DNR To Hold Remediation And Redevelopment External Advisory Group Subgroup Meetings

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) subgroup meetings on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

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.

birds eye view map of the Milwaukee DNR service center. Parking area indicated in red on eastside of map. Entrance to DNR circled in yellow in northeast corner of DNR office. Road entrance to the DNR office is on West Saint Paul Avenue which is north of DNR office.

Map for parking and entrance to the DNR Milwaukee Office

Where:
Milwaukee DNR Service Center
Harbor Room
1027 W. St. Paul Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Main entrance on the northeast corner of the building; check in with the security desk inside the front door.

In-person attendees should RSVP to Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov by noon on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

When:

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

Public Input Opportunity – Publication Brownfields Redevelopment in Wisconsin (RR-933)

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is now seeking input on the publication Brownfields Redevelopment in Wisconsin (RR-933).

The purpose of the guidance is to provide a definition of brownfield and provide essential steps and resources for successful redevelopment of brownfield properties.

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

RR Program Seeks Seven Dual LTE Positions

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting for seven Dual Limited Term Employee (Dual LTE) positions:

  • Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) and Petroleum Inspection Fund (PIF) Environmental Program Associate located at Fitchburg Service Center in Fitchburg, Wisconsin (1 position, Job ID number 10020)
  • Superfund Environmental Program Associate and Hydrogeologist based in any Wisconsin DNR office depending upon candidate preference and space availability (3 positions, Job ID number 10022)
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) and LUST Hydrogeologist based in any Wisconsin DNR office depending upon candidate preference and space availability (3 positions, Job ID number 10031)

Each dual LTE appointment is comprised of two 20-hour positions for an expected work schedule of 40 hours per week. The intention is to hire one candidate for each dual position. The deadline to apply for the Dual LTE positions is May 8, 2023.

Dual LTE– LUST and PIF Environmental Program Associate:

  • This position will assist in technical case management by maintaining regular communication with regional hydrogeologists, supervisors and central office coordinators to ensure that applicable case files are identified, evaluated, scanned and uploaded in proper format. The position will also assist regional staff fulfilling public records requests, conducting QA/QC of database information, and providing technical assistance to the public and regulated community.

Dual LTE – Superfund Environment Program Associate and Hydrogeologist:

  • This position will be responsible for reviewing Superfund site files to identify key Superfund documents including Institutional Control (IC) documents, updating IC documentation, and conducting IC audits for Superfund sites. The position will maintain regular communication with the Superfund site project managers, and the IC Grant team that will be coordinating and directing the work. This position will also complete file review and digitization of permanent site file records and assist in updating database information for Superfund sites.

Dual LTE – DOT and LUST Hydrogeologist:

  • The DOT hydrogeologist position is the DNR lead on contaminated sites identified during Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) road construction projects. The responsibilities of this position include maintenance of WisDOT case files and case review to determine status and prepare recommendations. This position will maintain communication with WisDOT staff on a regular basis to ensure that mutually agreed upon priorities are met.
  • The LUST hydrogeologist position will provide programmatic support in the RR program. The responsibilities of this position include evaluating LUST cases for potential risks to receptors and additional actions required to address risk and/or bring cases to closure. This position will maintain regular communication with regional staff and the LUST program coordinator.

Full position descriptions are available online at the Wisc.jobs website (search the Job ID numbers noted above).

EPA Offers Brownfields 101 Training

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 will offer online training about Brownfields 101.

Brownfields 101 – April 11, 2023, 9:30-11 a.m. CST

This training will cover brownfields basics, assessing environmental conditions, and ownership and management. Register online.

Access additional information, resources, and materials about EPA Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) on the Brownfields and Land Revitalization in EPA Region 5 website.

Reminder To Use Updated Case Closure Request Form (4400-202)

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program reminds anyone submitting a case closure request that the most up to date Case Closure Request Form (4400-202) must be used per Wis. Admin. Code § NR 726.09(1). This form was last updated in October 2022 to clarify database fees and provide information on electronic submittals.

The current form can be found online, or by visiting dnr.wi.gov, search “4400-202.” Please avoid using any desktop versions that you may have saved. A case closure request may be considered incomplete if submitted on an obsolete form.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources suspended the requirement to submit a paper copy of the closure request form and supporting documentation. Customers are strongly encouraged to submit documents via the online Submittal Portal. Please refer to Guidance for Submitting Documents (RR-690) for additional information on the format and procedures for submitting documents to the RR Program.

Best Practices for Electronic Payments to the DNR

Posted on by Christine Sieger

Make your payments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) count!

The DNR accepts electronic payments for Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program assistance requests; please always include “DNR” in the comment description of the payment.

To ensure timely and appropriate credit for your payment, please send an email to the DNR upon payment submittal and include the following information:

  • Critical! BRRTS Number
  • Activity Name
  • Submittal type (e.g., technical assistance request, case closure request)
  • Total payment amount (if multiple fees are being submitted, include the fee per type of assistance in the comments)

Emails informing the DNR about payment submittal should be sent to Margaret Hooper and the regional environmental program associate. Additional instructions available in the Instructions for Paying DNR Feeds by Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH-Credit).

More information on RR Program services and fees is available online RR Services and Fees webpage.

Issues & Trends Webinar on April 12, 2023: Ready For Reuse Revolving Loan Funds Program

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program’s next webinar in the Issues & Trends series will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from noon-1 p.m.

The scheduled presentation is the Ready for Reuse (RFR) Revolving Loan Funds Program.

The webinar will focus on the variety of ways to use RFR during the post-closure and redevelopment stage, as well as during the cleanup process. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

RFR loans are used for environmental cleanup of hazardous substances or petroleum at brownfields throughout Wisconsin. Learn more about RFR on the RR Program Wisconsin Ready For Reuse webpage.

Interested in learning what funding resources exist for cleaning up brownfields in your community? Watch this short overview on RR Program funding resources [00:04:58].

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.

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 Friday, April 14, 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. In-person attendees should RSVP to Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov by noon on Thursday, April 13, 2023. In-person attendance appreciated, if you feel comfortable, to encourage a more productive discussion.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group Meeting
When: 9 a.m. – noon on Friday, April 14, 2023
Where: DNR Green Bay Office
Lake Michigan Room
2984 Shawano Ave
Green Bay, WI 54313

Meeting room is located to the left in the lobby.

Register here to join the meeting via Zoom.

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

Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) Community Managed Awards Updates

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) Community Managed Awards program. WAM Community Managed Awards are subgrants of up to $75,000 each and are available to communities to assess a brownfield property. The award recipient selects a qualified environmental professional and manages all aspects of the project.

To be considered for the first round of awards, contact Gena Larson by March 31, 2023.

Eligible assessment activities through WAM include:

  • Phase I environmental site assessments (All Appropriate Inquiries/AAI)
  • Phase II environmental site assessments
  • NR 716 site investigations
  • Remedial action planning

Eligible applicants for WAM Community Managed Awards include local governments and tribal entities.

Eligible properties must meet the federal definition of a brownfield, “A brownfield is a real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

For more information about the application, process, materials needed, and model documents visit the RR Program’s WAM webpage or email Gena Larson at Gena.Larson@wisconsin.gov.

Interested in learning what financial resources exist for cleaning up brownfields in your community? Watch this short overview on RR Program financial resources [00:04:58].