Targeted Brownfields Assessments Available

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Seattle office) is currently offering a select number of environmental site assessments to public or non-profit entities interested in redeveloping abandoned or underutilized properties.

Under the agency's Brownfields program, environmental consultants contracted by the EPA will perform the environmental assessments -- estimated value up to $50,000 -- to determine the nature and extent of contamination, and, if requested, to estimate the costs of cleaning up the site for redevelopment.

These environmental site assessments are available to public, quasi-public or non-profit entities (such as, municipalities, tribal governments and community development organizations) interested in redeveloping abandoned or underutilized properties. In order to qualify for the Brownfields assessments, the property must be contaminated or suspected to be contaminated with CERCLA hazardous substances.

EPA will generally approve expenditures for targeted Brownfields assessments when the property is publicly held. If a public or non-profit entity is aware of a Brownfields site that is privately held but has potential for redevelopment that will offer significant public benefit, EPA will consider spending TBA funds at the site.

The EPA's selection process will be aimed at projects where a party has concrete redevelopment plans for the site once the assessment is complete. Redevelopment can involve the creation of commercial, industrial, recreational or conservation uses.

To apply for the program, or for more information, contact Joanne LaBaw (206) 553-2594, or by e-mail at labaw.joanne@epamail.epa.gov.