Introduction to Brownfields

Overview EPA definition of a brownfield Examples of potential brownfield sites Examples of contamination types Examples of reuse ideas What is not a brownfield Liability information Benefits of the brownfield process Brownfield resources Next steps ADD A FOOTER

What are Brownfields? Breakdown of EPA definition: Land or building + Known or suspected contamination + A plan to use the land or building for something else = Brownfield site EPA definition: Real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence of potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminate.

Examples of Potential Brownfield Sites Common sites types in Alaska Abandoned tank farms Old BIA schools Abandoned canneries Former military sites Dump sites 55 gallon drum caches Former gas stations Many more!

Examples of Contaminates Common types in Alaska Petroleum products Lead Solvents Lead-acid batteries Asbestos Many more!

Examples of Reuse Ideas Common Reuses in Alaska Community gardens Tribal Halls City Offices Subsistence resources gathering area Playgrounds Culture Camps Housing developments Many more!

What is Not a Brownfield Additional eligibility considerations A site without a reuse or redevelopment plan Sites with potentially viable responsible parties Sites that are on federal lands Sites listed in the National Priorities List Sites that have an administrative order under CERCLA

Liability Information Information about Alaska’s statues Liability- Alaska Statute 46.03.822(a) Liability Defenses Strict Liability (Liable w/o regard to fault or negligence) Joint and Several Liability (one party or many parties can be held liable) Retroactive Responsible Parties can be: Owner and operator (past and present) Generators or arrangers Transporters Spillers Act of war Act of God Innocent Landowner – “Due Diligence” Involuntary Acquisition of Property by a State or Local Government Unit Native Corporations – ANCSA State government – Alaska Statehood Act *To obtain the defenses above… upon discovery of contamination, must report and being operations to contain and cleanup; so these are partial defenses as to past cleanup costs/damages*

Benefits of Brownfield Process Environmental Benefits Economic Benefits Social Benefits Cleanup removes contaminates, protecting human health and the environment Cleanup lessens the likelihood of contaminates migrating off-site Keeps other land pristine by reusing land that was previously developed Can restore land so that its safe for food production Reuse of existing structures helps keep costs down Reusing a brownfield site can raise the value of neighboring properties Increase employment opportunities Improves the health, safety, and security of the community by getting rid of contamination and safety risks like condemned structures Creates opportunities for development (such as affordable housing) in core areas of communities Can provide opportunity for traditional lifestyle activities by restoring subsistence resources

Brownfield Resources Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Assessment & Cleanup Program Applications are accepted once a year, funding permitting Competitive process where applications are ranked against all others received within Alaska Services, not money, are awarded to successful applicants Services can include assessment and cleanup, and are free

Brownfield Resources Applications are accepted throughout year U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program Applications are accepted throughout year Free services, not money, are awarded to successful applicants Assessment services can rage rom research of historic use of a site to taking samples to determine if the site is contaminated

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Competitive Grants Brownfield Resources U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Competitive Grants Applications are accepted once a year, funding permitting Grants are available for assessment and cleanup Applications compete for funding against all other submitted nationwide $200,000 max award for assessment or cleanup; 20% match required for cleanups Eligibility doesn’t include tribes but can work with ANSCA Corporations to submit grants

Identifying Brownfields in the Community! What’s Next? Identifying Brownfields in the Community! We have to identify potential brownfield sites before we can do anything about them. If anyone has any areas of concern please talk to me or fill out a site survey form so we can start building a potential brownfield site inventory.

THANK YOU! CaSandera Johnson 907-842-6248 cjohnson@bbna.com Phone Email cjohnson@bbna.com