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Union County authorizes Brownfields cleanup application, approves $10,000 Catawba Regional contract and discusses maintenance‑shop bids
Summary
Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing submission of a Voluntary Cleanup Contract (VCC) non-responsible application for Brownfields sites including Union Dry Cleaners, approved a $10,000 contract with Catawba Regional for technical assistance on the Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, and reviewed a low maintenance-shop bid of $4,435,824 with a potential $218,000 county overage.
Union County Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the county supervisor to submit a Voluntary Cleanup Contract (VCC) Non-responsible party application to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’ Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program for certain properties, including the Union Dry Cleaners site. Angela Kirkpatrick and Tyler Lewis of Catawba Regional presented to the council, with Tyler Lewis explaining the VCC process: it provides liability protection at state and federal levels and creates opportunities for grant funding and property refurbishment.
The council also approved a $10,000 contract with Catawba Regional to assist in updating the county’s Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (last updated in 2020), with funding source to be identified. Councilman John Flood moved adoption of the resolution; the motion carried unanimously.
On capital projects, council members reviewed bids for a joint City/County maintenance shop that were opened June 12. The lowest responsive bid was $4,435,824; bid review must confirm responsiveness and, because this amount exceeds the project allocation, the county would face an approximate $218,000 overage that could be funded from capital accounts. Chairman Russell said the RFP allows negotiation with the lowest responsive bidder and requested permission to negotiate with city partners and the bidder.
Why it matters: The VCC enrollment can clear environmental liability barriers and enable redevelopment and grant eligibility for contaminated properties; the Catawba Regional contract funds technical compliance work required by federal accessibility laws; and the maintenance-shop bidding process sets the stage for a large capital project with a potential funding shortfall that council must resolve.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract paperwork with Catawba Regional, pursue VCC enrollment steps with state agencies, and continue bid review and negotiation for the maintenance shop. Chairman Russell indicated capital funds are an option to cover any shortfall.
