DeKalb council approves $120,300 environmental site assessment for former salvage yard

The DeKalb City Council on April 14 authorized a $120,300 environmental site assessment of the former Potano's auto salvage property at 1151 South Fourth Street and directed staff to pursue Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) site enrollment to help with future remediation costs.

City staff told the council the property, acquired by the city in 2015, had earlier environmental investigations in 2004 and 2013 but that a full Phase 2 assessment had not been completed. The recommended contract—submitted by a consultant listed in materials as Grama (proposal reviewed by staff)—includes soil and groundwater investigation and work to position the site for IEPA enrollment, which can provide technical and cost-sharing assistance for remediation.

City Manager (name given in transcript as City Manager) said the city had highlighted the parcel while developing TIF 4 and that further testing is needed to determine cleanup requirements and suitable future uses. The council was told the city proposes to initially fund the assessment from the general fund balance and record an IOU against future TIF 4 receipts if those funds are later available.

Annie Reyes, identified in the meeting as a senior project hydrogeologist, and the consultant representative were present in the audience. Alderman Perkins moved the resolution; Alderman Larson seconded. Council approved the resolution in roll call vote.

What happens next: The consultant will perform the assessment and make IEPA enrollment applications as appropriate; the assessment will inform any cleanup plan and cost estimates for remediation and redevelopment.