The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) increased the hourly oversight and technical review fee for sites participating in the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program. The new rate is $130 per hour, an increase from the previous rate of $125 per hour. The new hourly fee took effect on July 1, 2026.

This hourly fee is calculated annually in accordance with Wis. Admin. § NR 750.07, based on current wages, fringe and indirect costs.

The VPLE program is a voluntary, fee-based option for those who want to investigate and remediate a property, providing them with a transferable exemption from future environmental liability. The fee supports the DNR staff’s technical oversight throughout the remediation process.

For more information, visit the VPLE webpage.