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RR Sites Map

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RR Sites Map, available for desktop and mobile devices, is the DNR's web-based mapping system that provides information about contaminated properties and other activities related to the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil or groundwater in Wisconsin. RR Sites Map is part of the DNR's Wisconsin Remediation and Redevelopment Database (WRRD), an inter-linked system tracking information on different contaminated land activities.

 

Overview

About RR Sites Map

RR SitesMap screenshot
Use RR Sites Map on any digital device to get information on different contaminated land activity across Wisconsin.

This online mapping application allows users to view different layers of contamination data and associated redevelopment activities using a desktop, tablet or smartphone.

RR Sites Map includes (but is not limited to) the following environmental data:

  • completed and ongoing investigations and cleanups;
  • where continuing obligations [PDF] are in place;
  • cleanup of sites under the federal Superfund (CERCLA) statute;
  • liability exemptions and clarifications at contaminated properties (i.e., brownfields); and
  • DNR funding assistance.

The status of cleanup actions for sites in RR Sites Map is tracked via the Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS). RR Sites Map data is linked to the BRRTS database through BRRTS on the web (BOTW), the public-accessible version of the database.

Note: Links to documents that contain information about the status of the site may be found on BOTW for some sites. To get to the documents from RR Sites Map click on the site using the "Identify" button, then click on "View Activity Details on BOTW" in the results panel.

Map layers

Map layers

Below are the definitions of the layer themes in RR Sites Map. More detailed definitions of each of the layers are available from the application by clicking on the "Layer Information" button/tool.

1. Open and Closed Sites

Includes sites where cleanup of environmental contamination is ongoing or completed. A "site" is a contamination incident, not a property. A site may be smaller than a property or may include more than one property.

2. Additional Site Information

Identifies characteristics of sites. This layer group identifies sites with Continuing Obligations [PDF] and/or sites that have impacted another property(ies).

Continuing Obligations
Continuing obligations are certain actions for which property owners are legally responsible. They still apply after a property is sold -- each new owner becomes responsible for them.

The state provides notice to the public by adding the property and related continuing obligation information to the DNR's Wisconsin Remediation and Redevelopment Database (WRRD) established in accordance with s. 292.12(3), Wis. Stats [PDF exit DNR].

The two most common continuing obligations are:

  1. proper management of contaminated soil if it is excavated; and
  2. obtaining approval for construction of water supply wells.

Other property-specific obligations may apply. For more information, visit the Continuing Obligations web page or see the Continuing Obligations for Environmental Protection (RR-819) [PDF] fact sheet.

Impacted Another Property(ies)
Includes sites where contamination from one property crossed a property line and has affected another property, and that impact has been reported to the DNR.

For more information, visit the Off-site contamination – contamination that crosses property lines web page or see the When Contamination Crosses a Property Line - Rights and Responsibilities of Property Owners (RR-589) [PDF] fact sheet.

3. DNR Financial Actions

Includes sites where the DNR:

  • provided financial assistance via grants, loans or other reimbursements; or
  • hired an environmental consultant because no responsible party is available.

Does not include sites cleaned up using Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Awards (PECFA).

4. Liability Limitations and Clarifications

Includes sites where the DNR:

  • wrote a general liability clarification letter to answer environmental liability questions;
  • approved a permanent liability exemption based on a thorough investigation and cleanup of a property through the Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) process; or
  • worked with the EPA to place a site on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).

User tips

There are a suite of tools available on RR Sites Map depending on whether you are using a desktop or mobile device. The desktop application has the most comprehensive tool set. The RR Sites Map User's Guide [PDF] is available as a reference when using the desktop application. When using a mobile device, you will find the tool set simplified to accommodate mobile devices.

User tips

  • To view the map layers click on the "Show Layers" button
  • There are a few different ways to find a site:
    • Use the "Find Site" button on the "Navigate" tab to search by BRRTS number, activity name or facility ID.
    • If you know the location use the zoom in/out tools or on a mobile device touch the screen and spread fingers apart or pinch them together.
    • Use the Address Search Tool -- click on "Search for Address" in the "Navigation" tab and fill in the fields on the left (include street type (e.g., Ave, Rd, St etc.)). Note the address search only finds an address and not the actual property.
  • Find information about a site:
    • Select the "Identify" button in the "Navigate" or "Map and Data Tasks" tab, and then click or drag your mouse or finger (mobile devices) over a symbol on the map. You will find a link to more database information in the results pane.
  • After clicking on a site from the Additional Site Information layer theme, learn about the site-specific requirements for managing residual contamination by selecting the "View Activity Details on BOTW" link in the results pane. There are several contacts available that can assist with viewing a complete state file.

Further user tips are available by clicking on the "Information" tab on RR Sites Map.

Note: The user tips are specific to the desktop. Location of tools may vary or may not be available on mobile devices.

Disclaimers

Disclaimers

For complete information about all contamination incidents known to the DNR, please use BRRTS on the Web, which provides a summary of actions at every site where a hazardous substance discharge was reported to the DNR. BRRTS on the Web is also accessible by a link from the Information Tab.

RR Sites Map does not include:

  1. hazardous substance "spills" (i.e., locations where a cleanup confirmed by laboratory analysis is generally completed within 60 to 90 days);
  2. some recent sites that are not yet mapped;
  3. some sites with soil contamination above chapter NR 720, Wis. Adm. Code, residual contaminant levels for cleanups approved prior to August 1, 2002; and
  4. sites never reported to the DNR.