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Redevelopment commission hears update on EPA brownfields grant and site-assessment services
Summary
At its Sept. 18 meeting, the Redevelopment Commission heard from Terry Lee of BCA Environmental Consultants that the city’s 2023 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brownfields assessment grant is about halfway spent and can fund environmental site assessments for underutilized properties.
At its Sept. 18 meeting, the Redevelopment Commission heard from Terry Lee of BCA Environmental Consultants that the city’s 2023 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfields assessment grant is about halfway spent and can fund environmental site assessments for underutilized properties.
The update explained how the grant has been used and how the city can use remaining funds. "We have an award of $400,000 in 2023," Lee said. "We're about halfway through it time wise, and we're about halfway through it money wise." He added, "They are upfront dollars. It's a reimbursement grant. It's already funded." The grant pays for Phase I and Phase II site assessments and related cleanup planning.
Why it matters: the assessments reduce financial and public-health uncertainty for buyers, sellers and developers considering formerly developed parcels — examples Lee gave included old car washes, auto garages, dry cleaners and manufacturing sites. Lee said the grant has supported work on Hawkins Road, Post Road, Lee Road, Otis Avenue, and three properties on Oakland Road, and has funded assessments of a cinder track previously owned by the Department of Natural Resources that the city may take over.
Details and timeline: Lee told the commission the city previously used a 2019–2023 grant of $300,000 and closed that award in 2023. The new 2023 award of $400,000 is set to run through 2027 unless spent earlier. "If by September 2026 we've spent down 70% of the $400,000," Lee said, the city could reapply sooner than waiting until 2027. He also cautioned that publication of 2026 program guidelines could be delayed by a federal funding lapse.
Records and recipients: when the consultant prepares assessment reports, Lee said the final reports go to the EPA, the city contacts (previously "Renee," and now both "Jim and Greg"), and the property owner. He described the program as usable on both public properties the city is acquiring and private properties where the assessment can remove a barrier for a potential developer.
Questions from commissioners focused on the grant source, proactive versus reactive uses and where assessment reports are filed. Russell (attorney) added that Phase I assessments are a routine due-diligence step for commercial buyers and can provide legal protections if contamination is discovered later.
Next steps: Lee encouraged the commission to provide site names and owner access permissions so BCA can schedule Phase I work; he said the city was on track to spend enough of the current award to pursue a follow-on award if desired.
Ending: Commission members did not take formal action on the report. No vote or commitment of new funds was recorded at the Sept. 18 meeting.
