DEC’sDEC’sContaminated Sites Program Contaminated Sites Program

Reuse and Redevelopment InitiativeReuse and Redevelopment Initiative

Community Development Opportunities for Alaska WorkshopCommunity Development Opportunities for Alaska WorkshopJohn B. CarnahanJohn B. Carnahan

September 7, 2005September 7, 2005

Universal Recycling Brownfield Site - Fairbanks

IntroductionIntroduction

• DEC Mission - Protect human health and the environment…

• Cleanups can be – Small and simple, or– Extensive and complex – requiring years to

complete

• State-owned, military, federal, private sites…

PartneringPartnering

• DEC works to make transactions feasible

• Economic development leads to environmental protection

• Emphasizing timely reviews, clear expectations for the cleanup process

Beneficial to all parties

Risk-Based CleanupsRisk-Based Cleanups

• The better you define your development plans, the better you can define your cleanup goals and objectives

• Cleanup timeframes are based on complexity, contaminant, extent, risk of exposure, cost to cleanup, etc.

• Some properties may be developed in concert with cleanup

• There is flexibility in what cleanup approach is applied to a site

Coordinate with DEC early and often

Liability ProtectionLiability Protection

• Priority issue for purchasers and lenders

• Federal liability clarification exists

• DEC employs Prospective Purchaser Agreements as a tool to clarify liability

DEC Brownfield AssessmentsDEC Brownfield Assessments

• Aimed at site assessment for qualifying brownfield sites

• DEC Brownfield Assessment Request form online

• Have conducted activities ranging from Phase I’ to full release investigations

No cleanup funding at this time

Revolving Loan FundRevolving Loan Fund

• Alaska Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Coalition

• Consisting of ARDOR’s, agency and municipality representatives

• Seeking $3 million in financial assistance for brownfield cleanups

Working with EPA and DECWorking with EPA and DEC

• DEC and EPA work closely on all brownfield issues

• EPA has several grant opportunities

• All assessment and cleanup work must coordinate with DEC- regardless of funding

Recommend a BrownfieldRecommend a Brownfield

• Brownfield Recommendation form online

• DEC does not track economic potential

• We need your assistance in identifying prospective brownfield sites

Brownfield VisionBrownfield Vision

• Coordinated assessment of Alaska needs

• Appropriate legislation identified and developed

• Increase awareness and understanding

• Both urban and rural issues acknowledged and addressed

Look to DEC as your resource

John B. Carnahan

Brownfield CoordinatorDepartment of Environmental Conservation

Contaminated Sites Program

610 University Ave – Fairbanks – 99709

451-2166

John_Carnahan@dec.state.ak.ushttp://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/csp/brownfields.htm