Brownfields Assessment Program
What is a Brownfield Site?
A brownfield site is real property in which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Former uses such as factories, gasoline service stations, dry cleaners, chemical storage facilities, and transportation facilities may be actual or perceived contaminated sites. Brownfields can diminish property values and challenge the economic viability of neighboring properties.
Cleaning up brownfields and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, encourages additional investment with the region, and can create and preserve open space. This concept is a unique approach to improving the local economy which also improving and protecting the environment. For more information on brownfields visit the U.S. EPA’s website at: www.epa.gov/brownfields.
The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002
Under the Brownfields Law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs: assessment grants, revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and job training grants. Assessment funds grants cannot be used for cleanup activities. However, NCC partners with the NH Dept. of Environmental Services (NH DES) for cleanup and other activities. For more information about NH DES’ Brownfields program, visit their website at: des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/waste/hwrb/sss/brownfields/index.htm. NH’s RSA 147-F (Brownfields Program) provides more information about the remedial process and liability protection. For more information, visit www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-X-147-F.htm.
Eligibility for North Country Council’s Assessment Program
The threshold criteria for participation in NCC’s Assessment Program are that a current or prospective property owner is not responsible for the contamination, that they are a willing participant in the program, and are willing to provide access to the site. Property owners can include municipalities which have acquired contaminated properties through tax deeding, nonprofit entities acquiring contaminated property, and abutters at risk of contamination from adjacent properties. Priority is given to sites that are a threat to public health and safety. Other considerations include readiness of redevelopment plans/development potential, job creation, eligibility for cleanup grants, neighborhood/historic preservation benefits of redevelopment and housing benefits of redevelopment. Also important are enhancements to quality of life through the creation of greenspace, recreation potential, and community character.
Petroleum-only contaminated sites also require approval of NH DES. Properties with other hazards, or mixed petroleum and other hazards, require EPA approval. Requests to NH DES and EPA are facilitated through an assessment form and an access agreement.
There is no cost to the applicant for Phase I and Phase II Assessment services. These services are provided by a qualified professional engineer under contract with NCC.
Phase I Assessments
Once a property has been approved, the Phase I process can begin. This process involves a detailed records search of the history of the property to determine the type and scope of the actual or potential contamination. It also includes one or more site visits to property. This process can take up to three months, or more, depending on the property.
Phase II Assessments
A Phase II Assessment involves actual sampling and testing of contaminants, soil, water, etc. on the site. Prior to actual work in the field, a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) must be prepared and approved by EPA. A report summarizing the findings and recommended actions is prepared and must be approved by NH DES and/or EPA. The Phase II process can take 4-6 months, depending on the site.
Cleanup and Redevelopment
Cleanup and redevelopment are the responsibility of the property owner. NCC can assist in cleanup and redevelopment planning, including identifying potential sources of state and federal funds.
North Country Council’s Brownfields Assessment Program (2008-2010)
To date, NCC has completed seven Phase I Assessments and four Phase II Assessments. Assessments have included petroleum-only sites and sites with other hazards. Communities served include Littleton, Jackson, Lincoln, Bethlehem and Berlin. Another Phase I and Phase II is underway in Groveton. NCC is currently seeking eligible sites in order to obtain additional funding.
North Country Council’s Brownfields Assessment Program (2005-2007)
NCC’s first brownfields assessment program addressed petroleum-only contamination. Six Phase I Assesments and 4 Phase II Assessments were completed. Communities served include Colebrook and Berlin.