Brownfields

DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Meeting And Back To Basics Training

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Upcoming Remediation And Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) Meeting
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the RR EAG on Jan. 23, 2026. The RR EAG was formed to address a broad range of issues, encompassing technical and policy topics related to encouraging the investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Wisconsin. RR EAG meetings are open to the public.  

The agenda and meeting materials will be posted in advance on the DNR’s RR EAG webpage.  

Registration Open For Fourth Session Of The Back To Basics Training Series
The Back to Basics training series will be presented in conjunction with the RR EAG meetings throughout 2025 and early 2026. Each session of the series provides information and practitioner perspectives on the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties.  

Individuals involved in or affected by the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties are encouraged to attend, including environmental consultants, developers, attorneys, responsible parties, local governments, property owners and those affected by contamination in their communities. 

The session on Jan. 23, Back to Basics: Applying for Closure, will lay out the requirements and best practices when applying for closure. The session will also explore considerations for notifying affected parties of continuing obligations prior to applying for closure. 

Topics and presenters include: 

  • Impact of Remedial Action Planning on Closure Application, Jodie Thistle, DNR  
  • Basics of Applying for Site Closure from the DNR, Kevin McKnight, DNR 
  • Notification of Continuing Obligations Process, Judy Fassbender, DNR  
  • On the Ground: Preparing a Site for Closure (Case Studies), Cory Katzban, The Sigma Group 
  • Best Practices for Submitting Closure Application, Issac Ross, DNR 
  • Moderated Discussion, Bill Nelson or Derek Punches, Godfrey & Kahn  

Information and registration for the Back to Basics training sessions is posted on the RR Program Presentations & Trainings webpage. 

Attending On Jan. 23
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting. 

Schedule
9 to 9:30 a.m.: In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Back to Basics: Applying for Closure and Maintaining Continuing Obligations
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: RR EAG Meeting  

In-person attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet regional DNR staff members from the RR Program; RSVP to Coreen Fallat at CoreenR.Fallat@wisconsin.gov by noon on Jan. 21, 2026.  

Attend in-person in Madison or Milwaukee:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)   
Room G09
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI   

Wisconsin DNR – Milwaukee Service Center
1027 West St. Paul Ave.
Harbor Room, Rm 107 
Milwaukee, WI 

Attend via Zoom: Register to attend by Zoom [exit DNR] 

Now Available: U.S. EPA FY 2026 Brownfields Grant Guidelines And Wisconsin State Letters Of Acknowledgement

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is accepting applications for Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Grants for fiscal year 2026. The deadline for applications is Jan. 28, 2026. Grants offered by the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program can be used to help transform contaminated sites into community assets that attract jobs and achieve broader economic development outcomes. 

The U.S. EPA will host two webinars to share information about the application criteria on the dates below.   

  • Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at noon ET 
  • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET  

Visit the U.S. EPA’s webpage for application resources for information about these webinars and to access additional information about the grants. 

Wisconsin State Acknowledgement Letters
To apply for an FY26 MAC Grant, grant applicants – except tribal entities – must 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 to conduct a brownfield assessment or cleanup activities. 

Submit a written request for a DNR Acknowledgement Letter to Molly Schmidt at MollyE.Schmidt@Wisconsin.gov by Jan. 14, 2026. More information about state acknowledgement letter requirements is available on the DNR Federal Brownfields Grants webpage under “State Letter of Acknowledgement.”

DNR Requests Proposals For Two Brownfield Projects

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) posted requests for proposals on two brownfield planning projects. The projects are funded through federal Technical Assistance Grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Evansville Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR seeks proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning to identify redevelopment opportunities for a former auto service shop located in the city of Evansville. The project will advance the redevelopment of the city-owned property for the benefit of the community.  

Rice Lake Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning
The DNR seeks proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning at two lakefront properties within the city of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. One city-owned property is vacant, and the other property owner may reconsider relocating operations to allow the city of Rice Lake to pursue lakefront redevelopment opportunities. The project will help advance the reuse of the properties for the benefit of the community.  

Proposals are due Dec. 19, 2025, by 4 p.m. The RFPs are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage.

Brownfield Redevelopment Featured In Fall 2025 Issue Of “Wisconsin Natural Resources” Magazine

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The successful cleanup of brownfield properties is an important step to address environmental contamination and creates conditions that enable redevelopment of a property. The Fall 2025 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine describes how to get started with the process of remediation and redevelopment in Wisconsin and encourages communities to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) brownfield team for information and assistance.

The article features two unique projects in the state where community efforts, with support from the RR Program, are transforming brownfield properties into vibrant destinations for living, working and playing. The first project is the ongoing redevelopment of a 145-acre brownfield property in the City of Brillion into a variety of uses based on the community’s needs. A second project describes how a non-traditional approach to brownfield redevelopment led to the cleanup of the 9-acre Pickle Pond in the City of Superior, which ultimately benefitted fish and wildlife habitat while restoring recreational opportunities.

Successful brownfield redevelopment projects can be found throughout the state. To learn more about how other communities have successfully investigated, cleaned up and redeveloped many of their brownfield properties, visit the DNR’s interactive Wisconsin Brownfield Success Stories map.

For more information on brownfield redevelopment opportunities and assistance, visit the DNR Brownfields webpage.

DNR To Host Free Learning Sessions For Local Governments On Brownfield Redevelopment

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host learning sessions for local governments on redevelopment of underused and abandoned properties, otherwise known as brownfields, on Sept. 10 in Stevens Point, Oct. 7 in Ashland, Oct. 8 in Eau Claire and Oct. 28 in Fond du Lac. The sessions are free to attend and the same content will be covered in each location.  

A brownfield is a property where real or perceived contamination complicates expansion, redevelopment or reuse. Brownfields may be found in many locations throughout the state and vary in size, age and past use.    

The in-person sessions will share information about resources available to support local governments in redevelopment of properties into community assets. Participants will learn how to identify brownfield sites in their community and understand the liability considerations and due diligence recommended when acquiring brownfield properties. Highlights of the sessions include an overview of assistance available to support redevelopment efforts. Representatives from local governments will also share their successful brownfield projects.  

The learning sessions will also offer an opportunity for local governments to connect one-on-one with representatives from the DNR and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and ask questions about brownfield properties and redevelopment.  

Session Information

Sept. 10, 2025
Mid-State College
1001 Centerpoint Dr. 
Stevens Point
Time: 10 a.m. – noon  

Oct. 7, 2025
City Hall
601 Main Street W.
Ashland
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 8, 2025
L.E. Phillips Memorial Library
400 Eau Claire St.
Eau Claire
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Oct. 28, 2025
Fire Station #1 Training Room
815 S Main Street
Fond du Lac
Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Local government officials interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. To register, contact Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov at least three days in advance of the session you plan to attend. 

More information about DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage. The page provides access to a webinar series titled “Brownfields Fundamentals” for on-demand information on brownfield redevelopment topics.      

Before and after redevelopment.

Redevelopment in Green Bay led to Tundra Lodge.

DNR staff around the state are available to meet with community leaders, bankers, developers and private individuals to discuss brownfield projects. Reach out to schedule a Green Team meeting.  

DNR To Hold RR External Advisory Group Meeting And Back To Basics Training

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Upcoming Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group (RR EAG) Meeting
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a meeting of the RR EAG on July 17, 2025. The RR EAG was formed to address a broad range of issues, encompassing technical and policy topics related to encouraging the investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites in Wisconsin. RR EAG meetings are open to the public.  

The agenda and meeting materials will be posted in advance on the DNR’s RR EAG webpage.  

Registration Open for Session 2 of the Back to Basics Training Series: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data
The Back to Basics training series will be presented in conjunction with the RR EAG meetings throughout 2025 and early 2026. Each session of the series provides information and practitioner perspectives on the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties.  

Individuals involved in or affected by the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties are encouraged to attend, including environmental consultants, developers, attorneys, responsible parties, local governments, property owners, and those affected by contamination in their communities. 

The session on July 17, Back to Basics: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data, will provide an overview of site investigation, offer best practices for sampling and share information about working with a lab and understanding lab results. Topics and presenters include: 

  • NR 700 Process Overview – Jodie Thistle, DNR
  • Site Investigation Toolkit – John Sager, DNR
  • Preparing for the Field: Sampling Best Practices – Adam Roder, Geosyntec 
  • Working with the Lab and Understanding Lab Results – Jeff Ramey/Krzysztof Trafalski, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services  
  • Comparing Sampling Results with Standards – Erin Endsley, DNR 
  • Tips from RR Program supervisors – Michele Norman, DNR 
  • Moderated discussion with presenters – Bill Nelson/Derek Punches, Godfrey & Kahn 

Information and registration for future Back to Basics training sessions are posted on the RR Program Presentations & Trainings webpage. 

Attending on July 17
In-person and virtual attendance options are available for both the training and for the RR EAG meeting. 

Schedule
9:00 to 9:30 a.m. In person arrival and coffee with the DNR
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Back to Basics: Investigation, Sampling and Lab Data
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. RR EAG Meeting 

In-person attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet regional DNR staff members from the RR Program; RSVP to Coreen Fallat at CoreenR.Fallat@wisconsin.gov by noon on July 15, 2025.  

Attend in-person in Madison, Milwaukee or Superior:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)   
Room G09   
101 S. Webster St.   
Madison, WI   

Wisconsin DNR – Milwaukee Service Center  
1027 West St. Paul Ave. 
Harbor Room, Rm 107 
Milwaukee, WI 

Wisconsin DNR – Superior Field Office
Lake Superior Conference Room
1701 N 4th St.
Superior, WI  

Attend via Zoom:  Register to attend by Zoom [exit DNR] 

Registration Open For National Brownfields Training Conference And Opportunity To Apply For Free Project Assistance

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

Registration is now open for the 2025 National Brownfields Training Conference. The 2025 conference will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 in Chicago. Held every two years, the conference, sponsored by the U.S. EPA, is the largest event in the nation focused on environmental revitalization and economic redevelopment and attracts over 2,000 stakeholders to learn and network.  

Local government officials, developers, attorneys, consultants, non-profit organizations and others who work to revitalize and redevelop brownfields are encouraged to attend. Visit the conference webpage to learn more and register.  

An opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in free professional reuse support for your brownfield redevelopment project through the U.S. EPA’s Technical Assistance for Brownfields program is also available. The support will offer a chance for feedback from a panel of expert redevelopment professionals to help take any project to the next level. Apply for the Perfect Pitch Competition by June 27, 2025.

DNR Requests Proposals For Three Brownfield Projects

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has posted requests for proposals on three brownfield planning projects. The projects are funded by a fiscal year 2025 Small Technical Assistance Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Peshtigo Brownfield Site Reuse Concept Planning 
The DNR is seeking proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning to identify redevelopment opportunities for a 0.54-acre property in downtown Peshtigo, Wisconsin, formerly known as The Landmark. The property has been vacant for 15 years and poses safety concerns for the city.  

Turtle Lake 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 the 1.037-acre site of the former Turtle Lake Creamery in the village of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. Following 50 years of use as a creamery, the property was used to store telecommunications equipment. Residual contamination is present at the site after some cleanup in 2015. The village took ownership of the property in 2022.  

Wisconsin Rapids Brownfield Site Reuse Planning
The DNR is seeking proposals from qualified firms interested in providing consulting services to assist with brownfield redevelopment planning at the 1.69-acre former site of the Northern Steel Castings foundry in the city of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The city is interested in acquiring the property from Wood County, which took ownership of the property in 2023. This project will help advance the redevelopment of the site for the benefit of the city and the county. 

Proposals are due Nov. 22, 2024. The RFPs are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage.   

Redevelopment Of Brownfield Properties: Learning Sessions For Local Governments: Assistance Available For Reuse Of Underused And Abandoned Properties

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host learning sessions for local governments on redevelopment of underused and abandoned properties, otherwise known as brownfields, on Nov. 12 in Whitewater, Nov. 15 in Dodgeville and Nov. 20 in Shawano. The sessions are free to attend and the same content will be covered in each location.

A brownfield is a property where real or perceived contamination complicates expansion, redevelopment or reuse. Brownfields may be found in many locations throughout the state and vary in size, age and past use.

The in-person sessions will share information about resources available to support local governments in redevelopment of properties into community assets. Participants will learn how to identify brownfield sites in their community and understand the liability considerations and due diligence recommended when acquiring brownfield properties. Highlights of the sessions include an overview of funding and other assistance available to support redevelopment efforts.

“I didn’t know what a brownfield was until the day before the event,” states Lisa Lien, clerk for the village of Clayton said after attending an event hosted by the DNR in Spooner in April 2024. “I learned a ton during the seminar and now have a great understanding of brownfield redevelopment.”

The learning sessions will also offer an opportunity for local governments to connect one-on-one with representatives from the DNR and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and ask questions about brownfield properties and redevelopment.

Session Information

Redevelopment from downtown brownfield into a fire station in the city of Amery

Redevelopment from downtown brownfield into a fire station in the city of Amery

Nov. 12, 2024
The Innovation Center
1221 Innovation Dr.
Whitewater
Time: 10 a.m. – noon

Nov. 15, 2024
Community Room
Iowa County Health & Human Services Bldg
303 W Chapel St.
Dodgeville
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Nov. 20, 2024
Community Room, City Hall
127 S Sawyer St.
Shawano
Time: 10 a.m. – noon

Local government officials interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. To register for one of the sessions, contact Thomas.Coogan@wisconsin.gov by Nov. 7, 2024.

More information about DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage. The page provides access to a webinar series titled “Brownfields Fundamentals” for on-demand information on brownfield redevelopment topics.

DNR staff around the state are available to meet with community leaders, bankers, developers and private individuals to discuss brownfield projects. Reach out to schedule a Green Team meeting.