Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grants

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has received its first Targeted Brownfields Assessment grant from the EPA in October, 2002. This grant can be used by the department for environmental assessment activities at Brownfield sites. These assessment activities include environmental activities preliminary prior to cleanup such as

 

  • site assessment,
  • site characterization and site response, or
  • cleanup planning and design for areas that have an actual or threatened release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

 

Brownfield assessment funds may only be used at sites where there is release, or substantial threat of release, of a hazardous substance, or there is a release, or substantial threat of release, of a pollutant or contaminant which that may present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare. The Cities, counties or local development groups may apply for assistance. County commission chairs, mayors and town presidents, and county emergency management officials, have received a letter informing them of the availability of these grants.

 

DENR’s Ground Water Quality Program administers the Brownfields Program. The Program is application based. The application identifies the minimum requirements for a single potential Brownfields site. There are no limits on the number of sites that may be submitted for consideration; however, there is a limit on funds available to the Program. Applicants submitting more than one site are asked to prioritize the applications based on local importance for redevelopment. Application guidance is available.

 

Sites will be prioritized should the number and potential assessment costs for all sites submitted exceed available funds. The Ground Water Quality Program envisions that factors such as level of contamination and community commitment toward cleanup and redevelopment will be considered during prioritization.

 

For more information on the Federal Brownfields Program, visit http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/



For more information on the SD Brownfields, please contact Kim McIntosh at (605) 773-3296 in Pierre or E-mail.