Vapor intrusion

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

 

ITRC Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Training Series On Feb. 14 And Feb. 21

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) will offer online vapor intrusion training over two sessions on Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, 2023.

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 – Feb. 14, 2023, noon-2:00 p.m. CST
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 – Feb. 21, 2023, noon-2 p.m. CST
Topics Include:

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

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

The online sessions will repeat in June 2023. This training is also available on-demand at the CLU-IN Vapor Intrusion Mitigation archive.

Now Available– Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-up Table (RR-0136) and Guidance: History of Changes to Vapor Action Levels, Vapor Risk Screening Levels and Attenuation Factors for Common Volatile Organic Compounds in Wisconsin (RR-0137)

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

Updated publications Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136) and Guidance: History of Changes to Vapor Action Levels (VAL), Vapor Risk Screening Levels (VRSL) and Attenuation Factors (AF) for Common Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Wisconsin (RR-0137) are now posted and available online.

Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table Indoor Air Vapor Action Levels and Vapor Risk Screening Levels (RR-0136)
RR-0136 lists volatile organic compounds frequently encountered at cleanup sites. The update includes vapor action and screening levels for cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-1,2-DCE) based on updates to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Screening Levels.

Action and screening levels for cis-1,2-DCE should now be added to summary vapor data tables and exceedances noted. Consultants should compare vapor data for open sites to the updated table for potential additional actions. Vapor data for chemicals not available on RR-0136 should accessed via the U.S. EPA’s Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) Calculator; instructions on using VISL are included in RR-0136.

Guidance: History of Changes to Vapor Action Levels (VAL), Vapor Risk Screening Levels (VRSL) and Attenuation Factors (AF) for Common Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Wisconsin (RR-0137)
RR-0137 is a quick reference to historical VAL, VRSL and AF values for VOCs, with dates when changes occurred. This document is intended to help users understand the basis for past decisions at sites.

Site-specific questions regarding vapor intrusion in Wisconsin should be directed to the assigned DNR project manager. General questions can be directed to the contacts are listed on the DNR Vapor Intrusion Resources for Environmental Professionals webpage.

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

 

RR Program Seeks Vapor Intrusion Expert

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is recruiting a Vapor Intrusion Expert.

This position will be stationed out of a DNR office within the state based on the applicant preference and space availability. The deadline to apply is Sept. 7, 2022.

This is a Project position that will be expected to end on July 31, 2026. Project positions are eligible for benefits including health insurance, but the incumbent does not attain civil service status.

The Vapor Intrusion Expert provides geologic and hydrogeologic expertise and oversight for inventory, assessment and remediation of dry cleaner and vapor contamination sites. The position focuses on vapor intrusion risk assessment and reduction of volatile compound contamination statewide. The Vapor Intrusion Expert serves as a RR Program technical resource for agency staff and external parties on assessment of vapor intrusion, evaluation of mitigation plans, approval, notification and tracking methods, and long-term stewardship for locations with mitigation systems installed or other protective measures in place.

A full position description, including necessary qualifications, is available online at the Wisc.jobs website (Job ID number 7424).

Vapor Mitigation Update: DNR To Present At DHS Wisconsin Radon Conference Sept. 28, 2022

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

DNR staff will present at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Wisconsin Radon Conference in Marshfield on Sept. 28, 2022. The DNR’s presentation will include information on the health risks from chemical vapor intrusion, including the similarities and differences between chemical vapor intrusion and naturally occurring radon.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to refresh their knowledge base on indoor air quality and radon, gain understanding of current and emerging issues and network to improve statewide collaboration. This conference is intended for soil gas mitigators, state and local health departments, contractors, nonprofits and home inspectors.

Environmental consultants who hire soil gas mitigators for environmental cases are encouraged to share this continuing education opportunity with their contractors. There is overlap in both health risks and solutions to mitigate exposure from chemical vapor intrusion and naturally occurring radon.

The DNR values partnering with the DHS and local health departments regarding risks to human health from environmental contamination.

More information on the one-day conference and a pre-conference training opportunity is available here.

Now Available: Publication RR-0136, Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

Updated publication RR-0136, Guidance: Wisconsin Vapor Quick Look-Up Table, is now posted and available online.

The document can be found on the Vapor Intrusion for Environmental Professionals webpage. 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 document lists select volatile organic compounds frequently encountered at remediation sites; it is updated periodically based on updates to inhalation toxicity data. Consultants should compare vapor data for open sites to the updated table for potential additional actions and should routinely reference the webpage for the most recent version.

The basis for the U.S. EPA Regional Screening Levels were updated in May 2022; the update does not include revisions to action or screening levels.

Consultants should compare vapor data for chemicals not available on Wisconsin’s Vapor Quick Look-Up Table directly to the U.S. EPA’s Vapor Intrusion Screening Level Calculator; instructions are included on Wisconsin’s Vapor Quick Look-Up Table.

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

Request for Statements of Qualifications

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) to provide professional services to the DNR for the following Requests for Qualifications (RFQs):

  • Federal Brownfields Assessment at Vapor Intrusion Priority Properties
  • Federal Brownfields Assessment at Wisconsin Assessment Monies (WAM) Properties
  • State Vapor Intrusion Zone Contract for Vapor Investigation and Mitigation Services

Interested consultants may choose to submit an SOQ to any or all of the RFQs.

Copies of the RFQs are available on the RR Program Public Notices webpage.

DHS Publishes “TCE in the Workplace” Fact Sheet

Posted on by Jodie Thistle

When environmental contamination presents potential human health risks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources (DNR) works closely with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and local health departments.

In February 2022, DHS published TCE in the Workplace, a fact sheet on health concerns associated with trichloroethylene (TCE) in various work environments. TCE in the Workplace helps workers understand the health risks where TCE is being used in a facility and may be helpful during vapor intrusion investigations. It is available in English, Spanish and Hmong.

The fact sheet includes suggestions to keep workers safe, as well as workplace guidelines for exposure limits by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the DNR.

The DHS fact sheet TCE in the Air is also available to assist with communicating the health risks of TCE in situations when contamination has the potential to cause vapor intrusion in nearby structures (e.g., residences, day cares). Since publication, the DNR, DHS and environmental consultants have been providing TCE in the Air to off-site property owners to educate them about the health risks associated with TCE while working to gain access, perform vapor intrusion investigations and install mitigation systems. TCE in the Air is available in English and Spanish.

Links to the fact sheets are available under the “Health” tabs on the DNR’s Vapor Intrusion Resources for Environmental Professionals and Vapor Intrusion webpages.

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