South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC) currently has U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Assessment funding to assess properties for the cleanup and reuse of petroleum-contaminated sites. Funding may be used for sites that are contaminated with petroleum substances (such old gas stations, auto service businesses, factories, mill sites, shipyards, transit stations, junkyards, etc.)

So, what is a Brownfield? Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. A limited amount of Petroleum Site Assessment Grant funds is available to conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). A Phase I ESA helps identify potential contaminants on a site as well as recommending clean up options. A Phase II ESA provides a more detailed analysis of site conditions, the cleanup required per industry standards, and any follow-up monitoring of the site post-cleanup.

Want more information on SCPDC’s Brownfield Program and to determine if your petroleum site is eligible for brownfield funding? Contact our Brownfield Program Manager, Lesley Long at lesley@scpdc.org or (985) 851-2900.

More information can also be found at https://www.epa.gov/ust/petroleum-brownfields.

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Planner II- Regional Transportation Safety Planner