KVCOG regularly applies for and receives U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Funding to assist communities in assessing potentially contaminated sites and cleaning up sites where redevelopment, expansion or reuse is complicated by the presence (or perceived presence) of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.  Funds are available as grants to municipalities (when available) and low-interest loans to private developers.  KVCOG works closely with the EPA, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, developers and environmental consultants to produce successful redevelopment projects.

What is a Brownfield?

A brownfield is defined as: real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or further defines the term to include a site that is: “contaminated by a controlled substance; contaminated by petroleum or a petroleum product excluded from the definition of ‘hazardous substance’; or mine-scarred land.”

The Brownfields Process:
Brownfields is sometimes considered a three-step process.  These steps precede redevelopment and identify potential funding sources.  Although redevelopment of a Brownfield occurs after site cleanup, plans for reuse are generally produced earlier during the process.

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
  An environmental due diligence report that documents the history and current status of a property and identifies potential environmental concerns. The Phase I ESA also helps determine the parties that are potentially liable for the contamination present at site. This report must be prepared in accordance with the appropriate standards and regulations to be considered valid under the Brownfields Program. The Phase I ESA must be conducted within 180 days prior to acquisition of a property.
• Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
  If the Phase I ESA determines that contamination is known or suspected to be present at the property, a Phase II ESA will be completed.  A scope of work for the Phase II ESA investigation is developed prior to execution.  Typically, soil, groundwater, and/or air samples are collected at the site and analyzed for suspected contaminants.  A Hazardous Building Material Survey may also be conducted at this step, which includes the collection and analysis of paint samples, suspect asbestos materials, and other building materials.  The data is reviewed to determine the nature and extent of contamination, if present.  The Phase II ESA is instrumental in developing cleanup plans for the property.
• Cleanup/Remediation
  If contamination is found in the samples collected during Phase II ESA, cleanup/remediation may be required to remove the contaminants prior to redevelopment.  A cleanup plan must be developed, which includes a presentation of various cleanup options and selection of the most feasible and cost-effective option.  In the Brownfields Program, this plan is called an Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA).  Following regulatory review and approval of the ABCA, the cleanup activities may begin.