Wisconsin Cleanup Rules and Laws

• Cleanup Law Basics
• Wisconsin Adminstrative Rules Database
• Rules Related to Remediation and Redevelopment
• NR 100 rule series [exit DNR]
• NR 700 rule series [exit DNR]
• Statutes Related to Remediation and Redevelopment
• All Wisconsin Administrative Codes and Statutes [exit DNR]

Cleanup Law Basics

Wisconsin law and liability -- who's responsible?

Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code govern the investigation and cleanup actions that are required after a discharge of a hazardous substance occurs or is discovered. In general, a person responsible for a discharge is required to report, investigate and clean up the contamination. The person responsible is defined by law as one who "causes", "possesses" or "controls" the contamination (e.g. owns property with a contaminant discharge or owns a container that has ruptured). These general requirements are established in Chapter 292, Wis. Stats., and Chapters NR 700 to 754, Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Limiting liability -- what liability exemptions are available?

292, Wis. Stats, establishes procedures for certain parties to obtain limited liability. This includes local governments, lenders, impacted neighbors and others who complete the investigation and cleanup of a contaminated property, under Wisconsin's Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) program. Please see our "Liability" page for more information.

Official copies of Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes may be purchased from the Office for Document Sales, 608.266.3358, or 800.362.7253 (for Visa/MC orders only).

Back to Top

WI Administrative Rules Database

This database can be used to find information on rules, status of rule making, documents associated with rulemaking (green sheets, pink sheets), submitting comments and other helpful information.

• Wisconsin Administrative Rules Database [exit DNR]

• Proposed Revisions to Rules
• NR 700 Rule Series, Investigation and Remediation of Environmental Contamination.  The Natural Resources Board has approved revision of these rules in order them consistent with statutes and with current practices.  Public hearings will be scheduled. 
• Statement of Scope [exit DNR]
• Description of Proposed Changes [PDF, 29KB]

Back to Top

Rules Related to Remediation and Redevelopment

Current Administrative Rules

• NR 100 Administrative Rules [exit DNR]
• NR 700 Administrative Rules [exit DNR]

Table: List of Staff Contacts for NR 700 Rules

Back to Top

Statutes Related to Remediation and Redevelopment

Back to Top

For more information on this specific page, contact:

Laurie Egre