Help! I'm going to be Under Water!!

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

Hi,
I have lived in my house for over 25 yrs. It's in a rural area. Recently, a couple bought the land next to us. There is a watershed/creek that divides the properties. In the past, their land was partially flooded for much of the year, and in spring was very flooded, as was our back yard.
During heavy snowfall years, the water has risen to within 4 feet of our basement entryway.
The new neighbors have brought in at least 100 trucks full of dirt and have gotten all of the permits to do this.
The problem lies in the fact that this area is not a designated floodplain (FEMA'S) maps.
I know. that come spring we are going to sustain great water damage, as all of the water that used to shed on their land, will now come this way.
Having asked the man that issued the permits, whether he had taken our situation into consideration, he basically just shrugs. His suggestion is that we build a berm, or bring in lots and lots of dirt (after the land being surveyed & engineers brought in for a solution, gotten DNR approval etc.).
My question is: Can a neighbor (essentially), damage our property and not have any liability or consequences to face???
Sorry to have been so wordy, but I thought it was necessary.
Thank you for your time and response.

[HomeGuru]

Originally posted by Sara Wenger
What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

Hi,
I have lived in my house for over 25 yrs. It's in a rural area. Recently, a couple bought the land next to us. There is a watershed/creek that divides the properties. In the past, their land was partially flooded for much of the year, and in spring was very flooded, as was our back yard.
During heavy snowfall years, the water has risen to within 4 feet of our basement entryway.
The new neighbors have brought in at least 100 trucks full of dirt and have gotten all of the permits to do this.
The problem lies in the fact that this area is not a designated floodplain (FEMA'S) maps.
I know. that come spring we are going to sustain great water damage, as all of the water that used to shed on their land, will now come this way.
Having asked the man that issued the permits, whether he had taken our situation into consideration, he basically just shrugs. His suggestion is that we build a berm, or bring in lots and lots of dirt (after the land being surveyed & engineers brought in for a solution, gotten DNR approval etc.).
My question is: Can a neighbor (essentially), damage our property and not have any liability or consequences to face???
Sorry to have been so wordy, but I thought it was necessary.
Thank you for your time and response.

**A: hire a civil engineer to inspect and document the conditions.