The state of Wisconsin has a number of voluntary and regulatory programs at the local, state and federal level that are intended to ensure that nutrients from all sources are applied properly and in manner that protects waters of the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has a number of voluntary and regulatory programs designed to promote the creation and implementation of nutrient management plans (NMP). The primary WDNR regulatory tools for NMP implementation are as follows:

• Water quality protection permits, called Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits, issued by WDNR to larger-scale livestock operations known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO). These permits are issued under ch. NR 243, Wis. Adm. Code, and are based on EPA delegation of Clean Water Act permitting authority to WDNR and other state water quality protection authority.

• Statewide Agricultural Performance Standards and Prohibitions contained in ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code. This rule is implemented in concert with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and local units of governments (i.e., towns and counties). The WDNR recently completed revisions to CAFO permit requirements contained in ch. NR 243. These revisions include requirements for phosphorus-based nutrient management, additional restrictions when CAFOs apply manure and process wastewater near lakes, streams and their conduits, and additional restrictions on CAFO applications of manure on frozen or snow-covered ground.