Meetings, Events & Trainings

RR Program Announces Dates For Online Training

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Mark your calendars to participate in upcoming training hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment program. The trainings are hosted as part of the RR Program’s Issues & Trends series which provide updates and information from the RR Program on issues related to environmental contamination and cleanup.  

The trainings are offered virtually and registration is required. Anyone involved in the investigation, remediation and mitigation of contaminated sites under Wisconsin Statute (Wis. Stat.) ch. 292 and Wisconsin Administrative (Wis. Admin.) Code chs. NR 700 – 799 is encouraged to attend.  

Schedule and Session Details 

Vapor Intrusion Topics
March 23, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register to attend by Zoom. 

This session will offer an overview of information available in the Vapor Intrusion Guidance (RR-800) published in January 2026. The publication is a comprehensive resource when working on sites with contaminated vapor that has migrated or has the potential to migrate to current or future buildings. The presenters will highlight how the guidance can help you identify the conditions that may indicate the need for more investigation and the responses and actions that follow discovery of vapor intrusion. The session will also offer information about web-based forms now available to help document building evaluations that can guide you through assessment of vapor related concerns at a building and log inspections of vapor mitigation systems after installation and commissioning.  

Using Monitored Natural Attenuation in Cleanup of Contamination
June 24, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Register to attend by Zoom. 

The session will highlight the newly published Monitored Natural Attenuation Guidance (RR-0156) and considerations when selecting and using monitoring natural attenuation (MNA) as a remedial option for cleaning up contamination.  As part of the session, presenters will highlight the responsibilities of consultants and others and highlight available tools to support informed decision-making that considers the regulatory framework, site investigation components, and lines of evidence. The session will also review the importance of monitoring to verify the effectiveness of the use of MNA. 

Deep Dive into Vapor Intrusion: Application of RR-800
July 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register to attend by Zoom. 

Presenters will dive deeper into the steps to address a site with vapor intrusion or the potential for vapor intrusion, with a focus on the publication Vapor Intrusion Guidance (RR-800). The presenters will share scenarios to show how to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway and the considerations and actions needed after vapor intrusion is identified.   

Conduit Vapor Intrusion: Application of RR-649 and RR-800 
Sept. 17, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register to attend by Zoom. 

This session will provide an update on vapor intrusion through conduits. Presenters will go over updates to the publication Guidance for Documenting the Investigation of Human-made Preferential Pathways Including Utility Corridors (RR-649) and relevant portions of the publication Vapor Intrusion Guidance (RR-800). This session will also offer an opportunity for you to ask questions specific to preferential pathways.   

More information about the topics is available on our webpage at dnr.wi.gov; search “Vapor Intrusion” or “Natural Attenuation.” 

Recordings of previous presentations and trainings are available in the RR Program’s training library at dnr.wi.gov search “Training Library.” 

Update: Back to Basics And RR EAG Meeting To Be Virtual Only

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Due to the dangerous weather forecasted for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, the scheduled Back to Basics session and RR EAG meeting will be a virtual meeting only. The DNR’s RR Program is asking anyone who planned to attend the meeting in-person at either the Milwaukee or Madison location to attend virtually.

Register to attend by Zoom.

Contact Coreen Fallat 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 Jan. 23, 2026. 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 Fourth 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 Jan. 23, Back to Basics: Applying for Closure, will lay out the requirements and best practices when applying for closure. The session will also explore considerations for notifying affected parties of continuing obligations prior to applying for closure. 

Topics and presenters include: 

  • Impact of Remedial Action Planning on Closure Application, Jodie Thistle, DNR  
  • Basics of Applying for Site Closure from the DNR, Kevin McKnight, DNR 
  • Notification of Continuing Obligations Process, Judy Fassbender, DNR  
  • On the Ground: Preparing a Site for Closure (Case Studies), Cory Katzban, The Sigma Group 
  • Best Practices for Submitting Closure Application, Issac Ross, DNR 
  • Moderated Discussion, Bill Nelson or 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 Jan. 23
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting. 

Schedule
9 to 9:30 a.m.: In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Back to Basics: Applying for Closure and Maintaining 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 Jan. 21, 2026.  

Attend in-person in Madison or Milwaukee:
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 

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

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]

DNR To Host Free Learning Sessions For Local Governments On Brownfield Redevelopment

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host learning sessions for local governments on redevelopment of underused and abandoned properties, otherwise known as brownfields, on Sept. 10 in Stevens Point, Oct. 7 in Ashland, Oct. 8 in Eau Claire and Oct. 28 in Fond du Lac. The sessions are free to attend and the same content will be covered in each location.  

A brownfield is a property where real or perceived contamination complicates expansion, redevelopment or reuse. Brownfields may be found in many locations throughout the state and vary in size, age and past use.    

The in-person sessions will share information about resources available to support local governments in redevelopment of properties into community assets. Participants will learn how to identify brownfield sites in their community and understand the liability considerations and due diligence recommended when acquiring brownfield properties. Highlights of the sessions include an overview of assistance available to support redevelopment efforts. Representatives from local governments will also share their successful brownfield projects.  

The learning sessions will also offer an opportunity for local governments to connect one-on-one with representatives from the DNR and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and ask questions about brownfield properties and redevelopment.  

Session Information

Sept. 10, 2025
Mid-State College
1001 Centerpoint Dr. 
Stevens Point
Time: 10 a.m. – noon  

Oct. 7, 2025
City Hall
601 Main Street W.
Ashland
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 8, 2025
L.E. Phillips Memorial Library
400 Eau Claire St.
Eau Claire
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 28, 2025
Fire Station #1 Training Room
815 S Main Street
Fond du Lac
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Local government officials interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. To register, contact Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov at least three days in advance of the session you plan to attend. 

More information about DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage. The page provides access to a webinar series titled “Brownfields Fundamentals” for on-demand information on brownfield redevelopment topics.      

Before and after redevelopment.

Redevelopment in Green Bay led to Tundra Lodge.

DNR staff around the state are available to meet with community leaders, bankers, developers and private individuals to discuss brownfield projects. Reach out to schedule a Green Team meeting.  

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] 

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] 

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.