208-233-4535

Brownfields Assessment Program

Environmental Assessment is the first step towards addressing an environmental contamination concern at any property. Whether the past use of a property is entirely unknown or there is good reason to believe environmental contamination may be present at a property, SICOG aims to help landowners, developers, and local governments remove environmental uncertainties to allow for the future reuse and redevelopment of Brownfield sites.

Assessments are completed at no cost to the landowner by a Qualified Environmental Professional consulting firm contracted directly to SICOG. Assessments may include:

  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – Review of the current and past uses of the property
  • Phase II Environmental Site Assessment – Sampling and data collection
  • Evaluating risks of site contamination, if applicable
  • Estimating cleanup costs, if applicable
  • Planning for cleanup activities
  • Conceptualizing site-specific cleanup or reuse plans

 

A property may be eligible to participate in the Brownfields Assessment Program if it meets the following criteria:

1. The site is real property

2. The property is abandoned and/or underutilized

3. There are real or perceived concerns for environmental contamination associated with the property

4. There is a potential for reuse or redevelopment at the site

 

Participation in SICOG’s Brownfields Assessment Program offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Voluntary Participation: The Brownfields Program is entirely voluntary and aims to assist owners and purchasers in activities that facilitate property reuse. Landowners can withdraw from the program at any time.
  • No Cost Assessments: Assessments are performed by an environmental contractor hired by SICOG at no expense to the property owner.
  • Useful Assessment Reports: Assessment reports can address purchaser or lender concerns and fulfill regulatory requirements.
  • Characterizing Contamination: Conducting an environmental assessment helps identify, quantify, and delineate the extent of contamination, providing property owners with a clear understanding of risks and cleanup options.
  • Prospective Purchaser Protection: Phase I Environmental Site Assessments meet the All Appropriate Inquiry requirements, enabling prospective purchasers to qualify as innocent landowners.
  • Reduce Environmental Risk: Some assessments reveal fewer environmental impacts than suspected, speeding up property reuse.
  • Access to Cleanup Resources: Completing due diligence and cleanup planning can make a property eligible for other federal and state cleanup resources and financing.

For more information, or to get started with Brownfields Assessment, please contact:

Krystal Denney
Interim Executive Director
(208) 233-4535
krystal.denney@sicog.org