U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant
In May of 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Kalamazoo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (KCBRA) a $200,000 grant for the assessment of petroleum sites and $200,000 for sites containing hazardous materials. The KCBRA can use these funds to assess the environmental condition of sites suspected of being impacted by petroleum products or hazardous substances throughout the county. The grant period runs from 10/1/16 through 9/30/19.
Most development and redevelopment projects require environmental due diligence to be conducted prior to acquisition. These funds can be used to meet those requirements satisfying lenders, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), Due Care Obligations and other development partners. Additionally, the grants can be used to develop Brownfield Plans, which can help offset environmental and non-environmental costs associated with redeveloping and rehabilitating buildings and properties. The KCBRA has been at the forefront of redeveloping Kalamazoo County’s brownfield sites for over ten years. It is uniquely positioned to assist developers (both large and small) with their environmental and brownfield needs in a comprehensive and timely fashion.
Please contact Rachael Grover, KCBRA Resources Coordinator, to find out more about U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant funds and how to apply.
What activities can be funded using the EPA Assessment Grant?
- Oversight of the county’s Brownfield Site Inventory and Prioritization Project
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)
- Historical records search, aerials, Sanborn Maps, site inspections, etc., in compliance with EPA requirements
- Phase II ESAs
- Sampling activities – i.e., soil, groundwater, vapor, asbestos, lead
- Laboratory analyses
- Geophysical investigations
- Baseline Environmental Site Assessments (BEAs)
- Documentation of Due Care Compliance (DDCC)
- Brownfield Plans, Act 381 Work Plans & Clean-up Plans
- Brownfield Plans for tax increment capture
- Act 381/MSF Work Plans – school tax capture
- Cleanup planning/feasibility reviews
- Community outreach
Other funding tools may be available for the following activities:
- Demolition, lead & asbestos abatement
- Clean-up activities
- Site preparation and infrastructure improvements in the Cities of Kalamazoo and Portage (MEDC Core Communities)
Where can you use the EPA Grant?
Sites eligible for Grant use:
- Sites throughout the county, where assessment will benefit the community
- Knowledge of existing contamination is not necessary
- Publicly or privately owned
- Vacant or in use
- Meets EPA eligibility requirements
- Contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, historic resource
Sites Not Eligible for Grant Use:
- National Priority List sites (Superfund) or proposed NPL sites
- Sites subject to EPA action
- Property owned by U.S. Government