Archive of 2009 What's New Announcements
Announcements, new pages, new publications, revisions and notices from 2009.
9/25/09: Presentations from Steps to a Successful Redevelopment Seminar Now Available
The RR Program partnered with the Federation of Environmental Technologists (FET) to host a day-long seminar on September, 24, 2009. The seminar, entitled "Steps to a Successful Redevelopment," examined brownfield redevelopment from the perspective of a municipality. Topics for this seminar included: Creating a Redevelopment Vision, Managing Liability & Risk, Safely Acquiring Properties, Getting the Most for Your Investigation Dollars, Making the Most of Financial Incentives, and Integrating Cleanup and Redevelopment & Other Cost Saving Tips.
To view the program agenda and slides from the PowerPoint presentations, visit our Brownfields Conferences & Workshops web page.
9/10/09: Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Applications Now Available, Due November 9
The 11th round of Brownfield Site Assessment Grants (SAG) is now open for applications. Funding is available for small grants ($2,000 up to $30,000) and large grants ($30,000 up to $100,000). Up to $1.5 million has been budgeted for SAGs in Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010) – the final amount, however, will depend on incoming state revenue and may be less than $1.5 million. Applications for both large and small grants are due November 9, 2009.
For more information, see the SAG web page or read our announcement in the September 10, 2009 issue of RR Report [PDF 123KB]. If you have any questions about the program or the application, contact Shelley Fox (608.266.5798).
9/9/09: Re News September Issue (Volume 19 Number 3) Now Available
Re News, the RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for September, 2009 (RR-849) [PDF 1,416KB] is now available. This issue unveils our new design, and stories include: Beaver Dam and Clintonville success stories, Wisconsin's sustainable cleanup efforts, information on understanding historic spills and much more!
8/13/09: EPA Brownfield Grant Applications Due October 16
EPA has announced the availablility of applications for brownfields assessment, cleanup and revolving loan fund grants [exit DNR]. These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding are as follows: Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; coalitions are funded up to $1,000,000 over three years), Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). The proposal deadline is October 16, 2009. For more information, see our Federal Brownfields Funding page.
7/31/09: Register Now for September 24 Brownfields Seminar
Join DNR and the Federation of Environmental Technologists (FET) for a day-long seminar on how to begin a successful brownfields redevelopment project. "Wisconsin Brownfields: Steps to a Successful Redevelopment Project" will be held on September, 24 2009 at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee. Attendees will learn the nuts and bolts of what it takes to turn sites that are environmentally contaminated or blighted and put them back to work for the community. Local leaders who have taken on brownfields projects will share their experiences, and DNR Remediation and Redevelopment experts will be on hand to answer questions.
The cost of the seminar is $150. To register, call FET at 262.437.1700 or fill out the registration form in the Conference Brochure [PDF 1,231KB]. For additional information, see our RR Calendar Information page.
6/23/09: Recovery Act Ready for Reuse Application Now Available - Due to DNR by August 14
The new application for the Recovery Act Ready for Reuse Program is now available. Application Form 4400-251 is available on the Recovery Act Ready for Reuse web page. The Recovery Act Ready for Reuse Program provides hazardous substance cleanup grants or loans to eligible applicants with eligible sites. Applications for a first round of funding are due to DNR by August 14, 2009.
If you have questions about the Ready for Reuse Program or the application, contact Jessica Milz (608.267.6743) or Melissa Enoch (608.266.9263).
6/17/09: Missed the June 16 Brownfields and Recovery Act Workshop? View it Online Now
The RR Program was recently awarded $2 million in funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to clean up blighted and contaminated properties. On June 16, 2009, the RR Program held a workshop to explain how these grants will be awarded to Wisconsin communities through the Ready for Reuse Loan and Grant Program. If you were unable to attend the program, please visit our Brownfields Conferences and Workshops page, where you can download materials from the workshop, or view the Microsoft Live Meeting recording of the workshop.
The RR staff contacts for the Recovery Act Ready for Reuse Program: Jessica Milz (608.267.6743) or Melissa Enoch (608.266.9263).
6/15/09: Re News June Issue (Volume 19 Number 2) Now Available
Re News, the RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for June, 2009 (RR-848) [PDF 2,171KB] is now available. This issue's stories include: the RR Program's unique study on site closures, 10 sustainable ways brownfield redevelopments benefit Wisconsin communities, information on improving maintenance plan submittals for closure requests, a success story from Lake Delton and much more!
5/20/09: Register Now for June 16 Brownfields and Recovery Act Workshop
The RR Program was recently awarded $2 million in funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to clean up blighted and contaminated properties. Join us Tuesday, June 16, 2009 for a workshop explaining how these grants will be awarded to Wisconsin communities through the Ready for Reuse Loan and Grant Program. Topics for this workshop include eligibility requirements, step-by-step guide to application, unique reporting requirements for Recovery Act funds and Q&A on site-specific concerns.
The workshop will be broadcast on-line via Microsoft Live Meeting, and also at the following DNR Offices:
- Madison, 101 S. Webster (Host Site), Room G09
- Eau Claire, 1300 W. Clairmount Ave., Room 162
- Green Bay, 2984 Shawano Ave., Lake Michigan Room
- Park Falls, 875 S. Fourth Ave., Room 107
- Rhinelander, 107 Sutliff Ave., Room 01
- Waukesha, 141 NW Barstow St., Room 151
If you plan on attending the meeting or participating on-line, please contact Eric Ballas (608.267.0543) . More information is available on our RR Calendar page. Registrants will receive additional information via email.
If you have any questions about the workshop, contact Melissa Enoch (608.266.9263).
5/11/09: 2008 Air & Waste Division's Annual Report Now Available
The Air & Waste Division's Annual Report [PDF 383KB] is now available. The Report highlights the Remediation and Redevelopment Program's successful accomplishments, including completing cleanups at more than 440 contaminated sites, responding to 975 hazardous substance spills around Wisconsin, helping cleanup after the Lake Delton flooding and assisting in successful brownfield redevelopment projects like Milwaukee's Harley Davidson Museuem, Neilsville's community ice rink and Neenah's new Plexus Corporation’s global headquarters.
5/8/09: May 12 Technical Focus Group Meeting Cancelled
The Technical Focus Group meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2009 has been cancelled. The meeting will be rescheduled. For more information, contact Mark Gordon (608.266.7278) or visit the Technical Focus Group web page.
5/4/09: Wisconsin Closure Protocol Study Released
DNR and several external partners have evaluated the state’s procedure for approving the cleanup of petroleum contamination. The Wisconsin Closure Protocol Study is a retrospective study that re-examined leaking underground storage tank (LUST) cleanups completed between 1999 and 2000. The study report with figures and tables is in the .pdf file below, and the appendices are in the .zip file. Save the .pdf to your computer for optimum viewing and interaction with hyperlinks.
4/27/09: Looking for an opportunity to get out on the Wisconsin River? Register to volunteer on May 9th!
In August of 2008, Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) was awarded the contract to cleanup the debris from last summer’s devastating flooding of Lake Delton, near Wisconsin Dells. For three weeks the LL&W crew, in coordination with DNR, removed debris from over 100 sites along 24 miles of the Wisconsin River. For more information about that cleanup effort, visit our 2008 Wisconsin River Cleanup Project web page.
On Saturday, May 9th, 2009, Living Lands & Waters will be returning to the Wisconsin River to host a final sweep of the river. To accomplish this, LL&W is looking for 40-50 volunteers. The cleanup will last from 9am-Noon, with lunch served to all volunteers from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Please register in advance in order to ensure an accurate head count for lunch.
On-line registration, as well as information on where to meet, what to bring and what will be provided, is all available on the Living Lands & Waters web site [exit DNR]. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Becker of LL&W (309.236.0725).
4/21/09: Menomonee Valley Brownfields Tour Brochure Now Available
Come take a hike or go for a bike ride in the revitalized Menomonee River Valley with the RR Program's new brownfields brochure! The Menomonee Valley Brownfields Walking Tour Brochure (RR-802) [PDF 2,763KB] highlights seven sites along the Hank Aaron State Trail, including Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers; Marquette University’s soccer fields; the city’s new Stormwater Park; and the Harley Davidson Museum. All of the sites sit atop former brownfields, abandoned or underutilized contaminated properties with real or perceived contamination.
3/9/09: Re News March Issue (Volume 19 Number 1) Now Available
Re News, the RR Program's on-line quarterly newsletter for March, 2009 (RR-822) [PDF 2,467KB] is now available! This issue's stories include: information on improving map submittals for closure requests, petroleum tank reminders, brownfield site assessment grant awards, a new web page on the Wisconsin River flood cleanup, a success story from Neillsville and much more!
3/9/09: Guidance on Soil Performance Standards Updated
The Guidance on Soil Performance Standards (RR-528) [PDF 124KB] has been revised. This document discusses the use of soil performance standards and the application of soil performance standards to closure of contaminated sites. Soil performance standards offer an alternative to determining numerical soil cleanup standards for contaminated properties. The document was revised to account for recent statutory changes that allow land use limitations and maintenance requirements to be imposed at a site or facility through enforceable conditions in local government exemption approvals, remedial action approvals or closure letters. Should you have any questions about this guidance, please contact Mark Gordon (608.266.7278).
2/27/09: Update on Green Space & Public Facilities Grants
Due to these unprecedented economic times, the DNR may be unable to award any additional Brownfield Green Space and Public Facilities Grants this year. As soon as final decisions are made regarding this biennium’s budget issues for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contained in the recently passed budget adjustment bill, we will let you know. In the meantime, DNR staff will be working with existing applicants to determine if another grant or loan program could assist their projects.
Fore more information, please read the February 27 RR Report [PDF 141KB].
2/26/09: Governor Doyle Announces $1.7 Million in DNR Brownfield Grants To Help Spur Economic Redevelopment in 29 Wisconsin Communities
Governor Jim Doyle announced $1.7 million in DNR Brownfield Site Assessment Grants, jumpstarting economic redevelopment in 29 communities with abandoned or deteriorating properties.
The grants provide seed money to local governments for demolition, environmental assessments, and removal of abandoned tanks and containers. “The cleanup and safe reuse of brownfield properties is about more than just renewing damaged or vacant land, it helps spur additional reinvehardworking Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said.
The full press release is available on our Site Assessment Grant - Round Highlights web page.
2/26/09: Federal Brownfields Stimulus Money - Help Us Identify Ready-to-Go Cleanup Projects by March 5th
President Barack Obama signed the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17. Of particular interest to the RR Program is the funding for three federal environmental cleanup programs: brownfields, leaking underground storage tanks and Superfund sites.
For the brownfields provisions in the act, the RR Program believes that the stimulus assessment and cleanup funds will be awarded through an abbreviated, national competition. EPA will be looking for projects that can be completed quickly and involve job creation or retention. The RR Program plans to apply for at least $5 million in federal, stimulus brownfields cleanup funds from EPA, which would be distributed through the existing Ready for Reuse Program to eligible governmental entities, tribes or non-profits. To be successful in securing funds as part of this national competition, the RR Program needs to provide EPA with a list of brownfields projects that are ready for cleanup to begin in the coming months, and will create or retain jobs, and have other positive economic benefits. Please Note: Identifying these projects helps the DNR establish a strong “need” for these dollars, but does not guarantee that these specific projects will receive a Ready for Reuse grant or loan.
No later than March 5th, we are seeking your assistance in identifying “ready-to-go” brownfields cleanup projects that we can include as examples of Wisconsin’s compelling need for stimulus money. We would like to hear from you about any non-petroleum projects you are working on that fit the following profile:
- the property is a brownfield site – defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant;
- a site investigation has been completed and, better yet, a remedial action plan has been developed;
- the cleanup is READY TO GO – it can take place immediately or within a few months of the grant award;
- cleanup funds are needed:
- for a cleanup grant – if so, a governmental entity, tribe or non-profit must own the property and not have caused the contamination; up to $200,000 is available per site;
- for a loan – if the community is willing to apply for and receive the loan -- either for a municipal- or developer-driven (i.e., private) project – the governmental entity need not own the property; the term of the loan is 0% interest, and if its repayment period is less than 15 years, it does not count as municipal debt. (s. 67.12(1)(b)1, Wis. Stats.);
- eligible cleanup costs would include remedial actions (soil treatment, hot spot removal, capping, etc.); demolition and asbestos abatement only if necessary to accomplish the needed remedy (e.g., treatment or removal of soil under building to achieve closure); and confirmation sample and lab analyses (not site investigation costs); and
- the project has concrete economic benefits, including job creation (e.g. construction and permanent jobs), an increase in property value, significant overall project costs and economic impact on area surrounding brownfields site. The economic benefits may be attributed to a larger project area, rather than the specific site within the project that is target for the funds.
If you are aware of one or more brownfield projects that fit this “readiness” profile, we’d like to hear from you by March 5th. Please fill out the Stimulus Project Chart [DOC 49KB], and email it to Jessica Milz. (To download the chart, click on the link, then save the file to your computer.)
If you have questions about EPA brownfields funds in general, look at EPA’s Frequently Asked Questions [exit DNR].
For more information on this effort, please contact Jessica Milz (608.267.6743) or Darsi Foss (608.267.6713).
1/14/09: Updated VPLE Insurance Fact Sheet Available
The RR Program has updated the fact sheet titled Insurance for Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) Sites Using Natural Attenuation (RR-661) [PDF 125KB]. This publication provides helpful information on eligibility, what the insurance will cover and also provides a current fee schedule. For more information on VPLE insurance, please contact Michael Prager (608.261.4927).
1/7/09: Updated Consultant List Available
The RR Program has updated the Environmental Services Contractors List (RR-024) [PDF 48KB]. This name-address-phone number consultant listing is intended to help responsible parties locate consultants that do environmental investigation and cleanup in their part of Wisconsin. It is not an endorsement or certification.
Consultants who need to make changes to their listing should contact Bob Strous (608.266.2699). New lists are published about twice a year.
1/6/09: New Web Page Highlights 2008 Wisconsin River Cleanup Project
In June, 2008, major flooding occurred on the Wisconsin River below Wisconsin Dells in Columbia and Sauk Counties. As a result of the floods, a bank of Lake Delton was breached on June 9, and in a matter of minutes the entire 267-acre lake drained into the Wisconsin River, destroying six homes in the process. The debris from these residences floated downstream and accumulated at multiple locations along 24 miles of the river between Lake Delton and Portage. As a result of these floods, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Jim Doyle.
The cleanup effort that resulted from the flood damage was a true partnership, which involved many DNR personnel, including RR staff. To learn more about the flood damage and to view pictures of the cleanup efforts, visit our new 2008 Wisconsin River Cleanup Project web page.
1/6/09: Two New Ways to Search for RR Publication & Forms
The RR Program now has three ways that you can search for program publications and forms:
- Use the Publications & Forms Page - Search using the Categories of Publications, or scroll down the web page to find the document you are looking for.
- Standard Search Page - Use this new page to search for documents by title, publication date or publication number.
- Full Text Search - Use this new page to search the full text of RR documents that are available electronically.
If you need help using the new search pages, please contact Jessica Milz (608.267.6743) or Andrew Savagian (608.261.6422).
For more information on this specific page, contact:
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