General Program Announcements

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.

Public Input Opportunity – Publication Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is seeking input on the publication Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156).  

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.  

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under Current Notices. Comments may be submitted through Nov. 4, 2025, to DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.

MyWisconsin ID And Multi-Factor Authentication Will Be Implemented For The RR Program Submittal Portal

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

To better protect the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s systems, the DNR is switching to a new identity system called MyWisconsin ID that will also require multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Currently, a WAMS ID is used to log into the RR Program Submittal Portal (Submittal Portal). The Submittal Portal enables customers to submit forms and documents related to the cleanup of contamination under Wisconsin’s cleanup rules (Wisconsin Administrative Code chs. NR 700-799) and to report hazardous substance discharges to the environment identified through laboratory analysis. MyWisconsin ID will replace your WAMS ID and will also be used to access other state of Wisconsin online systems.

What Is MyWisconsin ID?

MyWisconsin ID is a secure login system used across state government, allowing individuals to access participating online state services and systems using a single user ID and password.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication is a way to prove who you are by using two different types of security checks. For example, after entering your password, you may also have to enter a code sent to your mobile phone. You may have used this method of authentication when logging into your bank or other personal accounts.

Why Is MFA Required?

  • Passwords can be stolen or hacked, making them less secure when used alone.
  • MFA adds an extra layer of security to make sure that only you can access your account.

What do I need to do?

The transition to MyWisconsin ID and MFA for the Submittal Portal will occur on Oct. 27, 2025.  This message is just to let you know about the upcoming change.

Before the switch, you will get another email with simple steps on how to set up your MyWisconsin ID account and multi-factor authentication. The timing of this system’s transition may be adjusted as needed.

Note that state agencies and programs are transitioning to MyWisconsin ID at different times between now and December 2026. The timeline in this message only applies to the Submittal Portal. Some state systems will transition to using MyWisconsin ID sooner than others, so a WAMS ID may be needed for some systems, while a MyWisconsin ID will be needed for others.

 Questions?

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 Oct. 29, 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 Third Session Of The Back To Basics Training Series
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 Oct. 29, Back to Basics: Planning for Remediation and Continuing Obligations, will explore the importance of planning and design for a successful project. The session will provide an overview of remedial action planning and design and discuss considerations when assessing the impact of continuing obligations on a project. Attendees will hear real-world stories presented by consultants and local government representatives. Topics and presenters include:

  • Beginning With The End: Remediation Planning – Jodie Thistle, DNR
  • Understanding Continuing Obligations & Selecting Remedial Actions – Tauren Beggs, DNR
  • Case Study: Remedial Action Planning – Harris Byers, Stantec
  • Case Study: Remedial Action Design – Leo Linnemanstons, AECOM
  • Case Study: Todd Schmidt, City of Waunakee
  • Case Study: Ramona Flanigan, City of Edgerton
  • Tips From RR Program Supervisors – Karen Campoli, DNR
  • Moderated Discussion With Presenters – Bill Nelson/Derek Punches, Godfrey & Kahn

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

Attending On Oct. 29
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting.

Schedule
8:30 to 9 a.m.: In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9 to 11:30 a.m.: Back to Basics: Planning for Remediation and Continuing Obligations
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 Oct. 24, 2025.

Attend in-person in Madison, Milwaukee or Oshkosh:
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 – Oshkosh Service Center
Conference Room 1
625 E County Road Y, Ste 700
Oshkosh, WI

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

VPLE Oversight And Technical Review Fee Unchanged For Fiscal Year 2026

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment program finalized the hourly oversight and technical review fee for sites participating in the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program. For state fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026), the rate is $125 per hour, remaining unchanged since July 2024.  

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 about VPLE:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Brownfields/vple.html 

Now Available: Publication Implementation Of Wis. Admin. Code Chs. NR 749 & NR 750 Fees (RR-997)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Following a public comment period and consideration of the comments received, the publication Implementation of Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 749 & NR 750 Fees (RR-997) is now posted and available online.  

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. 

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.  

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] 

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.