Cynthia Thomas Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Remediation & Redevelopment Program
Abandoned or Underutilized Properties Former Industrial or Commercial Use Redevelopment is hindered by known or suspected contamination
Wisconsin’s Brownfields Program is one of the top few in the United States Awards include one national, one regional “The Economic and Fiscal Impact of Wisconsin’s Brownfields Investments” - November, 2015 ◦ $1 public money leverages $14 private investment ◦ Almost 7,900 residential units have been redeveloped on former brownfield sites
(3) RESPONSIBILITY. A person who possesses or controls a hazardous substance which is discharged or who causes the discharge of a hazardous substance shall take the actions necessary to restore the environment to the extent practicable and minimize the harmful effects from the discharge to the air, lands or waters of this state.
Legal Protection Financial Tools Database
Legal Tools Liability Exemption ◦ Voluntary Parties who remediate ◦ Lenders ( foreclosure, escheat, others) ◦ Local Governments (tax delinquency) Letters ◦ General Liability Clarification ◦ Lease Negotiated Agreements
Financial Tools Wisconsin Assessment Monies ◦ Manufacturing sites only / no match /quick Ready for Reuse Cleanup Funds ◦ Grants - 22% match Local governments only - must own property ◦ Loans - 0% Interest local governments only - ownership not required
Database ◦ All sites WDNR has addressed ◦ BRRTS gives complete list for municipality, county Bureau of Remediation & Redevelopment Tracking System ◦ RR Sites Map Geolocation of all sites
Remedial standards are more rigorous for residential end use than for commercial or industrial end use
Former Marine Repair Now Candlewood Suites 92 Extended Stay Suites
Lawton Foundry Now Lawton Foundry Town Homes 70 rental units
Former Chiquita Processed Foods Now Cannery Square 127 homes and apartments
Former Feed Mill Now Affordable Multi-Family Housing Units
Former Car Dealership Now Mixed-Use 52 Apartments
Former Sutton Electric & matt’s Auto Body Now Our House Senior Living 20 Units
Thorson Residence (before oil spill) Now Thorson Residence (after cleanup) New residence Groundwater protected
Former Blacksmith, Plumbing, plus Now Uptown Commons Senior Living Complex 40 Units
Former Gas Station Now Two Vacation Homes
Former Clock Factory Now Olen Village Senior Apartments 24 Independent Living Apartments
Former Marathon Rubber Plant Now Four Affordable Homes Two Duplexes Playground
Plus Three Videos
Cindy Thomas Brownfields Outreach Specialist Remediation & Redevelopment Program Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (715) 839 – 3779