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NR 700 Reporting Due July 31, 2024

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Semi-annual reporting for the period of Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024, is due by July 31, 2024. 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 Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) online database. Consultants may submit these reports on behalf of RPs. 

The DNR will send an email with a unique Report Identification (ID) number to contacts of sites listed in the database during the first week of July 2024. If you do not receive an email by July 7, 2024, you can request a Report ID number by submitting the Report ID Request Form.  

The Report ID number uniquely identifies the activity you can report, the reporting period and verifies the person using the Report ID is authorized to submit the report. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Zeichert at Timothy.Zeichert@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-2240. 

State law requires semi-annual reports from people who meet the definition of a responsible party in NR 700. Property owners, such as local governments that have an exemption under Wis. Stats. §§ 292.11(9)(e) or 292.23, and lenders that have an exemption under Wis. Stats. § 292.21 for specific properties are not required to submit a semi-annual report for those exempt properties under state law. 

Sites formerly classified by the DNR as “conditionally closed” are open sites that have not been granted case closure and, by definition, have remaining action(s) needed (e.g., properly abandoning monitoring wells or investigative waste needing to be removed).  

Semi-annual reporting for sites formerly classified as “conditionally closed” should indicate what actions are being taken to complete the remaining actions. 

The next reporting period is from July 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024.  

Rule Advisory Committee Meetings July 19, 2024

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The NR 700 Rule Advisory Committee will meet with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Friday, July 19, 2024.  

The DNR formed the Rule Advisory Committee to advise DNR staff during development of proposed rules. The Rule Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from environmental consulting and law firms, local government groups, industry stakeholders, affected state agencies and environmental advocacy groups. All Rule Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. 

Where: 

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

Please check-in at the security desk before taking the elevator.  

In-person attendees should RSVP to MollyE.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov by noon on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

When: 

9 – 11 a.m. – Continuing obligations (RR-14-23)  

Noon – 2 p.m. Soil Standards (RR-15-23) 

Visit the DNR’s NR 700 Rule Changes webpage to view meeting agendas, materials and the full Rule Advisory Committee meeting schedule. Subscribe for updates on future Rule Advisory Committee meetings.  

 On Jan. 24, 2024, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board granted approval for these rulemaking efforts through the approval of two statements of scope:    

  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-14-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 708, 714, 722, 724, 725, 726, 727, and 749 related to definitions, notifications, fees, agreements, reports, and procedures for interim action and remedial action continuing obligations for environmental contamination. 
  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-15-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 720, and 722 related to definitions, land use classifications, procedures for identifying environmental standards for soil, and soil cleanup standards used to investigate and remediate environmental contamination.

The statements of scope may be viewed on the DNR’s Administrative Rules webpage. 

 

Now Available: Beta Version Of New RR Sites Map

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The RR Sites Map is the Wisconsin DNR’s web-based mapping system that provides information about contaminated properties and other activities related to the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil or groundwater in Wisconsin. The RR Sites Map is part of the DNR’s Wisconsin Remediation and Redevelopment Database, an interlinked system tracking information on different contaminated land activities. 

The RR Sites Map will be moving to a new platform and will have a new look in July 2024.  

The beta version of the RR Sites Map includes the following improvements over the existing platform:  

  • New layers for contaminated sediment locations, including both points and polygons (visit “Additional Activity Information”) 
  • A new layer for materials management locations (visit “Other BRRTS Activities”) 
  • A condensed toolbar without tabs, making it easier to find tools and information 
  • The ability to mark the map with measurements or shapes and save the map in a file that can be easily reloaded later 
  • The ability to add data from a map service 

Customers can now preview the new beta version of the RR Sites Map and provide feedback or recommendations for the new platform to help the DNR make future improvements. Please contact Geoffrey.House@wisconsin.gov with feedback or questions. 

DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Subgroup Meetings May 29, 2024

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) subgroup meetings on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

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 ad hoc 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.

Where:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
Rm G-09
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI

Please check-in at the security desk before taking the elevator.

In-person attendees should RSVP to Michael.Prager@wisconsin.gov by noon on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

When:

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

Rule Advisory Committee Meeting May 30, 2024

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The NR 700 Rule Advisory Committee will meet with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

The DNR formed the Rule Advisory Committee to advise DNR staff during development of proposed rules. The Rule Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from environmental consulting and law firms, local government groups, industry stakeholders, affected state agencies and environmental advocacy groups. All Rule Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public.

When and where:
9 a.m. to noon – Continuing Obligations (RR-14-23)
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
Rm G09
101 S. Webster St
Madison, WI

Please check in at the security desk before taking the elevator.

In-person attendees should RSVP to MollyE.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov by noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Register to attend via Zoom.

Visit the DNR’s NR 700 Rule Changes webpage to register and view meeting agendas, materials and the full Rule Advisory Committee meeting schedule. Subscribe for updates on future Rule Advisory Committee meetings.

On Jan. 24, 2024, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board granted approval for these rulemaking efforts through the approval of two statements of scope:

  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-14-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 708, 714, 722, 724, 725, 726, 727, and 749 related to definitions, notifications, fees, agreements, reports, and procedures for interim action and remedial action continuing obligations for environmental contamination.
  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-15-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 720, and 722 related to definitions, land use classifications, procedures for identifying environmental standards for soil, and soil cleanup standards used to investigate and remediate environmental contamination.

The statements of scope may be viewed on the DNR’s Administrative Rules webpage.

Wisconsin DNR Update on WMC and Leather Rich, Inc. v. DNR

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

On March 6, 2024, Dist. II Court of Appeals  issued an opinion in WMC and Leather Rich, Inc. v. DNR, affirming a circuit court ruling regarding DNR’s authority to regulate “emerging contaminants” (including PFAS compounds) as hazardous substances under the Spills Law. The department will be petitioning for review by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The court’s decision is stayed until the conclusion of all appeals. The stay allows the department to continue under the Spills Law to work with responsible parties whose sites are contaminated by PFAS. The stay also means that Wisconsinites with private wells contaminated with PFAS who are currently receiving emergency bottled water may continue to receive a source of safe drinking water while the department appeals the order.

Given that the case remains pending in litigation, the DNR has no further comment.

Roxanne Chronert Named RR Policy And Program Operations Director

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

Roxanne ChronertRoxanne Chronert will take on a new management role with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program.

Chronert recently accepted a new position as the Policy and Program Operations Director for the Remediation and Redevelopment Program and will be stationed in the Green Bay office.

Chronert joined the RR Program in 1994 as a limited-term employee and has served as the Northeast Region Team Supervisor for the last 12 years.

She replaces Jenna Soyer, who took a new position in the DNR’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division last fall. Chronert will begin her new role on Feb. 11, 2024.

Rule Advisory Committee Meetings Feb. 23, 2024

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The NR 700 Rule Advisory Committee will meet with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

The DNR formed the Rule Advisory Committee to advise DNR staff during development of proposed rules. The Rule Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from environmental consulting and law firms, local government groups, industry stakeholders, affected state agencies and environmental advocacy groups. All Rule Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public.

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

Please check in at the security desk before taking the elevator.

In-person attendees should RSVP to Molly Schmidt at MollyE.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov by noon on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.

When:

Visit the DNR’s NR 700 Rule Changes webpage to register and view meeting agendas, materials and the full Rule Advisory Committee meeting schedule. Subscribe for updates on future Rule Advisory Committee meetings.

On Jan. 24, 2024, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board granted approval for these rulemaking efforts through the approval of two statements of scope:

  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-14-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 708, 714, 722, 724, 725, 726, 727, and 749 related to definitions, notifications, fees, agreements, reports, and procedures for interim action and remedial action continuing obligations for environmental contamination.
  • Scope Statement for Board Order RR-15-23. Proposes developing administrative rules that affect chapters NR 700, 720, and 722 related to definitions, land use classifications, procedures for identifying environmental standards for soil, and soil cleanup standards used to investigate and remediate environmental contamination.

The statements of scope may be viewed on the DNR’s Administrative Rules webpage.

RR Program Seeks Policy and Program Operations Director

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting a Policy and Program Operations Director. This position may be located in either the DNR’s Madison, Milwaukee or Green Bay offices. The deadline to apply is December 13, 2023.

This position serves as the lead policy and program operations position in assisting the Director of the Remediation and Redevelopment Program. In the absence of the Program Director and in conjunction with the Program’s Field Operations Director, this position represents the Department in external contacts with the Governor’s Office, the legislature, local government leaders, federal agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regional and national remediation and redevelopment-related organizations, and a wide variety of public groups, private businesses, and associations. The Policy and Program Operations Director provides day-to-day supervision of the Program’s section chiefs and Program Support staff throughout the state. This position oversees the implementation of all policy, planning, personnel and database oversight activities associated with the RR program’s policy and program operations activities. This position serves on the Remediation and Redevelopment Management Team and plays a key role in facilitation.

A full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 12491).

Issues & Trends Webinar On Oct. 25, 2023: Vapor Intrusion In Wisconsin – 2023 Updates

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program’s next webinar in the Issues & Trends series will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, from noon-1 p.m.

The scheduled presentation is titled Vapor Intrusion in Wisconsin – 2023 Updates and will be followed by time for questions.

  • Active Alarms – Overview of long-term stewardship of vapor mitigation systems in Wisconsin
  • Vapor Intrusion Resources for Local Governments – Debut of a new vapor intrusion webpage resource for local governments
  • Technical Updates on Passive Sampling, Sewers, Cracks and other Pathways – Updates and lessons learned on topics including result variability, passive sorbent sampling, conduit VI and other preferential pathways, real-time sampling, investigation at new and renovated buildings in contaminated settings, rapid response mitigation and state funded vapor investigations.

A Zoom web conferencing registration link may be found on the RR Program’s Conferences and Training webpage.

Recordings of previous Issues & Trends webinars may be found in the RR Program’s Training Library.