Updated Vapor Intrusion Guidance – RR-800 Public Input Opportunities

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The RR Program seeks your input on a significantly revised document titled, RR-800, Addressing Vapor Intrusion at Remediation & Redevelopment Sites in Wisconsin. The revisions to RR-800 include: updates from ITRC’s and USPEA’s vapor guidance; additional details on required deliverables; expectations for outreach; clarification on preemptive mitigation; and a significantly expanded discussion on vapor mitigation (design options, performance verifications, long-term operation and maintenance, and continuing obligations).

The document can be reviewed at http://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/guidance.html and comments can be submitted through September 8, 2017 to the Vapor Intrusion Team Leader, Alyssa Sellwood at Alyssa.Sellwood@wisconsin.gov. In addition, the RR Program will host a question and answer session on Tuesday, August 29th.  Mark your calendars; more details to come.

Job Opportunities with the RR Program

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Applications are currently being sought for entry and senior-level Hydrogeologists for multiple positions around the state within the Remediation and Redevelopment Program.

The deadline to apply for these positions is August 7, 2017. Click here to view the announcements.

Vacancies are being filled in a number of locations, and the Program anticipates additional openings in the next several months. The agency intends to use this recruitment to fill those vacancies.

 

Issues & Trends: A Preview and Discussion of DNR’s Vapor Intrusion Guidance

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Alyssa Sellwood, a Hydrogeologist with the Remediation and Redevelopment Program and the leader of the dry cleaning and vapor intrusion teams, will present the next Issues & Trends training event on Wednesday, August 9, at noon. No pre-registration is required.

Sellwood’s presentation will be an overview of forthcoming additions and modifications to the RR Program’s existing guidance on vapor intrusion – RR 800 – Addressing Vapor Intrusion at Remediation and Redevelopment Sites in Wisconsin. We originally published the guidance in 2010, but revisions are necessary as knowledge and understanding of vapor intrusion has grown. The guidance is being readied for public comment and includes such updates as commissioning and inspecting vapor mitigation systems, mitigating vapor risk in new construction, and evaluating and addressing potential vapor risk in large commercial and industrial buildings.

The training session details are:

  • Date: August 9, 2017
  • Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
  • Join by phone: 1-855-947-8255, passcode 6612745#
  • Questions in advance can be sent to DNRRRComments@wisconsin.gov

Congratulations to RR Program Staff Award Winners

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award winners

Bill Fitzpatrick, Christine Haag and Judy Fassbender Not pictured: Alyssa Sellwood, Gena Larson and Darsi Foss

The Remediation and Redevelopment Program would like to congratulation our staff who received the DNR’s 2016 Environmental Management Division Awards. Each award winner brings unique qualities, knowledge, and passion to their work. We are honored to have these outstanding people – and all our staff members – on the Remediation and Redevelopment team.

The following were recognized this year for their contributions to the RR Program:

  • Remediation and Redevelopment Employee of the Year – Alyssa Sellwood
  • Environmental Management Division Supervisor of the Year – Christine Haag
  • Environmental Management Division Team of the Year – Contaminated Materials Management Workgroup (RR members) Judy Fassbender, Gena Larson, Darsi Foss

Recent RR transfer Bill Fitzpatrick was also recognized as the Employee of the Year in the Office of the Great Lakes for his work in that program prior to joining Remediation and Redevelopment.

News from the PECFA Program

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U&C Schedule #22 Now Posted
The Usual & Customary Cost Standardized Invoice #22 is now posted for July 2017 through December 2017. Remediation and Redevelopment Program staff are currently in the process of updating the U&C Cost Schedule #22. For now, please use U&C Cost Schedule #21 if you have questions regarding specific tasks. 

Reminder: Current Tax Forms Required
Please be aware that the Department of Administration requires that current STAR Vendor and W-9 forms are submitted each year and whenever a claimant’s information changes (name, address or EIN). Current forms can be found on the PECFA website under the “Documents” tab.

PECFA Publications
PECFA forms and publications are in the process of being updated. This will include both a discontinuation and a combination of some forms to better reflect current laws and practices, and to streamline paperwork. The following have been updated or added as new:

Additional changes and updates will be announced in a future RR Report.

Snapshot: PECFA Financials

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The RR Program will provide monthly updates on the status of PECFA claims and the overall PECFA budget. The table below provides information on the number and value of claims submitted, the number and value of claims paid, and the remaining available funding for the fiscal year.

Below are the updated PECFA numbers for June 2017. The RR Program reimbursed more than $5.2 million in claims in FY17.

Number Value
Claims Received 72 $500,063
Claims Paid 119 $689,987
Claims in audit line (as of June 30) 12 $75,824
FY17 Ending Balance $410,444
Total Spent in FY15-17 biennium $10,789,556

 

 

 

Redevelopment Successes Detailed in Reports

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Report Covers

The RR Program details the various activities undertaken and achieved throughout the year through the biannual Section 128(a) Report.

For nearly 15 years, the Remediation and Redevelopment Program has worked under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance state efforts with the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields. As part of the agreement, the RR Program details the various activities undertaken and achieved throughout the year and makes those efforts available to the public through the biannual Section 128(a) Report. These reports can be found on the Brownfields Program webpage and we invite you to have a look. Recent reports detail redevelopment sites in Manitowoc and Madison, highlight video projects, recognize staff efforts, and recognize our external partners for helping guide program efforts.  

 

National TAB Webinar: The Basics of Site Remediation for Communities

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Kansas State University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the Center for Creative Land Recycling will present an introductory webinar and remediation technologies. The webinar will take place on August 2, from 2:30-4:00 CDT.

During this webinar, you’ll learn about environmental cleanup technology, including the differences between remediation corridors versus single sites and how to work with the regulators, especially the state. This webinar will give you the tools to make informed decisions about your projects and remind you of special considerations to make while working on brownfield sites.

This webinar is geared for local and regional government officials, not-for-profit economic and community development organizations and anyone interested in learning about brownfield remediation.

The event is free, but registration required. For more information or help with registration contact Erica Rippe.

“When Life Hands You a Landfill” Webinar Recording Now Available

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What to do with those pesky landfills? The Center for Creative Land Recycling presents an online recording of its recent webinar “When life hands you a landfill, make it into something better.”

The 60-minute video features experts from the field of brownfields redevelopment and covers a range of issues particular to working on landfill projects.