EPA official explains what counts as a brownfield and what EPA funds can cover

Lorraine Byrne, identified at the meeting as the U.S. EPA project officer supporting the town’s program, described brownfields and how EPA partners with states, tribes and local groups. “A brownfield is basically a site…if there’s real or perceived contamination that might inhibit redevelopment,” Byrne said, listing examples such as asbestos, lead paint, leaking tanks and dry cleaner solvents.

Byrne clarified that sites subject to EPA enforcement actions or owned by the federal government are not handled as Brownfields. She summarized EPA funding categories—assessment grants, cleanup grants, revolving loan funds and targeted assessments—and said EPA often works through cooperative agreements with local partners to perform on‑site assessments. Byrne and other presenters noted that program documents are submitted to EPA and Maine DEP and become public records, which can aid developers and lenders.

The EPA presenter also noted the program’s role in clarifying liability under Superfund law and in making sites more marketable. Organizers encouraged residents to review assessment documents and contact project managers with questions.