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Lowell approves Brownfields agreement for former chemical site after DEQ cleanup
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a Brownfields agreement for the former Yorkshire America/Crompton site, formalizing land-use restrictions and liability protections after state-led investigation and cleanup work.
Lowell — The City Council unanimously approved a Brownfields agreement on June 9 that clears a legal path to reuse the former Yorkshire America/Crompton chemical site.
Environmental consultant Greg Eisenhower told the council the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had spent roughly $1.1 million investigating and remediating contamination at the property, leaving the city with a better-understood site and a set of land-use restrictions. "The main takeaway from an environmental perspective is you are in a unique position," Eisenhower said. "All the heavy lifting has been done."
Municipal counsel and the city’s environmental consultant said the agreement will provide liability protection for the city as it considers reuse options — public works facilities, parks, commercial uses and other nonresidential activities — while preserving the state’s role in monitoring and approving changes. The agreement also specifies fees the city would pay during active construction oversight (a one-time filing fee plus a $10,000-per-year monitoring fee while construction is ongoing).
Council discussion noted use restrictions such as prohibiting residential development under current conditions because of vapor-intrusion and groundwater concerns; attorneys and consultants explained the agreement can be amended later if conditions change or additional cleanup is completed.
The unanimous vote allows the city to move forward with redevelopment planning and to consider selling or developing portions of the property subject to the agreement’s covenants and DEQ oversight.
Why it matters: The agreement converts a long-standing liability into a redevelopment opportunity while preserving public-safety and environmental protections. With state funds already applied, the city can now plan reuse while limiting exposure to future liability.
What’s next: Staff will finalize signatures with DEQ and return recommended next steps for potential uses and any necessary deed restrictions.
