected to begin in fall 2004 and be completed in summer of 2008. After extensive negotiations with the ATC, Marathon County approved easements across county-owned land for the transmission line and managed to obtain concessions from the ATC that provided increased protection for private landowners and better protected the environment. While local units of government may be able to deny easements on land they own, a written order from the PSCW will allow the ATC to use eminent domain to obtain easements on private property and State-owned land for the transmission line. Figure 6-6 illustrates the proposed power line alignment through Marathon County. The ATC is also proposing to increase the capacity on the existing Kelly-Whitcomb power line running southeast from the Weston 4 plant toward Tigerton and Clintonville in Waupaca County. This line with use existing right-of-way but the voltage will be increased from 115 kilovolts to 345

kilovolts. The increased capacity is expected to be in-service in 2008. Natural Gas As with electric power, WPS is a major supplier of natural gas service, with more than 32,250 customers in Marathon County. Most residents and businesses in rural areas without access to municipal gas lines, use liquid propane and/or heating oil. Interstate pipeline service is provided by the ANR Pipeline Company. Telecommunication Facilities and Services Telecommunication services are generally provided by private companies. Service coverage is most comprehensive in the Wausau metro area where most of the County’s population is concentrated. Broadband access is available in most of the central part of the County flanking Highway 51 and the Wisconsin River valley. Radio towers are also concentrated in this area. There are also fifteen cell towers located throughout the County plus others in adjacent counties that may serve County residents. The County zoning ordinance does not include regulations for cell towers. However, some local municipalities have adopted their own cell tower regulations. Rural areas generally rely on satellite dishes for television and cable services. • Television/Cable – Charter Communications is the

primary provider in the Wausau metro area. Cable television service is not provided in the more rural areas of Marathon County.

• Telephone/Fiber Optics – Verizon is the primary

provider in the Wausau metro area. Other providers serving Marathon County include: Mosinee Telephone, Wittenberg Telephone, Central State, Ameritech, Midway.

Solid Waste Management Most waste collection in Marathon County is contracted through private waste management service providers. In most cities and villages, and some towns, the municipality contracts with a private waste hauler for curbside pick-up, which typically occurs on a weekly basis. Residents usually pay for this service through a fee included in their tax or water bill. Onyx Corporation (formerly Superior Services) and Waste Management are the primary solid waste management providers in the area, however several other companies offer specific waste recycling services such as auto salvage. There are four landfills in Marathon County licensed under the WDNR’s Waste Management Program. The 575-acre Marathon County Landfill, located in the Town of Ringle, is currently the only public solid waste facility in the County. All other landfills are associated with industrial users. The Ringle landfill is managed by the Marathon County Solid Waste Department, however a private contractor is responsible for daily operation of the site, which handles non-hazardous waste. Municipal, commercial and industrial waste is accepted at the County landfill. User fees collected at the landfill defray the cost of landfill operations. In addition to the County landfill, the Solid Waste Management Department offers programs for recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy. A computer

recycling program, co-sponsored by Marathon County, was started in 2000. The County opened a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in May 1997 where County residents can drop off hazardous waste free of charge. To remain competitive with private landfills, Marathon, Portage, and Shawano Counties entered into a solid-waste handling agreement. Once the Portage County landfill reaches capacity (anticipated in 2006) and Shawano County sells its remaining capacity to a private user, all three counties will send their waste to the Marathon County landfill in Ringle. It is hoped that savings can be achieved through economies of scale that will allow the public landfills to remain competitive with private operations. The Marathon County landfill has two designated disposal areas. One of the areas is full and the other has capacity to remain active for another 8 to 10 years. There is also space available for future expansion of the Ringle landfill, and it is anticipated that this site can be expanded to meet demand for the next few decades. Recycling County residents and businesses contract with private companies for recycling services, which are generally provided on a weekly or monthly basis. Some communities also provide a monthly pick-up at their Town Halls or municipal centers. As noted above, the County sponsors a computer recycling program and also operates a permanent household hazardous waste disposal facility.

Issues • Sewer Service Area Expansion. The Wausau Urban

Area Sewer Service Plan was recently updated to respond to changes in growth patterns and development that were not fully anticipated in previous amendments and updates. The recent update covers the entire Wausau SSA, including the City and Town of Mosinee, and the three wastewater treatment plants located in the SSA. The update addresses the shift in growth patterns to the south and east part of the metro area, the recent incorporation of the Town of Kronenwetter as a village, anticipated growth in the City of Wausau, and the creation of a sanitary district in the Town of Mosinee. The Village of Weston is also currently involved in an amendment to the SSA to accommodate new development anticipated around the new Ministry Health Care medical complex.

• Service Consolidation – Consolidating sewer and water utility service throughout the Wausau metropolitan area has been discussed for several years. Service consolidation could improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of utility services. However, implementing a consolidated utility system will require substantial intergovernmental cooperation to overcome political and parochial barriers.

• Water Contamination. While the quality of the

groundwater in Marathon County is generally very good, contamination has occurred in some areas, usually as a result of human activities. The County is particularly concerned about non-point sources of pollution, including failing septic systems, urban runoff, soil erosion, nitrates and other chemicals in runoff. The County is currently addressing some of these through development of watershed management plans for five “priority” watersheds. While the County Health Department laboratory analyzes samples from wells collected through voluntary means, the lab does not test for herbicides and pesticides. Where samples have been taken, evidence of these chemicals have been found at levels that could pose health concerns. This suggests that a more proactive approach to water quality monitoring may be needed to identify the location and extent of potential water contamination problems.

• Easements for Arrowhead-Weston Transmission

Line – The ATC obtained approval by the PSCW to construct this 220-mile high voltage transmission line from the Village of Weston to Duluth, MN. However, ATC must obtain easements for placement of the transmission lines

and towers. The current proposed alignment of the transmission line crosses a portion of the Nine-Mile Forest. Marathon County had been opposed to granting easements for the controversial tranmission line project. After extensive negotiations, with the ATC, the County approved easements across County-owned land and managed to obtain concessions from ATC that provided increased protection for private landowners and better protected the environment.

BERN HALSEY HAMBURG BERLIN

TEXAS

MAINE

HARRISONHEWITT

HOLTON JOHNSON RIETBROCK RIB FALLS STETTIN WAUSAU EASTON PLOVER

HULL

FRANKFORT

WESTON

RINGLEWIEN RIB MOUNTAINCASSEL NORRIEMARATHON

BRIGHTON EAU PLEINE CLEVELAND REIDEMMET ELDERON

SPENCER GUENTHER BEVENTMC MILLAN DAY GREEN VALLEY BERGEN FRANZEN

MOSINEE

KNOWLTON

Figure 6-1

Sewer Service AreasMARATHON COUNTYMap Developed by Marathon County CPZ & GIS 2005

Sewer Service Areas

BERN HALSEY HAMBURG BERLIN

TEXAS

MAINE

HARRISONHEWITT

HOLTON JOHNSON RIETBROCK RIB FALLS STETTIN WAUSAU EASTON PLOVER

HULL

FRANKFORT

WESTON

RINGLEWIEN RIB MOUNTAINCASSEL NORRIEMARATHON

BRIGHTON EAU PLEINE CLEVELAND REIDEMMET ELDERON

SPENCER GUENTHER BEVENTMC MILLAN DAY GREEN VALLEY BERGEN FRANZEN

MOSINEE

KNOWLTON

Figure 6-2

Suitable Soils-Septic Tank AbsorptionMARATHON COUNTYMap Developed by Marathon County CPZ & GIS 2005

Soils suitable for septic systems w/soil absorption component

BERN HALSEY HAMBURG BERLIN

TEXAS

MAINE

HARRISONHEWITT

HOLTON JOHNSON RIETBROCK RIB FALLS STETTIN WAUSAU EASTON PLOVER

HULL

FRANKFORT

WESTON

RINGLEWIEN RIB MOUNTAINCASSEL NORRIEMARATHON

BRIGHTON EAU PLEINE CLEVELAND REIDEMMET ELDERON

SPENCER GUENTHER BEVENTMC MILLAN DAY GREEN VALLEY BERGEN FRANZEN

MOSINEE

KNOWLTON

Figure 6-3

Generalized Ground Water SupplyMARATHON COUNTYMap Developed by Marathon County CPZ & GIS 2005

Ground waters generally available in volumes adequate for industrial developmentirrigation, and domestic uses.

Ground waters generally available in volumes large enough for domestic uses andscattered urban development. Islands of water shortage occur where bedrock isclose to surface.

Ground waters generally in short supply where dense bedrock is close to surface.Islands of more ample water reserves do occur in the area where granite isweathered to rather deep depths or scattered deposits of sand and gravel occur.

Source: "Irrigable Lands Inventory --- phase 1Groundwater and Related Information", I.D. Lippeltand R.G. Hennings, MP -81-1, WGNHS 1981.

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Figure 3-2

Major WatershedsMARATHON COUNTYMap Developed by Marathon County CPZ & GIS 2005

Prioirty Watershedsas identified in the Marathon CountyLand & Water Resource Management Plan

Watershed boundaries

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