Brownfields Redevelopment

Now Available: U.S. EPA FY 2026 Brownfields Grant Guidelines And Wisconsin State Letters Of Acknowledgement

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is accepting applications for Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Grants for fiscal year 2026. The deadline for applications is Jan. 28, 2026. Grants offered by the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program can be used to help transform contaminated sites into community assets that attract jobs and achieve broader economic development outcomes. 

The U.S. EPA will host two webinars to share information about the application criteria on the dates below.   

  • Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at noon ET 
  • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET  

Visit the U.S. EPA’s webpage for application resources for information about these webinars and to access additional information about the grants. 

Wisconsin State Acknowledgement Letters
To apply for an FY26 MAC Grant, grant applicants – except tribal entities – must obtain a state acknowledgement letter from the DNR. The letter acknowledges that the state is aware of the community or organization’s application for a federal grant to conduct a brownfield assessment or cleanup activities. 

Submit a written request for a DNR Acknowledgement Letter to Molly Schmidt at MollyE.Schmidt@Wisconsin.gov by Jan. 14, 2026. More information about state acknowledgement letter requirements is available on the DNR Federal Brownfields Grants webpage under “State Letter of Acknowledgement.”

DNR’s RR Program Seeks Four Hydrogeologists To Fill Project Manager Positions

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting four hydrogeologists to serve as project managers.  

The entry- and senior-level positions can be based in Fitchburg, Milwaukee, Oshkosh or Green Bay. The deadline to apply is Dec. 8, 2025. 

Project managers in the RR Program provide geologic and hydrogeologic expertise and oversight during the investigation and remediation of contaminated properties. Qualified individuals will have education, training or experience with hydrogeology, geology, hydrology, soil science, or fate and transport of contaminants.  

Project managers collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as part of the investigation and cleanup environmental contamination. Entry-level project managers gather, analyze and interpret data collected from a property and process the documentation from all project stages. Senior-level project managers provide oversight and technical advice to consultants and responsible parties to address soil and groundwater contamination at projects throughout the region.   

Full position descriptions for both the entry-level and senior-level positions, including necessary qualifications, are available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 19310).

DNR Requests Proposals For Two Brownfield Projects

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) posted requests for proposals on two brownfield planning projects. The projects are funded through federal Technical Assistance Grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Evansville Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR seeks proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning to identify redevelopment opportunities for a former auto service shop located in the city of Evansville. The project will advance the redevelopment of the city-owned property for the benefit of the community.  

Rice Lake Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR seeks proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning at two lakefront properties within the city of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. One city-owned property is vacant, and the other property owner may reconsider relocating operations to allow the city of Rice Lake to pursue lakefront redevelopment opportunities. The project will help advance the reuse of the properties for the benefit of the community.  

Proposals are due Dec. 19, 2025, by 4 p.m. The RFPs are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage.

Updates Made To Banner Language In BRRTS

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) updated select banners that appear in the Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS). BRRTS is a public database with information on potential contamination, contaminated properties, cleanup activities and redevelopment in Wisconsin.  

The Activity Detail Page now lists all continuing obligations for a site under the orange Continuing Obligations Apply banner, including contaminated vapor and monitoring well abandonment details. The list updates automatically as continuing obligations are updated or changed. If all continuing obligations are removed, the banner will no longer be displayed.   

These improvements make it easier to quickly identify all continuing obligations. The information shown under the banner is a summary only. Users should still review the complete record of activities and available documents under the Actions and Documents section for more complete information.   

To learn more about BRRTS, visit the DNR webpage.

Brownfield Redevelopment Featured In Fall 2025 Issue Of “Wisconsin Natural Resources” Magazine

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The successful cleanup of brownfield properties is an important step to address environmental contamination and creates conditions that enable redevelopment of a property. The Fall 2025 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine describes how to get started with the process of remediation and redevelopment in Wisconsin and encourages communities to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) brownfield team for information and assistance.

The article features two unique projects in the state where community efforts, with support from the RR Program, are transforming brownfield properties into vibrant destinations for living, working and playing. The first project is the ongoing redevelopment of a 145-acre brownfield property in the City of Brillion into a variety of uses based on the community’s needs. A second project describes how a non-traditional approach to brownfield redevelopment led to the cleanup of the 9-acre Pickle Pond in the City of Superior, which ultimately benefitted fish and wildlife habitat while restoring recreational opportunities.

Successful brownfield redevelopment projects can be found throughout the state. To learn more about how other communities have successfully investigated, cleaned up and redeveloped many of their brownfield properties, visit the DNR’s interactive Wisconsin Brownfield Success Stories map.

For more information on brownfield redevelopment opportunities and assistance, visit the DNR Brownfields webpage.

Request For Qualifications:  Kewaunee Marsh Remedial Design 

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for remediation design services at the Kewaunee Marsh Arsenic Contaminated Site.  

SOQs are due Oct. 3, 2025.  

Following scoring of the SOQs, the DNR will request proposals from up to four qualified environmental consulting firms. Only one contract will be awarded.   

A copy of the Request for Qualifications is available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage. 

DNR To Host Free Learning Sessions For Local Governments On Brownfield Redevelopment

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host learning sessions for local governments on redevelopment of underused and abandoned properties, otherwise known as brownfields, on Sept. 10 in Stevens Point, Oct. 7 in Ashland, Oct. 8 in Eau Claire and Oct. 28 in Fond du Lac. The sessions are free to attend and the same content will be covered in each location.  

A brownfield is a property where real or perceived contamination complicates expansion, redevelopment or reuse. Brownfields may be found in many locations throughout the state and vary in size, age and past use.    

The in-person sessions will share information about resources available to support local governments in redevelopment of properties into community assets. Participants will learn how to identify brownfield sites in their community and understand the liability considerations and due diligence recommended when acquiring brownfield properties. Highlights of the sessions include an overview of assistance available to support redevelopment efforts. Representatives from local governments will also share their successful brownfield projects.  

The learning sessions will also offer an opportunity for local governments to connect one-on-one with representatives from the DNR and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and ask questions about brownfield properties and redevelopment.  

Session Information

Sept. 10, 2025
Mid-State College
1001 Centerpoint Dr. 
Stevens Point
Time: 10 a.m. – noon  

Oct. 7, 2025
City Hall
601 Main Street W.
Ashland
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 8, 2025
L.E. Phillips Memorial Library
400 Eau Claire St.
Eau Claire
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 28, 2025
Fire Station #1 Training Room
815 S Main Street
Fond du Lac
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Local government officials interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. To register, contact Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov at least three days in advance of the session you plan to attend. 

More information about DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage. The page provides access to a webinar series titled “Brownfields Fundamentals” for on-demand information on brownfield redevelopment topics.      

Before and after redevelopment.

Redevelopment in Green Bay led to Tundra Lodge.

DNR staff around the state are available to meet with community leaders, bankers, developers and private individuals to discuss brownfield projects. Reach out to schedule a Green Team meeting.  

Request for Qualifications: Vapor Intrusion Zone Contract

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) to identify up to four qualified environmental consultants to provide professional services to investigate and mitigate vapor intrusion at sites in Wisconsin. This work will be conducted on an as-needed basis under a Vapor Intrusion Zone Contract. 

Selected consultants will be offered a 3-year professional services contract, with the option for two 1-year extensions (5 years total). 

Interested parties should submit an SOQ by Aug. 1, 2025.  

Copies of the Request for Qualifications are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage. 

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.