Matt Thompson Named RR Program West Central Region Team Supervisor

Posted on by Christine Sieger
Matt Thompson and partner taking a selfie outside on a grassy area.

Matt Thompson and family.

Matt Thompson will take on a management role with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program.

Thompson recently accepted a new position as the Team Supervisor in the West Central Region (WCR) stationed in the Eau Claire office.

Thompson joined the RR Program in 2015 as a limited-term employee and is currently the WCR hydrogeologist program coordinator. Prior to the DNR, Thompson worked in the non-metallic mining industry.

He replaces Dave Rozeboom, who took a new position as the WCR Field Integration Leader earlier this year. Thompson will begin his new role Oct. 23, 2023.

DNR Seeks Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst/Specialist

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Department of Natural Resources is recruiting a Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst/Specialist that will be dedicated to supporting the needs of the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program.

This position will be located in the DNR’s Madison, Wisconsin office. The deadline to apply is Oct. 11, 2023.

This position supports the planning, implementing, upgrading, and development of the RR Program’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping applications and geospatial data needs. The primary responsibilities of this position include managing and maintaining the RR Program’s web-based mapping applications (including the RR Sites Map) and all requisite map/feature services; performing advanced technical data and database design; analyzing data requirements; performing spatial data analyses; and assisting with necessary quality assurance and quality control processes to support the RR Program’s IT operations and business needs. The position may be filled at either the IS Systems Development Services Senior/Analyst or Specialist levels.

Additional details, including necessary qualifications, are available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 11995).

RR Program Seeks Hydrogeologist Program Coordinator

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting a hydrogeologist program coordinator.

This position will work out of the DNR’s Fitchburg Service Center. There is an opportunity to telework up to 60% of the time dependent on work needs and supervisor approval. The deadline to apply is Oct. 4, 2023.

This position serves as regional program coordinator in the DNR south central region. This position will work with the region program manager to lead regional staff in implementing RR Program policies and procedures; planning and conducting training; planning and implementing special projects to improve efficiency or work quality in the Region, serving as mentor and technical advisor to project managers; coordinating and providing technical oversight for staff on stalled case and enforcement strategies and actions; hiring, training and overseeing projects of limited term employee positions; and coordinating and serving on the peer/closure review committee in the region.

In addition, the position also serves as a project manager within the RR Program, providing oversight and direction for the larger, more complex cases requiring secondary response actions and other highly sensitive and/or complicated environmental investigations. Many of these cases involve complex hydrogeological issues requiring a high level of interpretation, creativity and independent judgment, and which have major impacts on DNR actions and future decisions.

Additional information and a full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 11894).

KSU TAB Offers “Preparing For Brownfields Grants With Clean Energy Reuse In Mind” Workshop Series

Posted on by Christine Sieger

Kansas State University’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields program (KSU TAB) is offering a four-part workshop series starting Oct. 3, 2023: “Preparing for Brownfields Grants with Clean Energy Reuse in Mind.”

What Can You Expect?

  • Each virtual workshop will be interactive and engaging and is designed to build on each of the previous workshops; it is strongly encouraged participants attend all sessions.
  • Gain strategies for incorporating clean energy reuse into EPA brownfields grants due Nov. 13, 2023.
  • Learn about funding and financing options for clean energy projects.

This miniseries will start with general education and tips for grant preparation and then progress into more tailored feedback on specific plans and applications. The first three workshops will focus on preparing for the EPA brownfields grants and how to include clean energy as a reuse for some sites. The final workshop will be after the Nov. 13, 2023 EPA brownfields grant deadline and focus on broader funding and financing strategies for brightfields projects.

Who Is This For?
This cohort is specifically tailored to local governments and others interested in pursuing EPA brownfields grants and other state and federal funding for clean energy reuse. While it’s beneficial to have one or more sites in mind for assessment, cleanup and/or reuse, it’s not a requirement for participation. Participants must be from public or non-profit entities and located within EPA Regions 5, 6, 7 or 8 (Map of EPA Region) and Tribal communities.

Details:

  • What: Preparing for Brownfields Grants with Clean Energy Reuse in Mind, a series of four workshops
  • When: Starting Oct. 3, 2023 and ending December 2023
  • Where: All workshops will be hosted virtually via Zoom
  • Cost: None
  • Register: More details and registration links are available on the KSU TAB brightfields projects webpage.

Public Input Opportunity – Guidance: DNR’s Superior Lien Authority and What It Means for Property Owners (RR-507) and Guidance: Environmental Liability Exemptions for Lenders and Representatives (RR-508)

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on two publications:

Guidance: DNR’s Superior Lien Authority and What It Means for Property Owners (RR-507)
This guidance is intended for property owners and mortgagees. It defines and explains a superior lien, which is a type of environmental lien that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) places on properties when the DNR cleans up contamination on a property and is not reimbursed. A superior lien allows the DNR to recover the public funds spent on the cleanup.

Guidance: Environmental Liability Exemptions for Lenders and Representatives (RR-508)
The purpose of this guidance is to provide information to lenders and representatives about environmental liability exemptions available for sites with hazardous substance discharges to the environment.

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through Oct. 19, 2023, to Molly Schmidt at MollyE.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.

Now Available: U.S. EPA FY 2024 Brownfields Grant Guidelines & Wisconsin State Acknowledgement Letters

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is now accepting applications for FY24 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Grants. The deadline for applications is Nov. 13, 2023.

Visit the U.S. EPA’s FY24 Brownfields MARC Application Resource webpage for grant information, requirements and other valuable resources such as:

  • A new resource for state/tribal environmental authorities: FY 2024 Cleanup Grant sample site characterization letter template
  • Pre-recorded videos to provide an overview of the FY24 grants submission
  • Dates and links to webinars on grant ranking criteria
  • Tips and ideas for grant proposals

Grants offered by the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program can be used on various brownfield activities, with an opportunity to transform contaminated sites into community assets that attract jobs and achieve broader economic development outcomes.

Wisconsin State Acknowledgement Letters
If your community or organization intends to apply for an FY24 MAC Grant, the EPA requires grant applicants – except tribal entities – to obtain a state acknowledgement letter from the DNR. The letter acknowledges that the state is aware of the community or organization’s application for a federal grant and intent to conduct brownfield assessment or cleanup activities.

Request a DNR Acknowledgement Letter by Oct. 25, 2023. Send written requests for state acknowledgement letters to Molly Schmidt at MollyE.Schmidt@Wisconsin.gov no later than Oct. 25, 2023, to allow adequate time to draft and receive the letter prior to the EPA’s application deadline of Nov. 13, 2023. More information state acknowledgement letter requirements are available on the DNR Federal Brownfields Grants webpage under “DNR acknowledgement letter.”

Brownfields Fundamentals On-Demand Webinars
Interested in learning how cleaning up brownfields can help your community? The DNR’s series of on-demand Brownfields Fundamentals webinars cover brownfields planning, cleanup, liability and other topics as part of a well-rounded crash course in Wisconsin brownfields redevelopment. Topics include:

Brownfields Fundamentals on-demand webinars are available on the RR Program’s Presentations and Trainings webpage.

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.

Public Input Opportunity – Guidance: Post-Closure Modifications (RR-982)

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication Guidance: Post-Closure Modifications (RR-982).

The purpose of this guidance is to aid in the preparation and review of post-closure modification (PCM) submittals to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Information about the types of PCMs, the process, fees and types of responses available from the DNR is provided. This guidance is for use by property owners, responsible parties, and environmental consultants. It is based on authority provided under Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stat.) § 292.12(6) and Wisconsin Administrative Code (Wis. Admin. Code) ch. NR 727.

The document can be found at the RR Program’s Public Notices & Guidance webpage under the “Program Guidance” tab. Comments may be submitted through Oct. 5, 2023 to Jenna Soyer at Jenna.Soyer@wisconsin.gov or DNRRRGuidance@wisconsin.gov.

Request For Qualifications: Remedial Design Of TSCA Sediment In The Milwaukee Estuary Area Of Concern

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) to identify an environmental consultant to complete the remedial design for sediment having polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) greater than 50 parts per million (ppm) (TSCA sediment) in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (MKE AOC).

Current Request for Qualifications (RFQs) are available on the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program Public Notices webpage.

DNR To Hold Remediation And Redevelopment External Advisory Group Meeting

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host its quarterly Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) meeting from 9 a.m. to noon on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023.

The DNR’s RR Program oversees the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties. The DNR has a business need to receive constructive and practical input from, and provide information to, interested parties on a wide variety of regulatory and policy issues.

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.

The RR EAG meetings are open to the public and in-person attendance is encouraged. In-person attendees should RSVP to Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov by noon on Wed., Oct. 11, 2023.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group Meeting
When: 9 a.m. – noon on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023
Where: State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
Room G-09
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI

Register to join the meeting via Zoom.

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