RR Program Seeks Vapor Intrusion Expert

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting a Vapor Intrusion Expert.

This position will be stationed out of a DNR office within the state based on applicant preference and space availability. Telework may be available for up to 60% of the work week. The deadline to apply is Dec. 21, 2022.

This is a project position that will be expected to end on July 31, 2026. Project positions are eligible for benefits including health insurance, but the incumbent does not attain permanent civil service status.

This project position provides geologic and hydrogeologic expertise and oversight for inventory, assessment and remediation of dry cleaner and vapor contamination sites, focusing on vapor intrusion risk assessment and reduction of volatile compound contamination statewide. The position serves as a Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program technical resource coordinating the work of a multi-disciplinary team involved in hydrogeology program related activities specific to vapor intrusion mitigation and remedial action, in addition to performing hydrogeologist duties identified at the advanced level of the hydrogeologist classification. The position will provide direction for agency staff and external parties on assessment of vapor intrusion, evaluation of mitigation plans, approval, notification and tracking methods, and long-term stewardship for locations with mitigation systems installed or other protective measures in place. The position requires knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC) and project management principles to provide services relating to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of vapor intrusion systems. The person in this position will be responsible for providing site-specific, engineering evaluations and project reviews for remediation sites with vapor intrusion concerns, including evaluating, troubleshooting, and optimizing support for vapor mitigation systems. In addition, this position will provide expertise to the RR Program related to vapor intrusion in the areas of building mechanical systems design, construction, remodeling, and maintenance.

A full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 7424).

RR Program Seeks Environmental Civil Engineer

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting an Environmental Civil Engineer.

This position can be located in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Madison, Rhinelander, Antigo, Green Bay, Baldwin or Milwaukee office. Other DNR locations may be possible based on space availability and managerial approval. The deadline to apply is Dec. 21, 2022.

This advanced technical position requires application of specific knowledge of engineering and project management principles to provide services relating to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of remediation systems, coordination of contaminated soil management and management of environmental systems associated with methane, air deposition, utility gas migration, and remedial excavations throughout Wisconsin. The Remediation Engineer will be responsible for providing site-specific, engineering evaluations and project reviews for remediation sites, as well as aiding regional staff, local government units, lenders, owners, and potential purchasers of brownfield properties for regulatory compliance with applicable federal and state laws. The work will include troubleshooting and evaluation services, as well as optimization support for remediation systems, methane migration, and the evaluation of air deposition of contaminants. Among other duties, the Remediation Engineer will provide engineering expertise to the RR Program in the areas of historic fill exemptions, geotechnical borings, and remedial excavations.

A full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 6481).

Public Input Opportunity for DNR Publication Guidance on Addressing Contaminated Sediment Sites in Wisconsin (RR-0124)

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication Guidance on Addressing Contaminated Sediment Sites in Wisconsin (RR-0124).

The purpose of this guidance is to outline approaches for investigating and remediating hazardous substances discharges that impact sediment to comply with the requirements in Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stat.) ch. 292 and the applicable provisions of Wisconsin Administrative (Wis. Admin.) Code chs. NR 700-799. This guidance explains the steps recommended for assessment of contaminated sediment, evaluation of remedial options and the selection, design, implementation and monitoring of remedial actions. This guidance will clarify closure requirements at sites with contaminated sediments, including continuing obligations, long term stewardship and financial assurance.

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through Jan. 11, 2023 to Carrie Webb at Carrie.Webb@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.

Public Input Opportunity for DNR Publications – Guidance: Voluntary Party Exemption Liability (RR-0141), Guidance: Registering and Removing Underground Storage Tanks (RR-627), Guidance: Environmental Contamination & Your Real Estate (RR-973)

The Remediation and Redevelopment Program is currently seeking input three publications:

Guidance: Voluntary Party Exemption Liability (RR-0141)
RR-0141 provides information about the voluntary party liability exemption (VPLE), which was created by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1994 when Wisconsin Statutes § 292.15 was enacted to aid in the redevelopment of brownfield properties.

Submit comments to Michael Prager or to DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 7, 2022.

Guidance: Registering and Removing Underground Storage Tanks (RR-627)
RR-627 outlines responsibilities for underground storage tanks and suggests best practices for registering and removing them.

Submit comments to Barry Ashenfelter or to DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 7, 2022.

Guidance: Environmental Contamination & Your Real Estate (RR-973)
RR-973 provides information to help property owners understand the impact contamination may have on the market value of their property and the legal obligations they have should the property be sold in the future.

Submit comments to Barry Ashenfelter or to DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 7, 2022.

The documents may be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under the “Program Guidance” tab.

DNR To Hold Remediation And Redevelopment External Advisory Group Meeting

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a series of Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) subgroup meetings on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

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 Room G09
101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53703
Enter from Webster Street and take the hallway to the right to the reception desk.
In-person attendees should RSVP to Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov by noon on Thursday Dec. 8.

When:

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

Remediation and Redevelopment Program 128(a) Year-End Report Available

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program’s year-end report, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 128(a) Grant Final Report (RR-0142), is now available on the About the RR Program webpage.

The report highlights work undertaken within the latest funding year under the CERCLA Sec. 128(a) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The RR Program utilizes its CERCLA Sec. 128(a) grant to enhance its state response program and fulfill public record requirements. In addition, the grant is used to support state programs and designated federal programs under the jurisdiction of the RR Program, by supporting outreach, site discovery and redevelopment tools such as:

  • Hands-on assistance, like Green Team meetings, which empower local governments to tackle brownfields redevelopment
  • The Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program
  • General liability assistance
  • Conferences and training
  • Policy development to address emerging issues
  • Continuing obligation audits
  • Online site information including BRRTS on the Web (BOTW) and RR Sites Map
  • Public/private partnerships for continuous program improvement

Reporting period highlights include activities related to Vapor Intrusion Prevention & Partnership (VIPPI) Toolkit, local government outreach with Brownfields Fundamentals, and continued protection through continuing obligations audits at closed sites.

Additional CERCLA Sec. 128(a) reports can be found on the Remediation and Redevelopment Program’s webpage.

ITRC Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training Sessions On Nov. 3 And Nov. 15

The Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) will offer comprehensive vapor intrusion mitigation training over two sessions on Nov. 3 and Nov. 15, 2022.

The Vapor Intrusion Mitigation training series provides an overview of vapor intrusion mitigation and presents information on how to utilize the ITRC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Interactive Directory. The interactive directory includes up-to-date fact sheets, technology information sheets and checklists. DNR staff participated in the development of both the technical resources and training.

  • Session 1 – Nov. 3, 2022, Noon-2:00 p.m. Topics Include:
    • Introduction & Overview of Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training Team
    • Conceptual Site Models for Vapor Intrusion Mitigation
    • Public Outreach During Vapor Intrusion Mitigation
    • Rapid Response & Ventilation for Vapor Intrusion Mitigation
    • Remediation & Institutional Controls
  • Session 2 – Nov. 15, 2022, Noon-2 p.m. Topics Include:
    • Active Mitigation Approaches
    • Passive Mitigation Approaches
    • System Verification, OM&M, and Exit Strategies

Environmental professionals are encouraged to register at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation webpage.

The online sessions will repeat in 2023. This training is also available on-demand at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation archive.

RR Program Seeks Contracts and Procurement Coordinator

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting a Contracts and Procurement Coordinator. The position will be stationed out of the Madison DNR Office. Occasional travel within the state is required. The deadline to apply is Oct. 21, 2022.

The Contracts and Procurement Coordinator position has primary responsibility for contracting and procurement for all RR Program projects supported by the Environmental Repair Fund (including emergency response), as well as contracts paid for with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Defense (DOD) grants. Primary responsibilities include procurement, solicitation and bidding support and coordination, contract management including invoice processing, requisition entry, work planning, performance monitoring, and reporting. The RR Program receives almost $5 million each biennium for Environmental Repair Fund projects. Additionally, the Program manages approximately $500,000 in contractual costs annually across numerous Federal EPA grants. This position works closely with the State and Federal Programs (SFP) Section Chief and Grant and Budget Manager to ensure efficient and effective use of state and federal funds.

A full position description for Contracts and Procurement Coordinator, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 7941).

National Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Offers Free Webinar on MARC Grant Applications

The National Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) is offering a free webinar on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at 1 p.m. CDT titled Enhance Your Chance: What You Need to Know to be Competitive in the FY23 EPA MARC Grant Competition. The webinar is focused on how to prepare an application for the U.S. EPA Brownfields FY2023 Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (MARC) grants.

The webinar will provide insight on eligibility, common application mistakes, addressing timely criteria, narrative criteria tips, special considerations for each type of application and the TAB tools and resources available to assist with applications. A Q&A session for attendees will also be included.

Register for the webinar at https://www.ksutab.org/events/webinars/details?id=550.

Updated Case Closure Request Form (4400-202) Available

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program updated its Case Closure Request Form 4400-202 to clarify under which circumstances Wisconsin Administrative (Wis. Admin.) Code ch. NR 749 database fees should be submitted and to provide updated information regarding electronic submittals.

The updates only affect page 1; no other changes were made to the form. Anyone submitting a new case closure request must use the updated form per Wis. Admin. Code § NR 726.09(1). If you previously submitted a case closure request with the correct fee, you do not need to provide an updated page 1 with a resubmittal. Please contact the regional team supervisor if you have questions regarding your case closure request.