What is the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA)?

The Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), sec. 1.11, Wisconsin Statutes, was created by Chapter 274, Laws of 1971 and became effective on April 29, 1972. It is closely patterned after the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which was effective January 1, 1970. WEPA requires that all state agencies prepare environmental impact statements (EIS) with every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major activities “significantly affecting the human environment.”

In addition, WEPA requires state agencies to study, develop and describe alternatives when a particular course of action involves unresolved conflicts in the use of available resources. In accordance with WEPA and the regulations of the Federal Council on Environmental Quality, the UW System has developed an Action Type List to assist in determining the need for an environmental impact statement. The list consists of three classifications that follow…

  • WEPA Type I: Those actions which require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
  • WEPA Type II: Those actions which may or may not require an EIA but must be evaluated by completing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • WEPA Type III: Actions which do not require an EIS or EIA

One of the various functions in the Capital Planning and Budget office is the role of the UW System Environmental Affairs Officer. That individual assists the institutions and the State of Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development & Management  (DFDM) in identifying potential impacts to determine the appropriate classification for actions which require WEPA consideration and provides oversight for the identified process.

The Capital Planning and Budget office UW System Environmental Affairs Officer can assist the institutions and the State of Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development & Management  (DFDM) in identifying potential impacts to determine the appropriate classification for actions which require WEPA consideration and provides oversight for the identified process.

Actions

For purposes of WEPA, an "action" by a state agency is broadly interpreted. The term may include plans, research and development projects and policy recommendations, as well as physical projects. In general, categories of the UW System that require WEPA consideration include:

FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT

  • The planning, design and construction of physical facilities to be owned and operated by the UW System, including UW Colleges facilities that are leased for periods up to 75 years.

 

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Policies officially adopted as guides to agency action that, through their implementation, could have a significant environmental effect.

 

FACILITY AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

  • Decisions on environmentally significant matters connected with the operation of University facilities.

 

PLANS

  • Formal plans, both short and long term, which, if implemented, could have a significant environmental impact.

 

RESEARCH/DEMONSTRATION

  • Research and development activities, the conduct of which could have a significant impact on the environment.

Template

Environmental Significance Evaluation (WEPA/NEPA) Template
Environmental Significance Evaluation (WEPA/NEPA)

Description:  Evaluation form for the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as it relates to proposed campus physical development. Includes 14 points of assessment related to environmental impacts and alternatives, archeological and historical sites, energy impacts, economic impacts, long-range plan and policy impacts, and precedents.

Purpose:  Records preliminary investigation and evaluation of potential environmental impact significance and conditional determination of Type I/II/III action requirements.

Audience:  UW System Administration, Division of Facilities Development and Management, Architectural/Engineering/Planning Consultants.

Revision ID: Rev 2015-02

Guide or Sample

Environmental Impact Assessment Services Request
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Services Request

Description:  Request seeking professional services to develop an EIA related to a specific capital project and/or area of campus with multiple proposed capital projects that do not produce significant environmental effects and classified as a Type II action. This template includes the UWSA Type II action worksheet, WEPA document distribution list, and UW Historical Preservation Assessment form.

Purpose:  Describes project location, background, scope, budget estimate, schedule, and professional services requirements and process to develop an EIA for the proposed project or campus area.

Audience:  UW System Administration, Division of Facilities Development and Management, Architectural/Engineering/Planning Consultants.

Revision ID: Rev 2015-02

Environmental Impact Statement Services Request
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Services Request

Description:  Request seeking professional services to develop an EIS related to a specific capital project and/or area of campus with multiple proposed capital projects with potentially significant environmental effects and classified as a Type I action. This template includes the WEPA document distribution list and the UW Historic Preservation Assessment form.

Purpose:  Describes project location, background, scope, budget estimate, schedule, and professional services requirements and process to develop an EIS for the proposed project or campus area.

Audience:  UW System Administration, Division of Facilities Development and Management, Architectural/Engineering/Planning Consultants.

Revision ID: Rev 2015-02

Historic Assessment Form (UW) Template
UW Historic Preservation Assessment Form (University of Wisconsin System)

Description:  Request for UW System Historical Preservation Officer review and comment on proposed work for UW property.

Purpose:  Describes address and location of historic properties, proposed project scope description, and indicates historic preservation findings of both the submitter and the historical preservation officer reviewing the proposal. Additional attachments (site plans, project drawings and details, photographs, etc.) typically accompany this form to fully articulate and illustrate the proposed work.

Audience:  UW System Administration.

Revision ID: Rev 2015-02

Historic Assessment Form (WI) Template
WI Historic Preservation Assessment Form (WI Historical Society 44.40 Form)

Description:  Request for State Historical Preservation Officer review and comment on proposed work for state property.

Purpose:  Describes address and location of historic properties, proposed project scope description, and indicates historic preservation findings of both the submitter and the historical preservation officer reviewing the proposal. Additional attachments (site plans, project drawings and details, photographs, etc.) typically accompany this form to fully articulate and illustrate the proposed work.

Audience:  State of Wisconsin Historical Society, UW System Administration.

Revision ID: Rev 2015-02