Resources for Property Owners, Buyers and Developers

When you suspect or discover contamination on your property, the DNR can help answer questions about next steps, liability and available financial resources.

Learn more about the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment Program.

Cleanup Basics

Property owners and persons that caused contamination are responsible for investigating the extent of the contamination and restoring the environment. The responsible party follows the process established by state law and administrative codes and the work is overseen by the DNR.

More detailed information about this process is available on the Introduction to Cleaning Up Contamination webpage.

Real Estate Considerations

When soil or groundwater contamination is discovered property owners often ask about the impact of the contamination, especially with respect to real estate transactions. The DNR publication Environmental Contamination & Your Real Estate (RR-973) explains the basic considerations for disclosure of environmental contamination on your property.

Prior to purchasing or refinancing a property, prospective buyers often hire an environmental consultant to evaluate the potential for contamination before completing the transaction. Environmental assessments completed for a property transaction typically include:

• Phase I Environmental Assessment (ESA) - Consists of a site visit, review of environmental and historical records, interviews with owners and regulatory agencies and a written report. The purpose of the Phase I ESA is the evaluate the likelihood that the property is contaminated. No testing is completed during a Phase I ESA. A Phase I ESA is also completed to comply with All Appropriate Inquiry.
• Phase II ESA - This type of assessment is usually completed following a Phase I ESA if there is a reason to believe the property is contaminated. Environmental sampling is completed to confirm or rule out the suspected contamination. The testing completed varies depending on the conditions at the property and the business needs of the purchaser. Contamination discovered must be reported to the DNR.

Environmental Consultants

Investigation and cleanup of contamination in the environment is conducted by qualified environmental consultants hired by the party responsible for cleanup. Cleanup actions are overseen by the DNR.

Liability Assistance

When requested and the required fee is received, the DNR can provide clarification of liability for property owners, lessees and protective purchasers.

Financial Resources

Resources to cover investigation and cleanup costs are available from various sources, including the DNR. More information is available on the DNR's Financial Resources webpage.