Wisconsin. Division of Environmental Protection

By the reorganization act of 1967 (chapter 75), the Dept. of Resource Development (WIHV86-A114) became the Division of Resource Development under the Dept. of Natural Resources (WIHV85-A695). In 1969 it was renamed the Division of Environmental Protection, the name used in the Wisconsin State Archives' database for records dating 1967-1974. In 1974, its functions were divided between a new Division of Enforcement (WIHV86-A901) and Division of Environmental Standards (WIHV86-A902).

The Division of Environmental Protection planned, supervised, and coordinated water quality standards development, water quality planning, water supply, air pollution control, and solid waste management programs. Unlike some states, where the federal government administered environmental programs, Wisconsin gave responsibility to the DNR for air, water, wastewater, and solid waste programs. The division helped implement a Wisconsin Fund grants program for solid waste planning, sewage treatment, and nonpoint source water pollution control. Special efforts were made to protect the public health and environment from toxic and hazardous substances in air, surface waters, and groundwater.