Council approves Phase I environmental study of former Middberg/Burlington site as due diligence for brownfields funding

Council authorized a Phase I environmental study at the former Middberg/Burlington property on West Church Street to determine whether the town should pursue ownership and brownfields funding. Jay explained Republic Services, the current owner, granted permission to perform the survey as part of discussions about a possible donation. The recommended study from Alliance Technical Group was estimated at $1,950 and was funded from hospitality‑tax reserve funds per the manager’s recommendation.

Council members discussed contamination history, including an underground storage tank and prior Department of Health and Environmental Control correspondence. Jay noted the Phase I would document existing conditions and make the town eligible for brownfields grant programs; a Phase II or remediation estimate would be a later step if the town wished to proceed. “Phase one is the thing that is required before you have ownership because at that point you have ownership, then you go do it,” one council member summarized.

Council voted to proceed. Staff said the study does not obligate acquisition and would inform whether the town could apply for federal or state cleanup funds. If the town later pursues ownership, subsequent testing and remediation costs would be evaluated and potentially covered by grant sources such as KATABA or EPA brownfields programs if eligible.