Eldora council hears year‑two update on $400,000 EPA brownfields grant

Ben Curtis, the environmental consultant administering Eldora’s EPA brownfields grant, told the council the four‑year, $400,000 program is entering its third year and is on track. “So my name is Ben Curtis. I’m with the Environmental Group,” Curtis said, and he summarized the grant’s four tasks: cooperative agreement administration, quarterly reporting and outreach, site investigations, and area planning.

Curtis said site assessments account for the bulk of grant spending. “This is where the bulk of the money is used for environmental assessments, environmental Phase I’s, Phase II’s, and then asbestos and lead‑based paint inspections,” he said. He reported that the contract is roughly 62% complete and that the city and consultant have spent about $200,000 together so far.

The consultant said the program has completed four Phase I assessments (with a goal of about 10) and has completed several Phase II investigations, which involve soil and groundwater sampling and more detailed hazard testing. Curtis told the council the team expects to finish site work well before the program expiration in September 2027 if the current pipeline of field work continues.

Curtis also described outreach and administrative work: a community involvement plan, tabling at local events (Pine Lakes Festival), a brochure and website materials, and plans for open houses and a small mailer to utility customers to boost community engagement. He said the grant’s intent is to identify and remove perceived or real hazards (asbestos, lead paint, petroleum contamination) so properties can be redeveloped and returned to taxable use.

The council asked about reporting; Curtis said the city receives quarterly reports submitted to the EPA, and a final closeout report will document all program activities. Council members thanked Curtis and indicated follow‑up would occur through staff and future presentations.