Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington O Starpointe Corridor Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington O Crossroads Corridor O O Mon Valley Corridor Board of Directors John Mark Hunter - Chairman Joe Gowern - Vice Chairman Angelo Armenti, Jr. Ann Dugan Joyce Ellis Bill McGowen - Executive Director 724-228-6875 redevelopment@racw.net www.racw.net

Washington County Brownfield Assessment Program Revitalizing Communities by Redeveloping Brownfields

What is a Brownfield? An abandoned, idle, and/or underused property (industrial or commercial) where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the potential presence of pollutants.

Examples of Brownfields Former Industrial Sites Closed Factories and Mills Closed Chemical Plants Mine Scarred Land Former Strip Mines Mine Refuse Piles Former Service Stations Gas Stations with old underground storage tanks Maintenance & Repair Shops with petroleum and/or cleaning solvent contamination

Impacts of Brownfields Human Health & Environmental Hazards Problems caused by brownfields may include the pollution of soil, groundwater & streams by petroleum products, hazardous chemicals or mine drainage and of air by asbestos or other airborne chemicals.

Impacts of Brownfields Economic Hurdles Redevelopment of brownfields often costs more than developing “greenfield” properties. The cost of remediation exceeds the developers budget When developers choose to build on undeveloped land, sprawl is increased and property values remain depressed in the blighted areas.

Washington County Brownfields The Redevelopment Authority has identified 133 potential brownfields. These brownfields account for approximately 10,000 acres of potentially contaminated property, almost 2% of the county’s total area.

What can be done? The Redevelopment Authority set a high priority for remediation and reuse of brownfields Two grant applications were submitted to and approved by the US EPA ($400K) The Washington County Brownfield Assessment Program is developed.

Brownfield Assessment Program Inventory of brownfield properties contaminated with hazardous or petroleum substances Database to maintain information about properties Input from elected officials, community-based organizations & general public Educational meetings

Brownfield Assessment Program Western PA Brownfield Center provides model for site selection process Site selection process includes review of property attributes Brownfield properties selected for Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

Brownfield Assessment Program Property owners complete an application process Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments are conducted (Total of 10 to 20) CEC assists with the development of reuse plans for properties assessed

Phase 1 ESA A Phase 1 ESA answers the question: Is there potential for contamination to exist on the property? Consists of: Visual inspection of the property Interviews with landowner(s) Historic records review (aerial photographs, topographic maps, fire insurance maps, and title records) Government agency file review Phase 1 ESA Report lists potential environmental concerns and recommendations for sampling and testing. These recommendations set the stage for the next step, the Phase 2 ESA.

Phase 2 ESA A Phase 2 ESA follows the recommendations of the Phase 1 ESA. Includes sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, surface water, and potential asbestos-containing building materials. The Phase 2 ESA answers the question: Does contamination actually exist on the property?

Site Reuse Plans Site Reuse Plans based on Phase 2 findings of identified risks and recommended cleanup options. Includes: Risk Evaluation Cleanup Plans Cleanup Cost Estimates Brochures to assist property owner with marketing property Enables landowners and perspective purchasers to negotiate sale price based on fact rather than perception. Highlights property’s potential BEFORE the sale, increasing value to perspective purchasers and sale price for landowner.

Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment Increase local tax bases Facilitate job growth Utilize existing infrastructure Improve blighted property Take development pressure off undeveloped open land

Contact Information Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Robert C. Dlugos, P.G. – Project Manager (rdlugos@cecinc.com) David N. Olson, P.G. – Senior Project Manager (dolson@cecinc.com) Four Triangle Lane, Suite 200 Export, PA 15632 724-327-5200 www.cecinc.com

Contact Information Susan L. Morgan Brownfields & Municipal Planning Manager 100 West Beau St. Suite 603 Washington, PA 15301 724-228-6875 susan.morgan@racw.net www.racw.net