Simplifying nutrient loss reduction in Wisconsin.
Stream Restoration & Water Quality Trading Project
Independence, WI
About the Clearinghouse
The Wisconsin Nutrient Loss Reduction (WNLR) Clearinghouse is a centralized platform focused on improving water quality and soil health. On one side, you have municipalities, companies, organizations, and government agencies that want to improve water quality in their communities. On the other side, you have farmers and landowners who can implement practices that achieve water quality and soil health improvements. The Clearinghouse sits in the middle, connecting buyers with sellers and verifying that each party follows through on their commitments. The Clearinghouse offers two different markets for participants, the Water Quality Trading Market and the Water Outcomes Market. You can only participate in one or the other of these markets.
Read the descriptions below and click on only one of the links to take you to the Clearinghouse website portal for that market.
Water Outcomes Market
The Water Outcomes Market (WOM) is a process where companies, organizations and individuals voluntarily invest in water quality and soil health improvements by paying landowners to install practices that decrease nutrient loss and increase soil organic matter. The results are measured and verified by the Clearinghouse, who handles the administrative burden that makes these deals possible.
Background: In March 2020, Wisconsin State Legislature passed Act 151 which allows the ability to create markets to facilitate water quality improvement. The Water Outcomes Market (WOM) Clearinghouse was created through an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Administration and Wisconsin Clearinghouse, LLC—a subsidiary of Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). The Clearinghouse provides an easy, efficient and user-friendly process for investments to improve water quality and soil health.
Benefits: The WOM approach gives companies, organizations and individuals (Sponsors) direct control over their water quality and soil health investment. They know what they’re paying for, where the work is happening, and whether it’s actually working. For landowners (Conservationists), it creates a revenue stream for conservation work that will improve their production operations. The Clearinghouse matches Sponsors with Conservationists, approves what practices qualify, documents everything, conducts annual site reviews, and facilitates payment processing. Most importantly, it maintains neutrality and transparency.
Process to participate
Step 1 - Register on the Water Outcomes Market by clicking on the button below. There are no fees to register and there is no commitment to participate in WOM if you are not satisfied.
Step 2 - Begin communications with the other participant to negotiate the price of the WPR credits, the length of the WQT agreement and how payments will be made. This allows you the ability to determine the value of your efforts. The Clearinghouse does not define the value and terms of the agreement. Upon reaching an agreement of terms you proceed to step 3.
Step 3 - Enter into a written three-party WQT agreement involving the WPR credit seller, WPR credit buyer and the Clearinghouse. The WQT agreement defines the amount, cost, and duration of the WPR credits. It also provides assurances on how WPR credits are maintained. The Clearinghouse will conduct annual inspections of the practices generating the WPR credits, provide reports to the WPR credit buyer, and seek corrective action if agreement terms have not been met.
Water Quality Trading Market
The Water Quality Trading (WQT) Market is a regulated process where wastewater discharge permit holders can meet their permit requirements by paying landowners to install practices that reduce phosphorus and total solid sediments.
Background: In March 2020, Wisconsin State Legislature passed Act 151 creating a central clearinghouse to facilitate water quality trades. The Wisconsin Water Quality Trading (WQT) Market was created through an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Administration and Wisconsin Clearinghouse, LLC—a subsidiary of Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). The Clearinghouse provides an easy, efficient and user-friendly process for wastewater discharge permit holders to determine if WQT is a viable option for your facility.
Benefits: WQT has proven to lower costs for facilities and meet the phosphorus and TSS standards in wastewater discharge permits. Water Pollution Reduction (WPR) credits can replace Multi-Discharge Variance payments. WPR credits can supplement current or future phosphorus reduction methods and lower operating costs. WPR credits can be purchased and used as needed throughout the year. This provides a backup for times when systems may not function efficiently to meet permit requirements.
Process to participate
Step 1 - Register on the Water Quality Trading Market by clicking on the button below. There are no fees to register and there is no commitment to participate in WQT if you are not satisfied.
Step 2 - Begin communications with the other participant to negotiate the price of the WPR credits, the length of the WQT agreement and how payments will be made. This allows you the ability to determine the value of your efforts. The Clearinghouse does not define the value and terms of the agreement. Upon reaching an agreement of terms you proceed to step 3.
Step 3 - Enter into a written three-party WQT agreement involving the WPR credit seller, WPR credit buyer and the Clearinghouse. The WQT agreement defines the amount, cost, and duration of the WPR credits. It also provides assurances on how WPR credits are maintained. The Clearinghouse will conduct annual inspections of the practices generating the WPR credits, provide reports to the WPR credit buyer, and seek corrective action if agreement terms have not been met.
Water Outcomes Market Availability Map
The availability map will be updated as new participants are registered. If you are interested in participating in this market, please email cmurphy@res.us or call 608-844-3691 to inquire about opportunities.
Water Quality Trading Availability Map
The availability map will be updated as new participants are registered. If you are interested in purchasing or generating credits, please email cmurphy@res.us or call 608-844-3691 to inquire about opportunities to participate in a water quality trade.