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Site investigation toolkit

This toolkit is provided as a "one-stop shop" for site investigation-related resources and guidance for environmental professionals and others working with the DNR. The toolkit provides a framework for site investigation work plans and reports, and includes helpful checklists and fact sheets.

Codes and regulations

The site investigation related requirements and applicable cleanup standards typically help guide the extent of the site investigation efforts. The following rules provide the overall framework for conducting and evaluating a complete site investigation.

  • NR 700
    See s. NR 700.11 (3g), Wis. Adm. Code, for report submittal requirements.
  • NR 712
    See ch. NR 712, Wis. Adm. Code, for consultant signature and certification requirements.
  • NR 716
    See ch. NR 716, Wis. Adm. Code, for detailed site investigation requirements.
  • NR 720
    See ch. NR 720, Wis. Adm. Code, for soil performance standards and residual contaminant levels.
  • NR 140
    See ch. NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, for groundwater enforcement standards and related responses.
  • NR 141
    See ch. NR 141, Wis. Adm. Code, for monitoring well construction, development and filling and sealing requirements.
  • NR 347
    See ch. NR 347, Wis. Adm. Code, for sediment sampling, monitoring and disposal criteria for dredging projects.

Planning

The following documents can help to prepare for site investigation field activities.

Guidance

The following sections include links to guidance related to NR 716 site investigations. These documents provide guidance for how to obtain, evaluate and document site investigation information, as well as how to avoid some common issues found with incomplete site investigation reports.

Soil/Bedrock

Soil standards

Drinking water

Groundwater sampling

Groundwater analysis

Non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL)

Vapor

Sediments

Other

Forms

The following list and links provide both required and recommended DNR forms.

Forms required per s. NR 716.15(4)(g), Wis. Adm. Code

Recommended forms

Reports

Fees and request for DNR review

Submittal of a Site Investigation Report is required within 60 days of completion of the field investigation and receipt of laboratory data, per s. NR 716.15, Wis. Adm. Code.

To submit a Site Investigation Report for DNR review and response, provide the report with the applicable fee using Technical Assistance, Environmental Liability Clarification or Post-Closure Modification Request (Form 4400-237) [PDF]. Follow the instructions within the form.

Submittal of the Site Investigation Report for review and response is highly recommended, to help avoid delays during a subsequent closure review if the investigation is found to be incomplete.

Submittal requirements

Chapter NR 700.11 (3g), Wis. Adm. Code, requires the submittal of both a paper and electronic copy of all reports. For requirements and guidance on submitting the Site Investigation Work Plan and Report to the DNR, see Guidance for Submitting Documents (RR-690) [PDF].

See ch. NR 712, Wis. Adm. Code, Qualifications and Certifications (RR-081) [PDF] on the required certification per type of NR 700 report.

Site investigation checklist

The Site Investigation Report Preparation Checklist - s. NR 716.15, Wis. Adm. Code (Form 4400-317) [PDF] can be used as a tool to ensure all ch. NR 716, Wis. Adm. Code, requirements for a complete site investigation are addressed. This checklist also provides a suggested format for site investigation reports and shows the relationship between each section of the site investigation report and the Case Closure Request (Form 4400-202) [PDF].