Brownfields Redevelopment

RR Program Encourages Review Of U.S. EPA Policy Statement On LUST Releases And Advanced Site Characterization Tools

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

In September 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a policy statement encouraging states to move LUST cases toward closure. DNR encourages consultants to familiarize themselves with the EPA policy statement and the latest science related to petroleum-related site investigation tools, remediation and attenuation. The policy statement recommends action to move more sites to closure by:  

  • Reevaluating and assessing threats from open UST releases. 
  • Incorporating current best practices, tools, and scientific understanding of petroleum releases into their threat assessment – tools and science that might not have been available when the threats from the release sites were first evaluated and the original cleanup goals established. 
  • Making the threat assessment process open and transparent so owners and other stakeholders can be better informed about the threats posed by releases and collaborate with regulators on a course of action going forward. 

While the Wis. Admin. Code NR 700 series allows residual contamination to be left in place upon closure and exposure threats are already a significant part of closure-related decisions, several of the cases in Wisconsin have stalled due to incomplete site investigations. Defining the extent of contamination in all applicable media is required (Wis. Admin. Code § NR 716.11(3)(a)). Using advanced site characterization tools can be an efficient and cost-effective method of completing site investigations, particularly at LUST sites. Information and case studies about several of these technologies is available from ITRC and the U.S.EPA. In addition, a High-Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) toolkit is currently in development by the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) Tanks Subcommittee for release in 2026 or 2027.   

This policy statement was preceded by an ASTM Standard published in May 2025 providing related technical resources.  

Given the significant role of natural attenuation in the remediation of LUST cases, consultants are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with RR program’s updated Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156). 

For questions related to the RR LUST Program, please contact Jason Lowery at 608-228-4737 or Jason.Lowery@wisconsin.gov or visit the RR Petroleum and LUST webpage.

VPLE Oversight And Technical Review Fee Increased

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

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.

Building Your Brownfields Team Webinar Scheduled

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Kansas State University’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) group is hosting two webinars to share information to help build a team with the knowledge needed to successfully move through a brownfields project. Building Your Brownfields Team is a two-part series scheduled for June 30, 2026 and July 1, 2026.  

Part one of the series will explore building the support needed for the project from stakeholders and technical experts.  The second session will focus on the process of cleaning up the site to enable redevelopment. For more information and to register visit the TAB webpage. 

In Wisconsin, the Remediation & Redevelopment Program is available to help you apply what you learn to move forward with brownfield redevelopment in your community. The first step is often a request by a local government for a “Green Team” meeting to discuss resources available to support your brownfields team. For more information, see Green Team Assistance. 

Visit the DNR’s webpage to learn more about opportunities for brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin.  

Now Available: Publication Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156) 

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Following a public comment period and consideration of the comments received, the publication Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156) is now posted and available online.  

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 and gives direction for characterization, assessment and monitoring of sites at sites where natural attenuation is under consideration as a possible remedial option for petroleum or chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination.  

Additional documents and guidance from the Remediation and Redevelopment Program may be found using the search tools available on the publications and forms webpage.    

Contact your RR project manager or program specialist with questions.  

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.