Archive of 2007 What's New Announcements
Announcements, new pages, new publications, revisions and notices from 2007.
12/12/07: DNR Brownfields Site Assessment Grants (SAG) -- List of 2007 Applicants On Web
The DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program has received 80 applications for the Brownfields Site Assessment Grant (SAG) Program [PDF, 22KB]. Applicants applied for $3.56 million in funding for the current round of grants, requesting $1.57 million in small grants and $1.99 million in large grants. For more information, please see our SAG web page.
12/6/07: Public Invited to Take Survey About Use of Registry of Waste Disposal Sites
The RR Program is seeking your input about how you use our Registry of Waste Disposal Sites (RR-108). Please take our quick five-question Registry of Waste Disposal Sites User Survey.
12/3/07: Re News December Issue (Volume 17 Number 4) Now Available
Re News, the RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for December, 2007 (RR-785) [PDF, 1,908KB], is now available! This month's issue focuses on lost groundwater monitoring wells and the new and improved RR Sites Map, and also highlights the Program's web site for successful redevelopment projects, the Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Fund (DERF), and much more!
12/3/07: CLEAN Debuts on RR Web Site
The RR Program is happy to introdcue the Contaminated Lands Environmental Action Network (CLEAN). CLEAN is our network of data about contaminated sites, and introduces users to the RR Program database (BRRTs on the Web) and GIS application (RR Sites Map). It is intended to help new users understand the contents of these systems. Users who already know which system they want to use may still enter BRRTS on the Web and the RR Sites Map directly from our RR Program main web page.
11/14/07: New Version of RR Sites Map Now Available
The RR Program has updated the RR Sites Map, an interactive, on-line visual display of contaminated and cleaned up properties in Wisconsin. The RR Sites Map uses a geographic information system (GIS) that allows users to zoom in to any selected area of the state for more information on properties that have or previously had soil or groundwater contamination.
Improvements to the RR Sites Map include new layers of data, more user-friendly information and a new “What is the RR Sites Map” section. The site also has new map symbols that help explain the differences between the various types of information shown. Users can also print their own maps, adding customized map titles and notes, and can manipulate data and transfer information into their own GIS applications or spreadsheets.
The improvements include four different map views, or “themes,” that are convenient for those whose interests fall into one of the following four areas.
- Contaminated and Cleaned Up Sites – This theme is the basic map that shows ongoing and completed cleanups of environmental contamination.
- The GIS Registry – This theme is DNR’s public notification system for those completed cleanups that still have residual contamination and is a subset of the RR Sites Map. Most sites are listed simply to advise the public of the location of residual contaminants, or to provide information and advise on proper handling of contaminated material if it is disturbed. However, the GIS Registry also holds environmental land use controls for a smaller number of properties, and in these cases DNR must be contacted regarding modifications to the contaminated area. State law no longer requires a deed restriction for completed cleanups with residual contamination.
- Liability Limitations and Clarifications – This theme includes sites where DNR has written a liability clarification letter, approved a liability exemption at a completed cleanup, or where a Superfund site is listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- DNR Financial Actions – This theme includes sites where DNR has provided financial assistance for environmental investigations or cleanups via grants, loans or other reimbursements, or hired an environmental consultant when the party responsible for the contamination is unable or unwilling to respond.
11/9/07: RR Newsletters Web Page Has Moved
The RR Program has updated our Newsletters web page. You can now subscribe or unsubscribe to RR Report and Re News in a few clicks, all on the web page. The new page, which also contains links to all past issues of RR Report and the 5 latest issues of Re News, is located at www.dnr.gov/org/aw/rr/listserv/index.asp.
10/31/07: DNR Unveils Web Site For Successful Brownfield Redevelopment Projects
From a former scrap yard in Baraboo that was turned into the city’s new public works building to an old automobile plant in Kenosha that was redeveloped into a lakefront promenade with housing and museums, communities across Wisconsin have benefited from a state program to help investigate, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties known as brownfields. Under the Wisconsin Brownfields Initiative, the state has provided assistance to communities through a number of programs to conduct environmental investigations, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties.
As part of that assistance, the Remediation and Redevelopment Program Program unveiled a web site highlighting successful brownfield redevelopments across Wisconsin.
10/29/07: Green Space & Public Facilities Grant Application Now Available
The application form for Brownfield Green Space and Public Facilities Grants is now available, and applications will be accepted starting January 25, 2008. The application period will remain open until February 6, 2009, or until all available funds have been awarded. DNR's goal is to award half of the funds for the biennium by June 30, 2008 to qualified projects that are clearly ready to proceed with cleanup. For more information and to download the application form and instructions, please see our Green Space Grant web page.
10/3/07: Public Comment Period Through November 9 for Superfund Cleanup in Cedarburg
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has proposed a $2.3 million cleanup plan for the Cedar Creek Mercury Marine Plant 2 Superfund site in Cedarburg, Wis. A comment period runs from October 8 to November 9. A public meeting where comments may be submitted orally or in writing will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 10, at the Cedarburg City Hall Council Chambers, W63 N645 Washington Ave.
EPA, in consultation with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, evaluated four cleanup options and recommends Option #4, which involves excavation of shallow and subsurface soil at the Plant 2 site plus ground-water monitoring. PCBs from two local companies -- now-closed Amcast and Mercury Marine -- contaminated Cedar Creek (from below the Ruck Pond Dam to its intersection with the Milwaukee River), the Plant 2 property, the former Amcast property and some nearby private properties. EPA Superfund involvement at the site began in 2003. Mercury Marine and Wisconsin DNR began studying the site in 1983.
Copies of the study that evaluated cleanup options, the proposed plan and other site documents are on the EPA's Cedar Creek web site and on file at Cedarburg City Hall and Cedarburg Public Library, W63 N583 Hanover Ave. Residents with questions may contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Susan Pastor (800.621.8431, ext. 31325).
10/1/07: RR Program Seeking Public Comment on EPA Brownfield Grant Application
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a new $3 million Revolving Loan Fund grant application to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant would replenish the DNR's Ready for Reuse Loan and Grant Program with additional funds for assessing and cleaning up brownfields. Brownfields are abandoned, idle or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. The Ready for Reuse Loan & Grant Program, provides grants and no-interest loans to local governments for environmental cleanup at eligible properties.
The DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program is seeking public comment on the draft grant application until October 11, 2007. Anyone interested in commenting on the applications should email Darsi Foss or mail comments to Foss at Wisconsin DNR, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
9/4/07: Re News September Issue (Volume 17 Number 3) Now Available
The RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for September 2007 (RR-775 [PDF, 2,474KB]) is now available! This issue highlights the availability of the DNR's Brownfield Site Assessment Grant applications, upcoming brownfields insurance seminars, a successful cleanup and redevelopment of a rural brownfield property in Potosi, a new rate for the voluntary party liabilty exemption fee and much more!
8/24/07: RR Central Office Moving Again
The RR Program’s central office staff in Madison will be temporarily moving out of the GEF 2 office building at 101 South Webster Street on August 31, 2007. We will be located at 345 West Washington Avenue [exit DNR] until sometime in the spring of 2008, due to remodeling of the GEF 2 building. All staff telephone numbers and email addresses will remain the same during this relocation. Please continue to address mail for our central office staff to DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
8/24/07: Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Workshop in October
DNR and We Energies are co-sponsoring a Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Workshop on October 2, 2007 in Kimberly. Speakers from DNR, EPA, We Energies and private consulting firms will cover regulatory and technical topics related to cleanup of MGP site contamination. For more information and a registration form, see our RR Calendar page. Registration must be completed by September 21, 2007.
8/21/07: Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Applications Now Available
State grants are now available to help Wisconsin communities with properties that have known or suspected environmental contamination. The DNR's Brownfield Site Assessment Grants (SAG) are available to help municipalities jump start investigation activities at brownfields, which are abandoned, idle or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. Applications for both large and small grants are due Nov. 2, 2007. Applications and instructions, along with further SAG information, are available on the RR Program's SAG web page.
8/21/07: EPA Grant Applications Available Now
EPA brownfield grant applications are due October 12, 2007, almost two months earlier than last year. EPA's new guidelines for applications are accessible through our federal grant web page.
8/6/07: 2008-2009 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant applications now available
The Department of Administration's Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) is soliciting proposals to enhance, preserve, protect and restore resources within the state’s coastal zone – all counties adjacent to Lakes Superior and Michigan, with their 820 miles of shoreline. WCMP Grants are available for coastal land acquisition, coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community planning, Great Lakes education, public access and historic preservation. Applications are due November 2, 2007. Application materials and the Request for Proposals are available on the WCMP web site.
7/17/07: EPA proposes cleanup plan for Brookfield Superfund site; comment period ends Aug. 10
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has proposed a plan to clean ground water contaminated by the Master Disposal Service Landfill Superfund site in Brookfield, Wisconsin. A 30-day public comment period ends Aug. 10.
This final phase of cleanup is designed to prevent contaminated ground water from moving off-site where it could affect drinking water supplies. In an earlier phase of the project to prevent further contamination of the ground water, EPA oversaw construction of a cap over the landfill. A ground water pumping system was also installed, which removed contaminants and protected surrounding wetlands. As a result, ground water quality has improved in recent years.
For the new proposed plan, EPA evaluated three different options developed by a group of potentially responsible parties. EPA's preferred alternative relies on natural processes to continue cleaning the remaining contamination, along with regular testing to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup. Should pollutant levels rise again, the pumping system would be reactivated. Estimated cost: $261,000 to $335,000.
The 40-acre site, a landfill that operated from 1967 to 1982 at 19980 W. Capitol Drive, was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 1984. More background is available for review at the Brookfield Public Library, 1900 N. Calhoun Road, and EPA's office in Chicago.
Based on comments received, EPA may modify its preferred cleanup plan or pick another option. If there is enough interest, EPA will hold a hearing so that oral comments can be presented. Comments can be mailed, faxed or submitted via an electronic form at EPA's Master Disposal web page [exit DNR]. Additional site background and documents are also posted on the web page. Hearing requests or other questions may be directed to Community Involvement Coordinator Bri Bill (800.621.8431, ext. 36646) during business hours.
7/9/07: 2007 WBIP Breakfast Seminars
DNR and AIG Environmental are hosting three free breakfast seminars to learn more about the Wisconsin Brownfields Insurance Program (WBIP). For more information see our WBIP web page.
6/9/07: Re News Volume 17 Number 2 Now Available
The RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for June 2007 (RR-771) is now available! This issue highlights new EPA and DNR brownfields grants for Wisconsin communities, state-funded cleanups, the RR Program's regional spills coordinators, a cleanup success story in Appleton and much more!
4/3/07: Vapor Intrusion Consultant's Day Scheduled for May 10, 2007
When: Thursday, May 10, 2007; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Midway Brookfield, 1005 Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI 53005
FET and DNR are co-sponsoring a Consultant’s Day on the Vapor Intrusion Pathway. Dr. Blayne Hartman, a nationally recognized expert in vapor intrusion and soil gas methods, will present a comprehensive and interactive training course for project managers and consultants on how to understand and assess the vapor intrusion pathway. The class includes a review of the principles behind this risk pathway, an overview of the EPA vapor intrusion guidance, detailed descriptions of soil gas sampling methods, and recommended sampling protocols for assessing the vapor pathway. Department of Health and Family Services and Department of Natural Resources staff will provide their perspectives on assessing risk from the vapor intrusion pathway and regulatory compliance.
For an agenda and registration information, click here [PDF, 82KB].
3/26/07: Governor Announces $1.7 million in DNR Brownfields Site Assessment Grants
Governor Jim Doyle recently announced $1.7 million in DNR Brownfield Site Assessment Grants (SAGs) to assess contamination at abandoned or underused properties in 30 communities across the state. The grants will fund 47 projects, including 26 that were awarded to rural communities or counties looking to spur economic growth in less populated areas. This is the DNR's eighth round of SAG funding, which was created in 1999 upon recommendations from the Brownfields Study Group. Please read more on our Brownfields Site Assessment Grant web page.
3/5/07: Save the Date for Brownfields 2008
The U.S. EPA Brownfields Program plans to cosponsor the 12th national Brownfields Conference on May 5-7, 2008 at the Detroit Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. The Brownfields 2008 Conference will see stakeholders from community, planning, real estate, finance, and policy interests from across the nation to converge and focus on brownfields cleanup, redevelopment, and a broad range of land revitalization solutions. Take advantage of learning and networking opportunities including first-rate educational sessions, valuable mobile workshops, dynamic plenary speakers, excellent organizational meetings, and more. For more information, please check the official Brownfields 2008 Conference website.
3/1/07: Re News Volume 17 Number 1 Now Available
The RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for March, 2007 (RR-769) is now available! This issue highlights new land use legislation, green space grant awards, the federal brownfields tax deduction, a cleanup success story in Vernon County and much more!
1/25/07: Federal Brownfields Tax Deduction Extended Two Years
Wisconsin businesses may again obtain a federal income tax deduction for certain investigative and cleanup expenses incurred at brownfields. The deduction allows a taxpayer to deduct qualified expenditures at a brownfield property, and he/she may take this deduction in the year he/she incurred the expenditures. Wisconsin residents currently lead the nation in the use of this tax incentive. Please read more on our Federal Brownfields Tax Deduction web page.
1/23/07: EPA, DNR Sign Agreement Streamlining Cleanup Efforts In Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently signed an agreement between the two agencies that will expedite cleanups of contaminated properties. Department Secretary Scott Hassett said the agreement will "not only help property owners, developers and citizens better understand how meeting Wisconsin’s standards will satisfy both agencies, it will also help improve business creation and growth in those areas.” Read more on our One Cleanup Program web page.
1/17/07: Green Space & Public Facilities Grants Awarded
DNR has awarded seven grants totaling more than $850,000 to Wisconsin communities to help clean up contaminated properties for public use. “Cleaning up brownfields is about more than just renewing damaged or vacant land – it is about renewing the pride of a community, and restoring jobs and productivity,” Governor Doyle said. “These grants help turn brownfields into parks, sports fields and other facilities that not only improve quality of life, but also help increase property values.” The seven projects will lead to the reuse of approximately 80 acres of property. More information about the award, including a list of the local governments receiving Wisconsin’s second round of Green Space and Public Facilities grants, are listed on our Green Space & Public Facilities Grant Page.
1/12/07: DNR Develops New Insurance Program For Brownfields Cleanup
Wisconsin has a new tool to promote the voluntary cleanup and redevelopment of abandoned or underused contaminated properties known as brownfields. The Wisconsin Brownfields Insurance Program (WBIP) will enable developers, businesses and local governments and other parties involved in cleaning up contaminated properties to obtain insurance, which will help manage risks for unplanned expenses related to brownfields redevelopment. For more information, please visit our WBIP page.
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