Reimbursement awards

Reimbursement awards. (1) Processing applications. (a) Preliminary opinion. The department may issue a preliminary opinion which is not binding on the department on whether an applicant is eligible for reimbursement of response action costs. (b) Notice acknowledging application. Within 30 days after the department receives an application under s. NR 169.19 , the department shall issue a written notice to the applicant acknowledging receipt of the application. (c) Request for additional information. Following receipt of an application under s. NR 169.19 , the department may require an applicant to submit any additional information that may be relevant to the department’s review of the application. (d) Decision. Within 90 days after the department receives a complete application under s. NR 169.19 , including any additional information required by the department under par. (c) , the department shall issue a written decision approving or disapproving the application. The department may approve part of an application, or approve an application subject to conditions specified by the department. In its decision the department shall specify all the following: 1. The amount of eligible costs, if any, for which reimbursement may be paid. 2. The total amount, if any, approved for payment under s. NR 169.13 . The decision shall specify that payment is subject to the terms and conditions specified in this chapter. 3. Any amounts and items not approved and the reasons for that disapproval. The department shall also explain any amounts deducted from the reimbursement application under sub. (3) . (2) Denial of applications. Applications shall be denied as provided in s. 292.65 (8) (d) , Stats. (3) Deductibles. (a) The department may only make an award for eligible costs incurred at each dry cleaning facility that exceed the deductibles or other costs as specified in s. 292.65 (8) (e) , Stats. (b) The department may waive deductibles as specified in s. 292.65 (8) (g) , Stats. (4) Maximum awards. Pursuant to s. 292.65 (8) (f) , Stats., $500,000 is the maximum amount that may be paid for costs at a single dry cleaning facility for immediate actions, both emergency and non–emergency, and site investigations and remedial actions. (5) Multiple claimants. If more than one owner or operator is eligible for reimbursement under this chapter for response action taken for one or more discharges at the facility, the combined amount paid to those owners or operators may not exceed the maximum amount specified for a facility under sub. (4) .