Vapor intrusion

Issues And Trends Webinar: Investigation Of Vapor Intrusion Along The Utility Conduit Pathway

Posted on by Coreen Fallat
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The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program’s next webinar in the Issues & Trends series will take place on Nov. 7, 2024.

Understanding vapor intrusion pathways at contaminated sites is an important aspect of protecting human health when investigating discharges to the environment that include volatile compounds. The steps to investigate the utility conduit pathway of vapor intrusion, which may include sanitary and storm sewers, sumps and building plumbing, is the topic of an upcoming webinar presented by the DNR.

Investigation of Vapor Intrusion along the Utility Conduit Pathway
Nov. 7, 2024
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register to attend by Zoom.

The webinar will cover important information about vapor intrusion along the conduit pathway. Presenters will summarize the results of a multi-year effort to collect several hundred samples within conduits at approximately 70 sites in Wisconsin. Attendees will learn some of the basic concepts of how contaminant vapors enter and travel through utility conduits, eventually reaching indoor air. The webinar will review options to sample for vapor intrusion including a discussion of the DNR’s approach to conduit sampling during state-funded investigations.

The webinar is part of the RR Program’s Issues & Trends series. This series offers webinars that provide program and rulemaking updates and information on issues related to environmental contamination and cleanup. Past “Issues & Trends” are available to view by visiting our RR Presentations & Training Library.

VMS Active Notification Information Now Available

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

New information focused on use of active notifications including using telemetry systems when monitoring an active vapor mitigation system (VMS) is now available on the vapor intrusion resources for environmental professionals webpage.

Monitoring of an active VMS is important to ensure that the system continues to work as designed. Active notifications (continuous monitoring) may include audible alarms, visual indicators and telemetry.

The webpage is a resource for environmental professionals and provides considerations for selecting the type of systems to install including land use, the type of health risk and the contaminant of concern.

View a recorded presentation for more information about active notifications and telemetry systems; Issues & Trends: Vapor Intrusion Updates 2023 (wisconsin.gov). Information specific to active notification is on slides 12 through 21.

Now Available: Publication Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels And Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136)

Posted on by Coreen Fallat

The publication Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136) is now updated and available on the DNR website. There were no changes to the Vapor Action Levels (VALs) or Vapor Risk Screening Levels (VRSLs) for the compounds listed. 

Additional documents and guidance from the Remediation and Redevelopment Program may be found using the search tools available on the publications and forms webpage. 

The purpose of the guidance is to list volatile organic compounds frequently encountered at cleanup sites in Wisconsin. Consultants should compare vapor data for open sites to the updated table for potential additional actions. Vapor data for chemicals not listed on RR-0136 should accessed via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) Calculator; instructions on using VISL are included in RR-0136.   

Questions regarding this document may be submitted to Jennifer Borski at Jennifer.Borski@wisconsin.gov.

ITRC Comprehensive Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training March 14 and 28

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) will offer online vapor intrusion training over two sessions on March 14 and March 28, 2024.

Environmental professionals are encouraged to register at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation webpage. While the documents are designed to assist state regulators, they also raise awareness with environmental consultants and other industry professionals.

The Vapor Intrusion Mitigation training series provides an overview of vapor intrusion mitigation and presents information on how to utilize the ITRC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Interactive Directory. The interactive directory includes fact sheets, technology information sheets and checklists. DNR staff participated in the development of both the technical resources and training.

The training consists of a series of eight modules on the topics listed below and will be presented over two, two-hour sessions:

Session 1 – March 14, 2024, noon to 2 p.m.
Topics Include:

  • Introduction and overview of vapor intrusion mitigation training team
  • Conceptual site models for vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Public outreach during vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Rapid response and ventilation for vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Remediation and institutional controls

Session 2 – March 28, 2024, noon to 2 p.m.
Topics Include:

  • Active mitigation approaches
  • Passive mitigation approaches
  • System verification, OM&M and exit strategies

Site-specific questions regarding vapor intrusion in Wisconsin should be directed to the assigned DNR Project Manager. General vapor intrusion questions can be directed to the contacts listed on the DNR’s Vapor Intrusion Resources for Environmental Professionals 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.

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.

Now Available: Publication Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136)

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The publication Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136) is now updated and available online. There were no changes to the Vapor Action Levels (VALs) or Vapor Risk Screening Levels (VRSLs) for the compounds listed.

The document can be found here. Additional documents and guidance from the Remediation and Redevelopment Program may be found using the search tools available on the publications and forms webpage.

The purpose of the guidance is to list volatile organic compounds frequently encountered at cleanup sites in Wisconsin. Consultants should compare vapor data for open sites to the updated table for potential additional actions. Vapor data for chemicals not listed on RR-0136 should accessed via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) Calculator; instructions on using VISL are included in RR-0136.

Questions regarding this document may be submitted to Jennifer Borski at Jennifer.Borski@wisconsin.gov.

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 Thursday, Sept. 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.

Where:
State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
Rm. G-27
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI

Please check-in at the security desk before taking the elevator.

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

When:

* A subgroup focused on Vapor Intrusion was proposed during the July RR EAG meeting. The initial RR EAG Vapor Intrusion subgroup meeting will focus on drafting a work plan that may include outcomes such as:

    • Awareness of vapor intrusion risks and reduced exposure to humans
    • Long-term stewardship of vapor mitigation systems
    • Increased identification of high risk vapor intrusion sites
    • Increased coordination with partners/stakeholders at sites with risk of exposure to vapor intrusion

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

New Vapor Intrusion-Focused Subgroup For DNR’s Remediation And Redevelopment External Advisory Group

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Remediation and Redevelopment Program External Advisory Group (RR EAG) has added a new subgroup focused on Vapor Intrusion.

The DNR’s RR Program oversees the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties. The RR EAG and its subgroups (Vapor Intrusion, Environmental Justice, NR 700, Funding Sustainability, Contaminated Sediments) were 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.

A subgroup focused on Vapor Intrusion was proposed during the July RR EAG meeting.

The first meeting of the RR EAG Vapor Intrusion subgroup will be Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

The initial RR EAG Vapor Intrusion subgroup meeting will focus on drafting a work plan that may include outcomes such as:

  • Awareness of vapor intrusion risks and reduced exposure to humans
  • Long-term stewardship of vapor mitigation systems
  • Increased identification of high-risk vapor intrusion sites
  • Increased coordination with partners/stakeholders at sites with risk of exposure to vapor intrusion

When:
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023
2-3:30 p.m.

Where:
State Natural Resources Bldg. (GEF 2)
Rm. G-27
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI

In-person attendees should RSVP to Jody.Irland@wisconsin.gov by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023.
Join us via Zoom – Zoom attendance registration.

All meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to share this invite with those who you think may be interested. Visit the DNR’s RR EAG webpage for meeting agendas, materials and additional information. Subscribe for updates on future RR EAG meetings.

ITRC Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training Series On June 1 And June 6

Posted on by Christine Sieger

The Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) will offer online vapor intrusion training over two sessions on June 1 and June 6, 2023.

Environmental professionals are encouraged to register at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation webpage.

The Vapor Intrusion Mitigation training series provides an overview of vapor intrusion mitigation and presents information on how to utilize the ITRC’s Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Interactive Directory. The interactive directory includes up-to-date fact sheets, technology information sheets and checklists. DNR staff participated in the development of both the technical resources and training.

The training consists of a series of eight modules on the topics listed below and will be presented over two, two-hour sessions:

Session 1 – June 1, 2023 | Noon-2 p.m.
Topics Include:

  • Introduction and overview of vapor intrusion mitigation training team
  • Conceptual site models for vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Public outreach during vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Rapid response and ventilation for vapor intrusion mitigation
  • Remediation and institutional controls

Session 2 – June 6, 2023 | Noon-2 p.m.
Topics Include:

  • Active mitigation approaches
  • Passive mitigation approaches
  • System verification, OM&M and exit strategies