General Program Announcements

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.

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 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.

Meeting Notes Available From Jan. 23 RR External Advisory Group Meeting

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Meeting notes and materials from the Jan. 23, 2025, meeting of the Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) are available on the DNR’s RR EAG webpage.  

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.   

Subscribe for updates on future RR EAG meetings. 

Now Available: Updated Publication Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels And Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The publication Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136) is now updated and available on the DNR website. The U.S. EPA updated toxicity information for 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) in November 2024 by changing from U.S. EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) chronic inhalation reference concentration (RfC) to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) RfC for this chemical. The update decreased the VALs and VRSLs for 1,1-DCE.    

The purpose of this look-up table is to list volatile organic compounds frequently encountered at cleanup sites in Wisconsin. Consultants should compare vapor data for open sites to the updated table for potential additional actions. Vapor data for chemicals not listed on RR-0136 should accessed via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) Calculator; instructions on using VISL are included in RR-0136.    

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

Questions regarding this document may be submitted to Jennifer Borski at Jennifer.Borski@wisconsin.gov.  

 

ITRC Comprehensive Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training Feb. 27 and March 11

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) will offer online vapor intrusion training over two sessions on Feb. 27 and March 11, 2025.  

The training series provides an overview of vapor intrusion mitigation and shares information on using the ITRC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Interactive Directory. The interactive directory includes fact sheets, technology information sheets and checklists. Staff members from the DNR participated in the development of the technical resources and the training.  

The training is a series of eight modules covering the topics listed below and will be presented over two, two-hour sessions: 

Session 1 – Feb. 27, 2025 (noon to 2 p.m. CST)
Topics include: 

  • Introduction and overview of vapor intrusion mitigation training team 
  • Conceptual site models for vapor intrusion mitigation 
  • Public outreach during vapor intrusion mitigation 
  • Rapid response and ventilation for vapor intrusion mitigation 
  • Remediation and institutional controls 

Session 2 – March 11, 2025 (noon to 2 p.m. CST)
Topics include: 

  • Active mitigation approaches 
  • Passive mitigation approaches 
  • System verification, operations, maintenance and monitoring, (OM&M) and exit strategies 

Environmental professionals are encouraged to register at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation webpage. The training is also available on-demand at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation archive. 

While the documents are designed to assist state regulators, they also serve to raise awareness with environmental consultants and other industry professionals. 

Site-specific questions regarding vapor intrusion in Wisconsin should be directed to the assigned DNR Project Manager. General vapor intrusion questions can be directed to the appropriate contact listed at RR Program Staff Contacts. 

DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Vapor Intrusion Subgroup Meeting

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group’s (RR EAG) Vapor Intrusion Subgroup on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. 

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 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 attend in-person or register to attend by zoom.

Location:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
Room G09
101 S Webster St.
Madison, WI

When:
2 – 3:30 p.m. – Zoom attendance registration.

In-person attendees should RSVP to Coreen Fallat by noon on Feb. 10, 2025, at CoreenR.Fallat@wisconsin.gov. Please check in at the security desk before taking the elevator.

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