After careful consideration, effective March 1, 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) no longer expects regulated entities, unless otherwise directed by DNR, to sample for or laboratories to report three of the 36 PFAS compounds on the default PFAS list. Site-specific circumstances may influence whether the DNR approves a deviation for sampling for those 33 PFAS compounds.
General Program Announcements
Public Input Opportunity – Publication RR-606, Guidance on the Case Closure Process and Continuing Obligations: Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 725 to727
The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication RR-606, Guidance on the Case Closure Process and Continuing Obligations: Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 725 to 727.
The purpose of the guidance is to guide users in preparing for a case closure request, particularly at sites where contamination remains after response actions are complete and continuing obligations are needed to address exposure pathways. This guidance document is intended for use by responsible parties, consultants or other interested parties, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection staff.
The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance web page under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through March 24, 2021 to Jane Lemcke at Jane.Lemcke@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.
DNR Seeks to Fill Stormwater Engineer Position
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recruiting a stormwater engineer to focus on large scale energy projects.
The qualified candidate for this advanced position could work in most statewide DNR offices. The deadline to apply for this position is March 7, 2021.
The projects this candidate would oversee are often miles-long pipelines or transmission lines, or the projects may have innovative designs for wind or solar farms. It is a priority that the DNR ensures water quality protections through the stormwater permitting process for these large, critical infrastructure projects.
A position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online.
Issues & Trends Returns in 2021
The Remediation and Redevelopment Program’s online training series, Issues & Trends, will continue in 2021 with a slate of interesting webinars.
A schedule and topic registration links may be found on the RR Program’s Conference and Training webpage. There is no cost to participate in the webinars.
ITRC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Technical Resources Now Available
A new, comprehensive series of technical resources covering a variety of vapor intrusion mitigation topics is now available from the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC). The resources are included on the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program’s web page of Vapor Intrusion Resources for Environmental Professionals.
ITRC’s technical resources cover a range of topics specific to vapor intrusion mitigation, including:
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Public Input Opportunity Ends Soon for Publication RR-082, Guidance: NR 700 Semi-Annual Site Progress Report, Wis. Admin Code § NR 700.11(1)(a))
The public comment period ends next week (February 17, 2021) for publication RR-082, Guidance: NR 700 Semi-Annual Site Progress Report, Wis. Admin Code § NR 700.11(1)(a).
The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance web page under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through February 17, 2021 to Tim Zeichert at Timothy.Zeichert@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.
The purpose of the guidance is to provide information regarding semi-annual progress reports, which are required of responsible parties for open remediation sites.
Request for NRB adoption of permanent rule RR-10-17 (NR 700)
On February 24, 2021, the DNR will present a proposed permanent rule to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) for adoption. The proposed rule, board order RR-10-17, will be posted online as part of the NRB’s agenda.
The proposed rule changes to Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700-799 implement statutory changes made under 2015 Wis. Act 204 and 2017 Wis. Act 70 and makes code clarifications and updates needed since the last set of rule revisions occurred in 2013.
If adopted by the NRB, the DNR will send the proposed rules to the Governor for approval followed by legislative review.
For additional information on the proposed rule, please visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Brownfields/RuleChanges.html.
NRB public participation guidelines are available at: https://dnr.wi.gov/about/nrb/public.html.
Public Input Opportunity – Publication RR-082, Guidance: NR 700 Semi-Annual Site Progress Report, Wis. Admin Code § NR 700.11(1)(a)
The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication RR-082, Guidance: NR 700 Semi-Annual Site Progress Report, Wis. Admin Code § NR 700.11(1)(a).
The purpose of the guidance is to provide information regarding semi-annual progress reports, which are required of responsible parties for open remediation sites.
The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance web page under the “Program Guidance” tab.
Comments may be submitted through February 17, 2021 to Tim Zeichert at Timothy.Zeichert@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.
U.S. EPA’s Brownfields 2021 Conference Issues “Call for Ideas”
Organizers of Brownfields 2021, the National Brownfields Training Conference, are requesting your ideas and suggestions for the upcoming event to be held September 27-30, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The National Brownfields Training Conference is attended by stakeholders focused on environmental revitalization and economic redevelopment.
The deadline to submit topic and speaker ideas is March 8, 2021.
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Monthly PECFA Financial Summaries: October – December, 2020
The Remediation and Redevelopment Program provides updates on the status of the Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Award (PECFA) program claims and the overall PECFA budget.
Please note that the PECFA program ended on June 30, 2020. The “sunset date” is found in Wis. Stat. § 292.63(3)(ac).
The DNR does not have statutory authority to unilaterally change or amend a deadline found in statute as that authority is exclusive to the state legislature.
The monthly financial summaries are as follows:
| Month | Claims | Number | Value |
| Oct. | Claims Paid | 19 | $337,084 |
| Claims in Audit Line (as of 10/31/20) | 1 | $10,080 | |
| Total Paid FY21 | $4,107,040 | ||
| Nov. | Claims Paid | 0 | $0 |
| Claims in Audit Line (as of 11/30/20) | 1 | $10,080 | |
| Total Paid FY21 | $4,107,040 | ||
| Dec. | Claims Paid | 5 | $4,903 |
| Claims in Audit Line (as of 12/31/20) | 1 | $10,080 | |
| Total Paid FY21 | $4,111,943 | ||