Free Brownfields Technical Assistance in 2017

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

Ready to redevelop that brownfield property but not sure how to finance it? Let the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) financing experts provide free recommendations for your project. Opportunities are now available for on-site technical assistance through CDFA Brownfields Project Response Teams. CDFA staff and advisors will travel to your community to tour the site, meet with stakeholders, and provide financing recommendations. To learn more, take part in the CDFA’s free webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 1:00 EST.

The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing public, private and non-profit entities alike. For more information about CDFA, visit www.cdfa.net.

2017 Issues & Trends Schedule

Posted on by Zachary Teicher

The RR Program’s popular conference call and Skype-based training series, Issues & Trends, continues in 2017 and the year’s full schedule can be viewed in the Program’s Training Library web page, along with presentations from previous events.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Visit the Program’s Conference and Training web page for the latest information. Questions about any of the upcoming events can be sent to DNRRRComments@wisconsin.gov.

Consulting Firms Selected for WAM Work

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The Remediation and Redevelopment Program has selected four environmental consulting firms to perform work for the agency’s Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) Program. The WAM contractors are:   clip art of people

  • AECOM – Milwaukee, Wis.
  • The Sigma Group – Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Bay West – Saint Paul, Minn.
  • Ramaker & Associates – Sauk City, Wis.

Under the award, contractors will perform Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments or, if warranted, limited site investigations.

DNR Secretary Tours Merrill Brownfields

Posted on by elisabethkuisis
Merrill Brownfields Tour

In the photo are (L to R): Christine Haag, DNR; David Johnson, City of Merrill; Ken Maule, Merrill Area Development Corporation; DNR Sec. Stepp; John Robinson, DNR; Marie Steenlage, WEDC; Gary Hartwig, Merrill Area Development Corporation; Tim Weber, WEDC; John Gozdzialski, DNR.

Wisconsin DNR Sec. Cathy Stepp (center) leads a “Cabinet on the Road” tour of Merrill, Wis. The group paused for a photo in front of the River Bend Trail, a bicycling and walking path that winds its way along the Wisconsin River and passes through a handful of brownfield cleanup sites that the City and DNR have teamed up to address, including the former Hurd Manufacturing property.

Gov. Scott Walker kicked off the Cabinet on the Road series last July as a way for the administration to hear directly from citizens about important matters affecting their communities.

Leveraging Resources for Brownfields Revitalization: Meet the Funders – Economic Development Webinar Recording Available

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

Are you a local government representative searching for brownfield funding? Wondering what federal brownfield financial assistance is available beyond the EPA? In this webinar, Leveraging Resources for Brownfields Revitalization: Meet the Funders – Economic Development, you will hear from federal agencies such as the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, US Dept. of Agriculture-Rural Development and the US Economic Development Administration (part of US Dept. of Commerce), about practical and immediately useful information about the type of funding available and how to apply for it.

New Hazardous Substance Spills Publication Available

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

RR Program staff have updated the popular “Reporting Hazardous Substance Spills” (RR-560) publication, available online for posting in your office or sharing with clients and colleagues.

Wis. Stat. § 292.11 (2) and Wis. Admin. § NR 706.5 require individuals and entities that possess or control a hazardous substance, or that cause the discharge of a hazardous substance to the environment to notify DNR immediately about the discharge. RR-560 summarizes reporting requirements, reporting exemptions, and DNR spill coordinator contact information. RR-560 is intended for use in businesses and other places where hazardous substance spills may occur, so that reporting requirements can be quickly determined and followed. It is also useful for local governments, environmental consultants, and individuals involved in commercial/industrial property construction and development.

DNR Brownfields “Annual Accomplishments” Report Available

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The RR Program’s annual brownfields accomplishments report to US EPA, which details outputs and outcomes funded by a federal grant, is now available. The Section 128(a) Grant Final Accomplishments Report, for the reporting period of September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, highlights work completed in past the funding year. Since 2003, the RR Program has consistently and efficiently used these funds to enhance state efforts with brownfields cleanup and redevelopment.

Previous 128(a) reports can be found on the Brownfields Program webpage.

Reminder: Electronic Copy of Site Progress Reports Required

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

Responsible parties and their consultants are reminded that reports due to the RR Program under NR 700.11 must contain one paper copy and one electronic copy. The electronic copy helps the RR Program make these documents available in the Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) and through BRRTS on the Web (BOTW).

If you have questions about this requirement, please contact your project manager or Judy Fassbender, (608) 266-7278.

Updated VPLE Insurance Fees

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) Insurance fee schedule (RR-661) is now updated and available on the DNR website. The VPLE program allows anyone to conduct an assessment and remedial action of an entire property with DNR oversight to obtain a liability exemption. Insurance is required for VPLE sites where groundwater contamination levels are above enforcement standards and the DNR determines that natural attenuation will restore groundwater quality.

The new insurance fees have gone down slightly and will be in effect until November 1, 2018. The application form, process, and the former use categories (commercial, light industrial, etc.) remain the same.

VPLE insurance is now provided through Ironshore Insurance Services. Any questions about this insurance requirement should be directed to Michael Prager, (608) 261-4927.

2016 VPLE Report Now Available

Posted on by elisabethkuisis

The DNR Remediation and Redevelopment program has prepared a biannual report on the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program. The report, required by law, provides the legislature and the Governor information about the performance of the VPLE program. The Program, which has helped many brownfields redevelopment projects across the state, allows for anyone to conduct an environmental investigation and remedial action of an entire property with DNR oversight and receive exemptions from liability. The report is available here: http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/rr/RR929.pdf