What is a Brownfield?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a Brownfield as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

SECOG is currently engaged in significant efforts to revitalize our community through brownfield assessments. Thanks to four Assessment-Only Grants from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), we are assessing four plots of land across our region; two in Windham, one in Waterford, and one in Lisbon. These assessment projects’ deliverables include Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), and Remedial Action Plans (RAP) to describe proposed remedial options protective of human health and the environment. These assessments will allow us to identify and address contaminated areas, paving the way for safe redevelopment and economic revitalization. Provided that there is available legislative and State Bonding Commission authorizations, as well as funding included in the Governor’s Budget for these state grants to continue to be released, SECOG would like to continue to pursue these funding opportunities as they are made available.

SECOG has also applied for and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assessment Coalition Grant in partnership with the Eastern Connecticut Land Bank. Assessment Coalitions are designed for one “lead” eligible entity to partner with two to four eligible entities that do not have the capacity to apply for and manage their own EPA cooperative agreement and otherwise would not have access to Brownfields Grant resources. Applicants of this grant may request up to $1,200,000 to assess sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum), and/or petroleum. Grant submissions are typically expected during the Fall season, placing SECOG in the initial stages of planning for this opportunity.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments involve a site visit and a review of municipal, historical, and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) records. The site’s background, previous uses, and history of hazardous material releases are examined to determine the potential types and locations of contamination.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments include sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, and other environmental media, guided by the findings of the Phase I Assessment. This phase also involves preparing recommendations for cleanup options and providing cost estimates for remediation.

Phase III Remedial Action Planning involves creating a detailed cleanup plan for the site. Various cleanup strategies are assessed for their cost and effectiveness, with the remediation plan tailored to the intended future use of the site.

Addressing brownfield sites through assessment, remediation, and redevelopment is vital for ensuring community health. Assessment involves identifying hazardous materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. Various cleanup options are then evaluated to determine the most efficient and effective methods to mitigate these risks. Remediation includes the removal or containment of hazardous materials, reducing the risk of human exposure, and paving the way for the eventual reuse of the site. Redevelopment of remediated sites can meet community health needs, promote sustainability, and address environmental justice issues. The preservation of green spaces, boosting of the local economy, and creation of job opportunities are all potential effects of brownfields redevelopment.

Interested in learning more about brownfield assessment, remediation, and redevelopment? Check out the resources below or contact Emily Bigl, SECOG Environmental Planner, at [email protected].

CT Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD)

EPA’s Brownfields Program