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DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Meeting And Back To Basics Training

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Upcoming Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) Meeting
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the RR EAG on July 17, 2025. The RR EAG was formed to address a broad range of issues, encompassing technical and policy topics related to encouraging the investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Wisconsin. RR EAG meetings are open to the public.  

The agenda and meeting materials will be posted in advance on the DNR’s RR EAG webpage.  

Registration Open for Session 2 of the Back to Basics Training Series: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data
The Back to Basics training series will be presented in conjunction with the RR EAG meetings throughout 2025 and early 2026. Each session of the series provides information and practitioner perspectives on the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties.  

Individuals involved in or affected by the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties are encouraged to attend, including environmental consultants, developers, attorneys, responsible parties, local governments, property owners, and those affected by contamination in their communities. 

The session on July 17, Back to Basics: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data, will provide an overview of site investigation, offer best practices for sampling and share information about working with a lab and understanding lab results. Topics and presenters include: 

  • NR 700 Process Overview – Jodie Thistle, DNR
  • Site Investigation Toolkit – John Sager, DNR
  • Preparing for the Field: Sampling Best Practices – Adam Roder, Geosyntec 
  • Working with the Lab and Understanding Lab Results – Jeff Ramey/Krzysztof Trafalski, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services  
  • Comparing Sampling Results with Standards – Erin Endsley, DNR 
  • Tips from RR Program supervisors – Michele Norman, DNR 
  • Moderated discussion with presenters – Bill Nelson/Derek Punches, Godfrey & Kahn 

Information and registration for future Back to Basics training sessions are posted on the RR Program Presentations & Trainings webpage. 

Attending on July 17
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting. 

Schedule
9:00 to 9:30 a.m. In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Back to Basics: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. RR EAG Meeting 

In-person attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet regional DNR staff members from the RR Program; RSVP to Coreen Fallat at CoreenR.Fallat@wisconsin.gov by noon on July 15, 2025.  

Attend in-person in Madison, Milwaukee or Superior:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)   
Room G09   
101 S. Webster St.   
Madison, WI   

Wisconsin DNR – Milwaukee Service Center  
1027 West St. Paul Ave. 
Harbor Room, Rm 107 
Milwaukee, WI 

Wisconsin DNR – Superior Field Office
Lake Superior Conference Room
1701 N 4th St.
Superior, WI  

Attend via Zoom:  Register to attend by Zoom [exit DNR] 

Registration Open For National Brownfields Training Conference And Opportunity To Apply For Free Project Assistance

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Registration is now open for the 2025 National Brownfields Training Conference. The 2025 conference will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 in Chicago. Held every two years, the conference, sponsored by the U.S. EPA, is the largest event in the nation focused on environmental revitalization and economic redevelopment and attracts over 2,000 stakeholders to learn and network.  

Local government officials, developers, attorneys, consultants, non-profit organizations and others who work to revitalize and redevelop brownfields are encouraged to attend. Visit the conference webpage to learn more and register.  

An opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in free professional reuse support for your brownfield redevelopment project through the U.S. EPA’s Technical Assistance for Brownfields program is also available. The support will offer a chance for feedback from a panel of expert redevelopment professionals to help take any project to the next level. Apply for the Perfect Pitch Competition by June 27, 2025.

Remediation And Redevelopment Database Enhancements Available Now

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

A newly designed and enhanced Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment Database Tracking System (BRRTS) application is now available. Update your existing bookmarks to the new web address for quick access to the information.  

BRRTS is a go-to source for publicly available information about reports of potential contamination, property with contamination, cleanup activities and redevelopment activities in Wisconsin.  

Updates to BRRTS were planned to transition the application to different technology platform. As part of the process, the DNR asked internal and external stakeholders to suggest improvements to the tool. Recommendations included updating the user interface and improving search features. The DNR completed the first phase of improvements which include the following highlights: 

  • The ability to search by the Consultant Company and Historical Waste Fill fields 
  • Improved options for viewing search results  
  • Buttons to easily navigate to supplemental datasets, maps and location details 
  • Faster page scrolling on the Activity Details Page  
  • And more! 

Additional enhancements are anticipated for the Fall of 2025.  

Contact Sonya.Rowe@wisconsin.gov with questions or suggestions.

Public Input Opportunity – Publication: Implementation Of Wis. Admin. Code Chs. NR 749 & NR 750 Fees (RR-997)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is seeking input on the publication Implementation of Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 749 & NR 750 Fees (RR-997).

This publication provides guidance for responsible parties, environmental consultants and others who request technical assistance or oversight from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program and is intended to assist parties in determining the appropriate fee to accompany a request for DNR review and response under Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 749.

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under Current Notices. Comments may be submitted through June 25, 2025, to Alexis Heim-Peter at Alexis.Peter@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.

DNR Seeking Qualified Individuals To Act As An Umpire For Local Government Negotiation And Cost Recovery

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The DNR is seeking qualified individuals to act as umpires for local government negotiation and cost recovery actions related to environmental remediation activities. The DNR maintains a list of qualified umpires and when requested from a local government, appoints an umpire to assist the local government (Wisconsin Statutes § 292.35).

Individuals qualified in the areas of mediation or arbitration who would like to be considered for the umpire list should complete the linked questionnaire by June 23, 2025.  Background in environmental law, specifically in the area of environmental remediation, is preferred.

Please contact MollyE.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-2153 with questions about serving as an umpire.

Public Input Opportunity – Publication: Vapor Intrusion Guidance (RR-800)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication Vapor Intrusion Guidance (RR-800). 

This publication provides guidance for persons who investigate, remediate and mitigate contaminated sites under Wisconsin Statute (Wis. Stat.) ch. 292 and Wisconsin Administrative (Wis. Admin.) Code chs. NR 700 – 799. The guidance applies to sites where contaminated vapor has, or has the potential, to migrate to any current or future buildings. 

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through July 27, 2025, to Jennifer Borski at Jennifer.Borski@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov. 

DNR To Hold Meeting Of RR External Advisory Group Vapor Intrusion Subgroup

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) Vapor Intrusion subgroup on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  

The RR EAG was formed to address a broad range of issues, encompassing both technical and policy topics related to encouraging the investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Wisconsin. The RR EAG identifies issues and topics of interest that may be addressed by ad hoc subgroups. Subgroup members are expected to research and develop recommendations on the selected topics for presentation to the full group. RR EAG subgroup meetings are open to the public. Interested individuals may register to attend by zoom. 

Zoom attendance registration.   

Visit the DNR’s RR EAG webpage for meeting agendas, materials and additional information. Subscribe for updates on future RR EAG meetings.

DNR’s RR Program Seeks Contracts And Procurement Coordinator

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) program is recruiting a Contracts and Procurement Coordinator.   

The position will be located in Madison, Wisconsin. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for contracting and procurement for all Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program projects supported by the Environmental Repair Fund (including emergency response), as well as contracts paid for with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Defense (DOD) grants. Primary responsibilities include procurement, solicitation and bidding support and coordination, contract management including invoice processing, requisition entry, workplanning, performance monitoring and reporting. The RR Program receives approximately $7 million each biennium in state funds for Environmental Repair projects. Additionally, the Program manages approximately $500,000 in contractual costs annually across numerous Federal EPA grants. This position works closely with the State and Federal Programs (SFP) Section Manager and Grant and Budget Manager to ensure efficient and effective use of state and federal funds.  

A full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID Number 17698). 

DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Meeting And Back To Basics Training Series

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Upcoming Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) Meeting
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the RR EAG on May 2, 2025. The RR EAG was formed to address a broad range of issues, encompassing technical and policy topics related to encouraging the investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Wisconsin. RR EAG meetings are open to the public.  

The agenda and meeting materials will be posted in advance on the DNR’s RR EAG webpage.  

Announcing: Back to Basics Training Series
A training series will be presented in conjunction with the RR EAG meetings throughout 2025 and early 2026. Each session of the series will provide information and practitioner perspectives on the investigation and cleanup process of contaminated properties.  

Individuals involved in or affected by the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties are encouraged to attend, including environmental consultants, developers, attorneys, responsible parties, local governments, property owners, and those affected by contamination in their communities. 

The session on May 2, Back to Basics: Discovery and Reporting of Contamination, will provide an overview of the investigation and cleanup process, discovery and reporting of contaminated sites, qualifications for environmental consultants and tips from RR Program supervisors. The training will include: 

  • Overview of NR 700 Process – Jodie Thistle, DNR
  • Spills: Discovery, Reporting and Response – Maizie Reif, DNR, and Dave Johnson, North Shore Environmental
  • Discovering Sites: Property Transactions and Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments – Erica Lawson, TRC
  • Qualifications for Working in Wisconsin’s Cleanup Program – Judy Fassbender, DNR
  • Tips and Tricks: Common Questions and Issues – RR Program supervisors
  • Moderated Discussion with Presenters – Bill Nelson, Godfrey & Kahn

More information and registration for the May 2 and all future Back to Basics training sessions will be posted on the RR Program Presentations & Trainings webpage. 

Attending on May 2 
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting. 

Schedule and Registration
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9:30 – 11: 30 a.m. Back to Basics: Discovery and Reporting of Contamination
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. RR EAG Meeting 

In-person attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet regional DNR staff members from the RR Program. RSVP to Coreen Fallat at CoreenR.Fallat@wisconsin.gov by noon on April 29, 2025.  

Attend in-person in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)   
Room G09   
101 S. Webster St.   
Madison, WI   

Wisconsin DNR – Milwaukee Service Center  
1027 West St. Paul Ave. 
Harbor Room, Rm 107 
Milwaukee, WI 

Wisconsin DNR – Green Bay Service Center 
Lake Michigan Room 
2984 Shawano Ave. 
Green Bay WI  

Attend via Zoom:  Register to attend by Zoom [exit DNR] 

Public Comment Period: 5-year Review For Sauk County Landfill Superfund Site

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites the public to share information about the Sauk County landfill and the ongoing cleanup process as part of a 5-year review. The review, required under federal law, ensures the continued effectiveness of remedies at the site. This is the sixth review since the completions of construction work in the 1990s. The last 5-year review was competed in 2020.

The landfill operated from 1973 to 1983 and received municipal, commercial and industrial wastes. To address groundwater contamination from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from materials disposed of in the landfill, the cleanup remedies included capping the landfill, landfill gas collection and testing of private water supply wells.

Today, Sauk County maintains the landfill cap and fencing to prevent direct contact to waste material. Monitoring of groundwater wells evaluate contaminant migration and groundwater use restrictions in the immediate area protect the public from using contaminated groundwater.

The DNR invites interested parties to provide information that might be important to the 5-year review of the Sauk County Landfill Superfund Site by May 16, 2025, to one of the contacts listed below.

  • Luke Lampo, DNR Hydrogeologist, Luke.Lampo@wisconsin.gov, 608-206-5809, 3911 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711.
  • Nabil Fayoumi, EPA Remedial Project Manager, Fayoumi.Nabil@epa.gov, 312-886-6840, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604.

To learn about the Sauk County Landfill site or see previous 5-year reviews, visit the Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) on the Web (BOTW) at dnr.wisconsin.gov and search for “BRRTS.” Launch BOTW and enter 02-57-001004 into the “BRRTS No.” field.

Additional information can be found on the EPA Sauk County Landfill webpage.