The DNR’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) reaches thousands of small businesses each year through meetings, speaking engagements, workshops and publications. Review our annual flyer [PDF] that summarizes the reach of SBEAP during the previous calendar year. The program currently offers many different fact sheets, rule summaries, record keeping, reporting forms and other tools designed to make environmental compliance easier for Wisconsin businesses. This information is available on the SBEAP web pages.
If your business operates in other states as well as Wisconsin, find similar resources available through the State Contact map. The National SBEAP compiles information on the compliance assistance provided by all state programs. Review the latest data from NSBEAP in the 2022 Annual Report.
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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants are available to small businesses focusing on:
- Innovative technologies that help consumers prevent food waste in the acquisition, preparation and storage of food
- Innovative technologies or materials that will improve the U.S. recycling system
- Innovative material reduction and reuse solutions to lower embodied carbon in the built environment
How to apply and additional environmental topics eligible for grant money are listed on the SBIR Funding Opportunities webpage. The deadline to apply is Aug. 23, 2023.
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Guidance on Addressing Contaminated Sediment Sites in Wisconsin (RR-0124) is now posted and available online.
The purpose of this guidance is to outline approaches for investigating and remediating hazardous substances discharges that impact sediment to comply with the requirements in ch. 292, Wis. Stat., and the applicable provisions of chs. NR 700-799, Wis. Adm. Code. This guidance explains the steps recommended for assessment of contaminated sediment, evaluation of remedial options and the selection, design, implementation and monitoring of remedial actions. This guidance also clarifies closure requirements at sites with contaminated sediments, including continuing obligations, long term stewardship and financial assurance.
Questions regarding this document may be submitted to Carrie Webb at Carrie.Webb@wisconsin.gov. Additional documents and guidance from the Remediation and Redevelopment Program may be found using the search tools available on the publications and forms webpage.
Starting in April 2023, the DNR initiated a project to phase out or “sunset” the option for transient non-community (TNs) public water systems to continue operation with nitrate levels above 10 mg/L but below 20 mg/L. TN public water systems provide water in places like campgrounds or motels where people do not remain in that location for a long period of time (a water system serving at least 25 people at least 60 days of the year and not the same 25 people six months of the year or more).
Why the change now? Recent data from the Department of Health Services indicates that nitrate levels above 10 mg/L can be harmful to everyone, not just infants and pregnant women. Most states already do not allow continuing operation for nitrate levels above the maximum contaminant level (MCL).
TNs on continuing operation will have three years, beginning in April 2023, to move into compliance (nitrate level less than 10 mg/L) on a voluntary basis. Options available to help with the transition to compliance include drilling a new well, connecting to a safe water supply or reconstructing an existing well. If none of these options are possible, then a last resort is to install treatment with prior approval from both the DNR and the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Although this new initiative requires TNs to research the best options for their situation and a financial commitment, there are benefits too. The TNs will minimize their liability by no longer providing unsafe drinking water and they will not be required to post notices. Additionally, moving into compliance gives customers confidence that they are drinking safe water when they visit these establishments. Homeowners and non-community water systems are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
ARPA Well Compensation Funding is available for a limited time -- until Dec. 6, 2024 or funds are exhausted -- so it is important to review the requirements and apply soon.
In May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This decision addressed the limits of what may be considered “waters of the United States.” EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are amending the “Revised Definition of Waters of the United States” rule to be consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. The EPA and USACE intend to issue a final rule by September 1, 2023. This process has limited the ability for USACE to issue jurisdictional determinations nationwide.
Customers pursuing a non-federal wetland exemption are advised that their project timelines may be affected, as Wisconsin’s non-federal wetland exemption review process requires a jurisdictional determination from USACE. If you have questions about potential mechanisms for moving your project forward other than the non-federal wetland exemption process, please contact a DNR Water Management Specialist. In the DNR Staff Directory select the appropriate county, and type in “Water Management Specialist – Wetland & Waterway” in the subject line.
Salt Wise Training
WisCon Safety Consultation
WisCon offers free monthly webinar training. These webinars will start at 9:30 a.m. and will run for approximately 1.5-2 hours. Space is limited for these online events and registration is required through Zoom, the registration links can be found below.
Previous webinars were recorded and are posted on their website.
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