Cleanup Overview

The page provides a non-technical introduction to the cleanup process for contaminated soil and groundwater. It is intended to help property owners and property purchasers understand this process. For technical information please see our Resources for Environmental Professionals page. If you would like to hire an environmental professional, please see Selecting an Environmental Consultant.

To learn more about the RR Program, see: Wisconsin's Remedation and Redevelopment Program - A National Model.

• An Introduction to Cleaning Up Contamination
• Basic Information about Soil and Groundwater Standards
• Case Closure - After Investigation and Remedial Action
• Tools to Manage Environmental Liability
• Database of Contaminated and Cleaned Up Sites
• More Help

An Introduction to Cleaning Up Contamination

When you encounter contaminated soil or groundwater, the first step is to report the contamination to DNR in accordance with the "spills" law. Property owners are responsible for reporting contamination on their property, although an environmental consultant may make this report on behalf of the responsible person. The spills law applies equally to a recent spill and to old contamination that has been discovered. If DNR determines that further investigation is needed, the responsible person will receive a letter from DNR outlining the requirements. A private consultant is usually hired to do an environmental investigation and to recommend cleanup options. The cleanup must address the full extent of contamination in soil and groundwater, even if it has gone beyond the property boundaries.

The basic steps in any cleanup of contaminated soil or groundwater include:

1. Notification. Report the contamination to DNR.
2. Professional help. Find a qualified environmental consultant to guide you.
3. Site Investigation. Define the extent and type of contamination.
4. Remedial Action. Evaluate potential cleanup options; select the best one.
5. Case Closure. Complete the cleanup and request state approval.

Basic Information about Soil and Groundwater Standards

The NR 700 rule series [exit DNR] governs the process of investigating and cleaning up contamination. Our rules allow development of site specific soil performance standards and the use of natural attenuation, which means that the contamination is allowed to naturally break down over time. Chapter NR 140 [exit DNR] covers Wisconsin's groundwater standards. Most, but not all, of Wisconsin groundwater standards are the same as federal drinking water standards. For more information about drinking and groundwater, please see the Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater web page.

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Case Closure - After Investigation and Remedial Action

After the responsible person and the consultant have completed an environmental investigation and cleanup, a case closure request [PDF 173KB] may be submitted to DNR's regional office. If the criteria for closure have been met, the responsible party will receive a case closure letter.

Wisconsin, like most states, may allow some residual contamination to remain after an environmental cleanup. DNR ensures long-term protection of public health and the environment in regard to those residuals by establishing continuing obligations in the state’s cleanup approval document (closure letter). The most common obligations are obtaining DNR approval prior to constructing a water supply well and properly treating or disposing of any excavated contaminated soil. Other obligations may include property-specific land use controls, such as maintaining pavement over a specified area of soil contamination. DNR adds these properties to an Internet database that advises the public and potential future property owners of these obligations, DNR’s GIS Registry. For more information, about continuing obligations established as part of the cleanup approval, please see our continuing obligations web page.

Tools to Manage Environmental Liability

A case closure with an optional, fee-based certificate of completion ensures that DNR will not require the property owner, or future property owners, to conduct any additional investigation or cleanup for that incident after the certificate is issued. Other information about liability clarification tools may be found on our Liability page.

Database of Contaminated and Cleaned Up Sites

Wisconsin DNR maintains a publicly accessible database of contaminated and cleaned up sites that are know to the agency. A “site” refers to the contamination, and may be larger than or smaller than an individual property. Please go to Contaminated Lands Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) page to learn more.

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More Help

• Environmental Contamination Basics (RR-674) [PDF 233KB]
• Resources for Environmental Professionals
• Selecting an Environmental Consultant

For more information on this specific page, contact:

Laurie Egre (608.267.7560)