General Program Announcements

Reminder: Submitting Complete PECFA Claims in 2019

Posted on by Mick

The Remediation and Redevelopment Program reminds claimants and agents that all PECFA claims should be complete and accurate when submitted for reimbursement.

This includes proof of payment for all invoices, properly detailed and itemized receipts, claims for eligible costs only, documentation of work performed (e.g. field notes, photographs, weigh tickets, phone logs, etc.), and proof of deductible, if applicable. All claims must also include 2019 tax documents.

Please remember to use current forms, guidance and invoices by visiting the DNR’s PECFA website.

Incomplete claims may result in delay in payment or be returned to the claimant or agent for revision and resubmittal.

NR 700 Semi-Annual Reporting Due Soon

Posted on by Mick

Semi-annual reporting for the period of July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 is due February 1, 2019. Semi-annual reporting is required of responsible parties (RPs) for all “open” sites, including those sites the DNR formerly classified as “conditionally closed” in the BRRTS online database. Consultants may submit these reports on behalf of the RPs.

An email from the DNR with your unique report identification number was sent during the first week of January 2019. If you did not receive an email, you can request a Report ID number by submitting the Report ID Request Form. The Report ID number you will receive uniquely identifies the activity for which you wish to report, the reporting period, and verifies the person using the ID is authorized to submit the report. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Zeichert at (608) 266-5788.

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RR Program Requesting NR Board Approval to Initiate Rulemaking

Posted on by barryashenfelter

On January 23, 2019, the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program will seek the approval of the Natural Resource Board (NRB) to initiate the rulemaking process for revisions to select provisions of Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700–799, Environmental Protection – Investigation and Remediation of Environmental Contamination.

Pursuant to Wisconsin’s administrative rulemaking process, the RR Program has prepared two statements of scope that detail the proposed content of the rulemaking.  These scope statements have been approved by the governor are now available online in the Wisconsin Administrative Register.

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New Document Submittal Portal for RR Program

Posted on by Mick

The Remediation and Redevelopment program’s new RR Program Submittal Portal is now live and available to use.

The new portal allows consultants and other customers to submit documents required by Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700-754 related to the assessment, investigation, cleanup, closure, or redevelopment of contaminated properties.

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NR 712 Consultant Qualification Guidance Posted

Posted on by Mick

Following much collaboration and public comment, Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 712 Qualifications and Certifications (RR-081) is now available. In addition to the guidance being available on the Remediation and Redevelopment program’s Publications and Forms search page, it can also be found on the program’s web page for Environmental Professionals.

The document identifies the professional qualifications and certifications for performing and supervising work required by Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 712, and the requirement for certifying specific submittals for actions conducted under Wis. Stat. ch. 292 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700 – 754.

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Exempt Soil Guidance Available

Posted on by Mick

Exempt Soil Management: A Self-Implementing Option for Soil Excavated During a Response Action under Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700 through NR 750 (RR 103) is now available.

This guidance provides an optional approach for responsible parties and their environmental consultants to use when soil is characterized and excavated as part of a response action (i.e., cleanup action), and the soil does not need to be managed at a licensed solid waste facility or through a site-specific exemption in Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 718 or the NR 500 rule series. The document provides responsible parties clarity on what types of substances – if identified in soil – could generally be managed as “exempt soil” in accordance with state law without the department’s pre-approval or tracking.

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Employment Opportunity: RR Technical Policy Coordinator

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program at the Wisconsin DNR looks to fill a position for a Technical Policy Coordinator.

The position will be based in the downtown Madison office. The candidate will work closely with RR Program management on high level policy issues, coordinate statewide and cross-program teams, and oversee the development and finalization of guidance.

The deadline to apply for the position is November 1, 2018.

This position requires extensive knowledge of the RR Program to enable the employee to work effectively on a wide range of technical, scientific and policy issues, such as environmental liability, emerging contaminants, management of contaminated soil and sediment, technological best practices, environmental qualifications for consultants and other issues associated with the cleanup of contaminated sites.

Additional details are available in the position announcement.

DNR Brownfields Annual Accomplishments Report Now Available

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The Wisconsin DNR’s final report summarizing efforts and accomplishments funded by a US EPA Section 128(a) Grant is now complete and available online.

The report, prepared by the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) program’s Brownfields and Outreach section, highlights the work and major accomplishments that program staff and partners achieved during the September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018 grant year.

Previous reports, including the recent mid-year update on 128(a) funded efforts, are also available on the RR program’s website.

“Our staff put a lot of time and effort into working on brownfields cleanup and redevelopment projects and policies throughout the year. We’re proud to present this comprehensive report on those efforts and we’re grateful to the US EPA for providing funds to help us with those projects,” said Christine Haag, Brownfields and Outreach section chief.

Asbestos Conference set for Dec. 6-7 in Wisconsin Dells

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

If you’re responsible for managing renovation or construction projects that include asbestos removal and related cleanup, the 2018 Wisconsin Asbestos Conference might be for you. The conference is taking place at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, December 6-7, 2018. Registration is now open.

 

The Wisconsin Asbestos Conference Committee is a joint venture between private and government entities in Wisconsin, supported by the Department of Natural Resources (Bureau of Air Management), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (Asbestos and Lead Sections), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Madison), and the Environmental Information Association.

Learn more about the conference and register at https://wisconsinasbestosconference.org. 

DNR’s Natural Resources Magazine Highlights Spill Law, Brownfields Study Group

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

2018 marks the anniversaries of two things that shape and guide the Wisconsin DNR’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program: the Spill Law (Wis. Admin. Code Ch. 292) and the Brownfields Study Group. It’s the 40th anniversary of “292,” while the Study Group celebrates 20 years.

Both are highlighted in this article in the current edition of the DNR’s Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Many of our RR Report readers have played a role in helping to shape Wisconsin’s brownfields policies, and have done the work to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. The DNR recognizes your efforts, appreciates the partnerships, and looks forward to another successful 40 years.