Updates To The RR Presentations & Training Library

Posted on by Christine Sieger

Brownfields Fundamentals logo which is a photo of an old white building with broken windows transitioning into a sketch drawing of a new apartment complex. The words brownfields fundmentals are at the bottom of the image.The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program provides up-to-date and quality presentations and trainings on a variety of technical and educational topics for environmental professionals, local governments, community organizations, members of the public and others.

The RR Program Presentations & Training Library webpage has added a dedicated section for the Brownfields Fundamentals series. The articles, webinars and panel discussions are designed to provide valuable brownfields cleanup and redevelopment information and resources to local governments and their communities.

RR Program Trainings

  • Brownfields Fundamentals
  • Issues & Trends – Quarterly Zoom webinars providing information on a variety of topics such as DNR and RR Program updates, Wisconsin Administrative rulemaking information, environmental contamination and cleanup and more.
  • Consultants’ Days – Coming to a region near you in 2024! A day-long conference designed for environmental professionals focused on providing presentations, demonstrations, and discussions on environmental cleanup laws, best practices, compliance and guidance. The accordion contains presentations from past conferences.
  • Local Government Days — A day-long conference for local government officials on brownfields redevelopment. This accordion contains presentations from past conferences.

A list of upcoming presentations and trainings is available on the RR Program Presentations & Trainings webpage. If there is a topic you would like addressed in a future webinar, please email Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov.

DNR Requests Proposals For Two Brownfield Projects

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has posted requests for proposals (RFPs) on two brownfield planning projects. The projects are funded by a FY23 Small Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cuba City Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR is seeking proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with the community engagement and visioning process for a large, soon-to-be vacant senior care and rehabilitation facility located in Cuba City, Wisconsin. The senior care facility is a 9-acre site with asbestos-containing materials and other potential environmental conditions.

Port Edwards Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR is seeking proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning at a former paper mill in the village of Port Edwards, Wisconsin. This planning project is focused on an approximately 46-acre portion of the 180-acre former paper mill.

Proposals are due Nov. 20, 2023. The RFPs are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage.

DNR Launches New Vapor Intrusion Webpage For Local Governments

Posted on by Christine Sieger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 19, 2023
Contact: Christine Sieger, DNR Remediation and Redevelopment
Program Director
Christine.Sieger@wisconsin.gov or 608-422-1148

DNR Launches New Vapor Intrusion Webpage For Local Governments

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a new webpage to help local governments address vapor intrusion in their communities.

The new Vapor Intrusion for Local Governments webpage from the Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program provides tools and resources for local governments to address vapor intrusion in their communities, including information on locating contaminated sites, considerations for development or redevelopment, vapor intrusion prevention and planning resources as well as health information.

“The risk from vapor intrusion is new territory for many municipalities and local health departments,” said Jennifer Borski, Remediation and Redevelopment Program Vapor Intrusion Team Leader. “This webpage is designed specifically for the unique needs of local municipalities as they incorporate consideration of this health risk into their daily work on items such as permitting, redevelopment, road work and planning. Our hope is this webpage will serve to provide readily accessible support and guidance for municipalities and encourage partnership with the DNR’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program in our shared efforts to protect the residents of Wisconsin.”

In addition to the webpage dedicated to local governments, a new landing page has been added to organize vapor intrusion resources into three main categories and provide a streamlined path to the vapor intrusion information each group needs: local governments, environmental professionals and property owners, occupants and the public.

Vapor intrusion is a phenomenon through which vapors from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from chemicals used in commercial activities, such as dry-cleaning chemicals, chemical degreasers and petroleum products like gasoline, enter a building, typically through cracks or gaps in the foundation. These VOC vapors are often colorless and odorless and bring chemicals into the indoor air, which can cause unsafe indoor air quality conditions and result in adverse health effects to building occupants.

The Remediation and Redevelopment Program welcomes feedback on the vapor intrusion webpage improvements. Ideas and suggestions can be sent to DNRRRwebrequests@wisconsin.gov.
More information about the DNR’s brownfields cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage.

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.