HomeMy WebLinkAboutBrownfields Assessment Grant MemoCommunity Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Soils Division
P"O Box 6005 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend, Oregon 97708-6005
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)38S-1764
http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/cdd/
DATE:
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Peter Gutowsky, Principal Planner
RE: U.S. EPA Community-wide Assessment Brownfield Grant I Update
August 5,2014
Background
In May 2013, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) selected Deschutes County
for two brownfields assessment grants totaling $400,000.00. After finalizing a cooperative
agreement with U.S. EPA, the Community Development Department (COD) released a Request
for Proposals, seeking a qualified consulting firm to assist in implementation. COD received
thirteen proposals. A review committee selected APEX Companies, LLC, and a contract was
signed in November 2013.
Update
APEX Companies is now collaborating with COD and the Cities of Bend and Redmond to build
a systematic inventory of hazardous and petroleum brownfield sites, conduct Phase I and
Phase II environmental site assessments, perform remediation and redevelopment planning,
and provide community outreach activities in rural Deschutes County and Bend and Redmond.
The project's first phase, to conduct preliminary brownfield inventories, started in December.
Grant resources are also funding Area Wide Planning and environmental site assessments.
Area Wide Planning
The Brownfield grant dedicates $90,000.00 for Area Wide Planning (AWP). AWP offers
resources to conduct research, technical assistance and training that can result in an area-wide
plan and implementation strategy for key brownfield sites. This information can then help inform
the assessment, cleanup and reuse of brownfield properties and promote area-wide
revitalization. Recognizing that an overwhelming majority of eligible brownfield sites are located
in Bend and Redmond, Apex Companies met with city representatives from both jurisdictions in
June to discuss opportunities to perform AWP. Based on the results of those discussions, it was
determined that the northern section of Redmond's downtown area warranted the resources.
The timing and readiness to utilize AWP funding offer extraordinary advantages in Redmond. It
dovetails with the City's existing efforts to revitalize the area, including an urban renewal district,
market analysis, and recently completed housing study.
Environmental Site Assessments
Brownfields are properties where previous uses such as former gasoline stations, dry cleaners,
and industrial operations may have left behind contaminants. Brownfield redevelopment often
requires environmental site assessments (ESAs) and regulatory review. To help property
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owners navigate these processes and access resources that can help pay for the assessments
and review, approximately $264,000 of the brownfield grant provides ESAs for eligible
properties, and gives technical assistance to property owners, citizens, businesses and other
stakeholders. Phase I ESAs involve a review of records, site inspections, and interviews with
owners, occupants, neighbors and local government officials. Phase II ESAs include sampling
and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of hazardous materials. A Brownfield Advisory
Committee will be established to assist staff in making allocation decisions for the ESAs.
In September, two public meetings one in Bend, the other in Redmond will be held to discuss
the U.S. EPA grant, promote brownfield redevelopment, and offer additional resources to
eligible property owners throughout the county for ESAs. Speakers will include representatives
from Deschutes County, the Cities of Bend and Redmond, and Apex Companies.
• September 17'h at the Deschutes Services Center, 1300 NW Wall Street in the
DeArmond Room in Bend from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• September 24th at Redmond City Hall, 716 SW Evergreen Avenue, Conference Room A
from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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