by Tony Finding,CHMM, Brownfield Science & Technology, Inc. (BSTI)

When your in-situ environmental remediation system goes live, it might feel like the hard part is over. The installation is complete, the contractors have cleared out, and regulators are off your back. But a quiet site doesn't mean it's time to take your eye off the ball—especially when it comes to operations and maintenance (O&M) costs.

Based on over three decades of designing, building, and operating remediation systems, here are ten professional strategies to ensure your O&M dollars are working hard—every year of your project.

1. Know Your Endgame Before You Start

Don't just focus on cleaning up contamination—consider whether you need to clean it up at all. Regulatory endpoints based on risk assessments can allow for scaled-back remediation if human or environmental risks are minimal. Even with an active system, a fresh look at your endpoints might reveal you're closer to closure than you think.

2. Design with O&M in Mind

System designers often over-engineer for peak contamination. But as mass removal rates decline, you're left operating an oversized system at full cost. Request cost projections for both early and steady-state phases, and push for lifecycle budgeting that highlights long-term expenses. Design choices—like centralized monitoring points—can significantly reduce site time and improve data quality.

3. Use the Right Tool for the Right Job

Remediation often starts with aggressive “hammer” solutions. But as contaminant levels drop, those systems can become excessive and inefficient. Adaptive site management lets you switch to more targeted “Q-tip” solutions later on, potentially saving thousands without compromising outcomes.

4. Choose Skilled Operators, Not Just Warm Bodies

An experienced system operator does more than read meters—they monitor trends, anticipate problems, and fine-tune performance. If your system experiences frequent downtime or surprise repair costs, you might have a “meter reader” instead of a true O&M professional.

5. Beware of the “Lowest Cost” Trap

Competitive bidding can drive down hourly rates, but if each new contractor delivers diminishing returns, the long-term cost may be higher. Operators who lack incentive to close out a site might prolong a project indefinitely. Invest in quality service, not just low rates.

6. Follow the Money: Understand Your Spending

Dissect your budget. Are your dollars going to energy-hungry systems with minimal output? Are you collecting redundant data? Is fouling causing frequent failures? Understanding cost drivers helps you prioritize solutions and streamline your program.

7. Match Technology to the Phase

Early on, robust renewable technologies (like thermal oxidizers or soil vapor extraction) are efficient. But as contaminant levels drop, consumables like activated carbon might be cheaper. The key is knowing when to switch. A good operator can help optimize timing based on treatment cost per mass removed.

8. Embrace Telemetry and Remote Monitoring

Simple telemetry systems offer huge savings. They alert you to faults in real time and reduce the need for routine site visits. They also allow techs to show up prepared, cutting down on costly return trips. Smart monitoring prevents unnoticed downtime—days, even weeks—that delay progress and inflate costs.

9. Don’t Get Distracted by “Bells and Whistles”

Not every automation is worth the price tag. While some features are essential (like remote valve control for high-risk sites), others add cost without value—and sometimes even create new maintenance burdens. Evaluate your system needs critically to avoid over-engineering.

10. Schedule Annual Optimization Reviews

No system performs exactly as designed. Conditions change—water tables shift, surface cover alters, infrastructure evolves. An annual review with your operator ensures you adapt to these changes. It’s a powerful opportunity to reassess system performance and capture savings year over year.

The Author:

Tony Finding, CHMM, serves as Vice President and Director of Remediation Technologies at Brownfield Science & Technology, Inc. (BSTI). With over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, Tony is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and a leading expert in environmental remediation system design, implementation, and optimization. He has directed the successful completion of more than 300 remedial projects across the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing deep expertise in technologies such as in-situ chemical oxidation, bioremediation, and advanced groundwater treatment. Tony is also a recognized leader in the assessment and remediation of PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and has contributed to national technical guidance through the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC). Contact: Tony Finding, V.P., Director of Remediation Technologies Email: tfinding@bstiweb.com Phone: (610) 593-5500 Website: www.bstiweb.com

by Lindsay Boone, M. Sc., Pace Analytical Services

The reclamation and redevelopment of brownfield sites represent a critical opportunity to breathe new life into underutilized spaces. However, a thorough site assessment is essential to understanding a site’s past usage and the potential it presents for future liabilities. Furthermore, the designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) has made PFAS a critical component of any site redevelopment assessment. 

In this article, we discuss the primary test methods used to analyze PFAS in environmental matrices with the goal of arming readers with the insights they need to chart a clear path forward.

Test Methods for Brownfields Analysis

For the purposes of brownfield redevelopment, an environmental analysis can cover a variety of matrices, such as groundwater, surface water, stormwater runoff, soil and more. In 2024, the U.S. EPA finalized EPA 1633, providing the industry with a standardized, validated method for analyzing targeted PFAS compounds in non-potable aqueous and solid matrices.  

We are seeing the EPA as well as state agencies utilize 1633 in programs in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. The Department of Defense (DOD) has also relied heavily on EPA 1633 for PFAS remediation projects when analyzing non potable matrices.  Yet, while EPA 1633 may be used for brownfield site assessments, these projects do not always involve direct EPA or DOD oversight. This allows project managers in some cases to leverage other test methods for analyzing PFAS in environmental matrices.

An alternative method, ASTM D8421, was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials to provide the industry with a quick, easy, and robust method for PFAS in non-potable aqueous matrices. This method was validated using reagent water and tested with difficult matrices including landfill leachate, metal finisher wastewater, Publicly Owned Treatment Work (POTW) influent and effluent, and other non-potable water. 

The ASTM D8421-22 documentation describes the method this way: This test method covers the determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aqueous matrices using liquid chromatography (LC) and detection with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). These analytes are co-solvated by a 1+1 ratio of sample and methanol then qualitatively and quantitatively determined by this test method. Quantitation is by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) or sometimes referred to as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).  

ASTM D8421 provides several advantages over EPA 1633: 

• Turnaround time (TAT) is typically faster than more procedurally complex methods like EPA 1633.
• ASTM D8421 is typically a less expensive test to perform than EPA 1633.
• ASTM D8421 is a low-volume test, requiring only three containers of 5 ml each. This makes sample collection and shipping easier and less expensive.
• ASTM D8421 has been validated for 44 PFAS. This includes the 40 PFAS quantifiable by EPA 1633 plus PFPrA, a short chain PFAS, and TFSI, a compound of interest in DOD projects.
• Technically similar to EPA 8327, either method can be cited.
• ASTM D8535 is technically similar to ASTM D8421. Pace® has validated this method for analyzing PFAS in soil and other solids.

ASTM D8421 is a “performance-based” method, meaning it can be adapted or optimized for specific projects or analytical goals. Pace® added isotope dilution which is also used for quantification in EPA 1633.

Is ASTM D8421 a Screening Method?

The short answer to this question is no. However, “screening method” is a user-defined term without a universal understanding or definition. At its essence, ASTM D8421 is a definitive method. There is some confusion regarding the capabilities and ability of ASTM D8421 to meet specific Data Quality Objectives (DQO). To clarify, it is essential to understand the difference between a “screening method” and a “definitive method.”

Definitive test methods deliver data suitable for final decision-making (of the appropriate level of sensitivity, precision, and accuracy) and legally defensible. These methods are typically developed in accordance with rigorous scientific standards to ensure they provide consistent, reproducible results that accurately reflect the presence and concentration of PFAS compounds. Definitive test methods require a precision and bias statement.  

Screening methods produce data that can support an intermediate or preliminary decision but should eventually be supported by definitive data. For example, EPA 1621 is defined by the EPA as a screening method as it only “estimates” the concentration of AOF (adsorbable organic fluorine) in a sample. ASTM D8421 can certainly be used by various stakeholders to meet screening-level DQOs; but at its essence, ASTM D8421 is a definitive method.

Interesting Developments Are on the Horizon

Interestingly, the landscape for PFAS test methods can change even faster than the regulations, and there are some interesting developments in the works. As expected, the EPA has proposed adding EPA 1633 to 40 under Methods Update Rule 22, further cementing the use of these methods in EPA regulatory actions. 

Just as importantly, MUR 22 also proposes incorporating ASTM D8421 by reference. “By reference” simply means that the Congressional Federal Record (CFR) will link out to documents authored by the standards body that developed the method instead of including all details in the CFR. This relieves at least some of the documentation burden for the agency. Once ASTM D8421 has been incorporated as a “Part 136” test method, the EPA can incorporate it into other Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory programs if it so chooses. 

The Author:

Lindsay Boone, M.Sc.  is a PFAS Technical Specialist at Pace® Analytical Services and frequent speaker on PFAS-related issues including treatability and remediation studies.

These standards may apply to sites undergoing remediation as well as sites that have been closed

By Kristen English and Mindy Sayres, PG, LSRP, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.

If you’re wondering what the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP’s)  updated Ground Water Quality Standards (GWQS) mean for you as an environmental consultant, site owner, or prospective site owner, here are some key points to consider.

Background

NJDEP amendments to the GWQS changed the criteria for 73 compounds, including 50 that were made more stringent. Of those, the GWQS of seven compounds have been decreased by an Order of Magnitude (OOM) or more.  Effective February 3, 2025, these standards apply to Class II-A groundwater, which is essentially all groundwater in New Jersey.  It has been estimated that thousands of sites, both active and closed, will be impacted. 

What are the Order of Magnitude compounds?

The seven compounds for which standards have been decreased by an OOM or more—at least 10x more stringent—are: 1,1-Biphenyl; Cobalt; Free Cyanide; 1,3-Dichlorobenzene; Heptachlor Epoxide; Methoxychor; and Vinyl Chloride.  

How do these new standards change what is required at my site where remediation is underway?

• If a remedial action workplan (RAW) or remedial action report (RAR) is submitted by August 3, 2025, the former GWQS remain in effect, except for those seven compounds with OOM changes. It is imperative that an evaluation be completed for those seven compounds to determine if groundwater concentrations remain in compliance and protective of human health and the environment. If they do not meet the new standards, additional investigation and/or remediation may be required. 
• At sites where the RAW/RAR have not been submitted by August 3, 2025, the new GWQS will apply.

An RAO was issued for my site – will the case be reopened?

There has been much discussion in the environmental community in the short time since the GWQS were published as well as in the comments/responses of the newly published GWQS about potential “reopener” triggers for cases that have been closed, i.e., have a Response Action Outcome (RAO) or No Further Action (NFA). Indeed, the science of each site varies, and environmental consultants will work closely to advise their clients appropriately as these scenarios are further explained by the NJDEP.

Thus far, in response to multiple comments included in the February 3, 2025 New Jersey Register publication of the new GWQS regarding the potential for cases with a final remediation document to be reopened, the NJDEP response has included the following information:

• For sites with a Restricted-Use RAO or Limited Restricted-Use RAO with an approved Groundwater Remedial Action Permit, an OOM evaluation for the seven compounds noted above must be conducted and included with the next Biennial Certification submittal. Depending on the results of that evaluation, additional actions may be required. 
• If a site has been closed with an unrestricted RAO or an unrestricted NFA, the OOM evaluation would be required if/when the site “re-enters” the NJDEP’s Contaminated Site Remediation and Redevelopment (formerly named the Site Remediation Program), which could be prompted by a property transaction or other triggers.

What are the most common constituents for which standards have been made more stringent?

In addition to Vinyl Chloride (one of the seven compounds for which the standard has decreased by an OOM), three of the 50 compounds for which standards have become more stringent and which are very commonly found on contaminated sites in New Jersey include:  Benzene; Tetrachloroethene; and Trichloroethene.  These compounds are often present in groundwater at sites in New Jersey impacted by historical uses such as dry cleaners, gas stations/auto repair shops, and industrial and manufacturing facilities that used solvents in their operations, to name a few.

What if the site I am considering purchasing is contaminated?

Environmental due diligence, including a Preliminary Assessment (PA) and, if necessary, a Site Investigation (SI), remains critical for buyers in New Jersey to make informed property transaction decisions. This investigatory process demonstrates that the buyer has conducted “all appropriate inquiry” and entitles the buyer to “innocent purchaser defense” under the Spill Act; this can protect the buyer from responsibility for additional evaluation requirements or costs associated with the new GWQS. Compliance with the new GWQS is the responsibility of  the Person Responsible for Conducting Remediation (PRCR), as determined by New Jersey’s Spill Act and/or Brownfield Act. 

By Ryan Givens, AICP, Montrose Environmental

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports over 1.5 million abandoned properties across the U.S. – creating voids and a sense of abandonment in our cities and local communities.  These sites, including industrial buildings, office parks, and waterfronts, have potential to be reimagined as new community-serving destinations through resolute revitalization planning strategies. A clear vision is crucial for revitalization, involving community members, leaders, and experts to identify opportunities and set a trajectory for change

Key Approaches:

Adaptive reuse involves converting and modernizing existing structures.

• Convert old buildings into residential units or commercial spaces.
  
• Challenges include upgrades and compliance with safety standards.
  

Urban infill entails building new opportunities on vacant urban lots.

• Develop new projects on vacant urban lots, integrating with the surrounding area.
• Challenges include limited space, parking, and potential environmental issues.

Redevelopment means replacing outdated sites with transformative developments.

• Replace outdated structures with new developments.
• Examples include transforming vacant shopping centers and industrial plants.

Public realm enhancements include upgrading streets, parks, and public spaces.

• Add landscaping along public streets, repair sidewalks and create recreational amenities.
• Challenges include funding for enhancements.

Strategy Tips for Successful Revitalization:

1. Adapt Regulatory Tools: Amend zoning and building codes to accommodate and entice investment.
2. Identify Infrastructure Upgrades: Assess and upgrade infrastructure to support redevelopment projects and support new tenants.
3. Resolve Environmental Barriers: Identify and address contamination and hazardous substances to ready sites for redevelopment and reuse.
4. Secure Funding: Identify funding sources for revitalization projects.
5. Rebrand and Market: Rebrand areas to attract new investors, residents, and visitors.

By incorporating these strategies, communities can transform abandoned properties and distressed neighborhoods into thriving, sustainable environments.

Tools and Resources

• EPA Brownfields Program: FY 2025 Brownfields Job Training Listening Sessions
• Case Studies on Urban Revitalization: World Bank Report on Urban Revitalization
• Current Vacancy Rates in the U.S.: Census.gov - Housing Vacancies and Homeownership

The Author:

Ryan Givens, AICP, is a dedicated City Planner and Urban Designer with 24 years of experience in community design, master planning, and revitalization strategies. Passionate about urban places, Ryan specializes in land use planning, urban infill, and redevelopment, focusing on transforming neglected properties into vibrant community assets. His expertise in environmental assessments, infrastructure planning, and funding strategies ensures successful project implementation, making him an invaluable partner in revitalizing neighborhoods and commercial districts.

by Alex Bazeley, AC Power

A closed landfill in Niagara, New York is now powering a brighter future. The Pine Avenue Landfill is bringing clean, affordable energy to over 2,300 homes since two newly constructed solar projects on the site came online in early November. The 13.5 MW-dc development will also generate over half a million dollars in revenue for the town and its school district, bolstering their municipal budget.

While its neighbor, the iconic Niagara Falls, has always symbolized natural power, the solar array on the Pine Avenue Landfill shows how dormant land can be revitalized to advance renewable energy for a community long affected by industrial activity. The success is the result of a collaboration involving AC Power, Calibrant Energy, Montante Solar, and the Town of Niagara, combining their expertise to transform previously contaminated land into a renewable energy resource that benefits the community.

This case study explores the site's history, the development process, the web of permitting and engineering challenges — along with the solutions used to overcome them — and the wide-ranging benefits brought to the Town of Niagara through this project. The milestone not only marks a new chapter for the region, but also stands as a replicable path forward for other municipalities looking to give land a new life and bring the energy transition to its residents. 

The Opportunity of Brownfields

Across the United States, there are tens of thousands of brownfield sites — former industrial or commercial properties that may be contaminated and have limited potential for redevelopment. For many years, these sites were seen as liabilities, burdened by their histories and costly remediation. But with growing demand for renewable energy and an increased focus on sustainability, more landowners are recognizing the potential of these properties as prime locations for solar and other renewable energy projects.

Brownfields, including capped landfills, offer a unique opportunity to generate clean energy while revitalizing previously unused land. By converting brownfields into renewable energy assets, municipalities can achieve multiple goals: reducing environmental hazards, generating local economic benefits, and contributing to statewide and national renewable energy targets. Projects like the Pine Avenue Landfill solar installation demonstrate that brownfields are not just a problem to be managed — they are a resource to be harnessed.

A New Chapter for the Pine Avenue Landfill

The Pine Avenue Landfill’s legacy of disposal stretches back more than a century, when in the late 1800s Union Carbide began using the site for the dumping of industrial manufacturing waste. It transitioned into a solid waste management facility in the 1970s, coinciding with Republic Services-Allied Waste’s takeover of the property as owner. The site is part of a 385-acre complex which includes an active solid waste landfill directly to the north of one of the solar projects, seven closed solid waste landfills, and six closed hazardous waste landfills. 

In 2022, AC Power began discussions with Republic Services to transform closed portions of the landfill. Leveraging their expertise in repurposing contaminated sites, they identified an opportunity to turn this challenging piece of land into a productive asset — generating renewable energy for the community and delivering economic benefits. But the journey from concept to construction required a deep understanding of environmental compliance, creative engineering, and strategic partnerships.

Initiating the Process

With portions of the landfill capped and others still active, the site presented unique permitting and environmental challenges, including securing access for the installation and operation of the solar facilities, ongoing landfill gas collection and monitoring at the project sites, and interconnection design and siting of electrical equipment on and off the landfill cap. The various levels of environmental regulation throughout the larger landfill complex underscored the creativity required for this project and the urgency with which a forward-thinking solution was needed.

AC Power initiated a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and critical issues analysis/permitting matrix to verify that the closed and capped sections of the landfill could support the development of the solar projects, while remaining compliant with environmental regulations. Accordingly, the developers proposed two 5-MW-ac solar energy generating facilities on two separate sections of capped and closed landfills. 

Navigating Permits and Incentives

Once a lease agreement was secured, attention turned to permitting for the development, which necessitated creative thinking and relentless pursuit of the project. Working with outside land use counsel, the developers coordinated with the Town to obtain a use variance that allowed the project to be sited on the existing landfill sections, in addition to bringing the project through the State Environmental Quality Review and site plan review processes.  

The NYSDEC post-closure use modification application required comprehensive stormwater analysis, geotechnical assessments, and operational planning to demonstrate the viability of solar development at the site. Tetra Tech, as an engineering partner on the project, conducted the vital work to meet these requirements, while the developers worked closely with the Town of Niagara to secure zoning approvals and a use variance for siting the solar projects.

The developers leveraged both local and federal clean energy incentives to make the project economics pencil. The project was awarded a community solar incentive through NYSERDA’s NY Sun program, while the IRA’s provisions, which include a base Investment Tax Credit of 30% for solar projects sited on brownfields, were pivotal in financing the project. In addition, the site's classification as an energy community in May 2024, based on updated employment codes and regional unemployment data, enabled the project to access an additional 10% ITC. 

By providing fair-paying jobs during the construction phase of the development under the IRA’s prevailing wage requirements, the project underscores the ways in which these projects can benefit local workforces. These jobs not only supported the solar industry but also contributed to skill development in clean energy construction, fostering a workforce prepared for future renewable energy projects.

Innovative Engineering for a Challenging Site

Engineering a solar project on a landfill requires creative solutions to ensure that the integrity of the capped landfill is maintained, and this site was no different. The resulting design involved a ballasted ground-mounted solar system — the industry standard for these types of projects — ensuring that no penetrations were made into the landfill cap and thereby protecting the underlying waste containment systems.

More pressing, though, was the fact that portions of the site remained active, which meant navigating a web of existing infrastructure. The presence of active gas flares, groundwater monitoring wells, and at-grade gas lines required the developers to work diligently to obtain all required permits and approvals and bring the projects to notice to proceed while minimizing disruption.

With the development process successfully navigated, AC Power was ready to sell the project, which would commence construction and lock in a long-term owner-operator. They found just that in Calibrant Energy, who would purchase the project in late 2023, and with Montante Solar on board as the EPC, the team was ready to break ground and get the energy flowing.

Community Benefits

The resulting project will bring renewable, discounted energy to more than 2,300 homes, enabling this community to directly share in the benefits of a decarbonized economy. In accordance with New York’s community solar guidelines, more than half of the project’s subscribers will be Low- to Moderate-Income, further democratizing the energy transition.

The projects’ combined 13.5 MW-dc capacity translates to significant CO2 offset — approximately 3,630 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 789 cars from the road each year or planting over 93,000 trees. Such impacts directly support New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act CLCPA, which aims to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.

AC Power, along with outside counsel, worked with the town to implement a Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreement, an alternative revenue stream structure that provides municipalities with stable income over the life of the agreement. The PILOT agreement established an annual payment structure that will pay out more than half a million dollars to the Town and the Wheatfield School District over the next 15 years, which can be reinvested into community infrastructure and services. This arrangement ensures a predictable revenue stream for the town and school district, contributing to local services without increasing the tax burden on residents. 

Additionally, Niagara County recently introduced a local ordinance, the first of its kind, requiring solar developers to have an end-of-life recycling plan for their projects. In compliance, Solarcycle contributed a decommissioning plan to the project to ensure that when the array has exhausted its abilities — in as soon as 25-30 years — the solar panels will be responsibly recycled. What this means is that Calibrant, as the long-term owner-operator of the project, will work with the Town to keep the panels from simply ending up in another landfill. This initiative sets a precedent for future solar projects and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices throughout the project's lifecycle.

Lessons for the Future

The Pine Avenue Landfill project serves as a blueprint for how towns across the country can transform underutilized and problematic sites into renewable energy assets. The following key takeaways highlight the lessons learned from this project:

1. Creative Engineering Solutions: Developing solar on capped landfills requires unique engineering approaches that protect the integrity of the site. Ballasted ground-mounted systems and tailored layouts that accommodate existing infrastructure are essential in ensuring the project can be built without disrupting the landfill's containment systems.

2. Community-Centered Development: Projects that bring tangible community benefits — such as consistent revenue through PILOT agreements and clean, affordable energy for residents — are more likely to gain local support. Ensuring that Low- to Moderate-Income households benefit from the energy produced fosters community buy-in and equity in the renewable energy transition.

3. Sustainable Lifecycle Planning: A commitment to sustainability must extend beyond the operational phase of the project. Planning for the end-of-life recycling of solar panels and other components ensures that the project’s environmental benefits are maximized and that future decommissioning does not result in additional environmental burdens.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Renewal

With Montante completing construction on the project in late October 2023, the project was ready to come online and start writing a new chapter in the region’s environmental history. The Pine Avenue Landfill solar project is a testament to the power of innovative partnerships and strategic policy support in transforming brownfields into assets. By working with Republic Services and local stakeholders, and by leveraging the opportunities provided by the IRA, the Town of Niagara has turned a site with a complicated past into a source of clean energy, community benefits, and economic opportunity.

The Author:

Alex Bazeley is the Marketing Manager at AC Power LLC. Alex is responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance AC Power's brand presence and recognition in the brownfield solar redevelopment space. AC Power is a mission-driven, woman-owned solar development company specializing in projects sited on contaminated land, including brownfields, landfills, Superfund sites, and more.

by Christopher Dacey, Haley & Aldrich

Our communities, businesses, economies, and natural environment face growing water-related challenges and impacts.

These challenges are diverse and often disruptive, and they sometimes have devastating consequences for lives, livelihoods, and economies. Worldwide, over 90 percent of natural disasters are water- and weather-related, including drought, wildfires, pollution, and floods. In 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed 28 weather and climate disaster events that affected the United States, with losses exceeding $1 billion each. Since 1980, losses related to such events have exceeded $2.6 trillion.

As demand for water grows, infrastructure ages, and climate change makes water-related challenges more frequent and dynamic, such costs are likely to increase.

Also, there are many water challenges outside of natural disasters that can be disruptive and costly, such as contaminated water supplies, operational inefficiencies and upsets, evolving regulations and costs, environmental liabilities, and water security, that businesses must contend with regularly.

No aspect of our communities, economies, or environment is immune to both the need for water and its inherent challenges. This duality often confounds decision making due to conflicting stakeholder objectives and shifting priorities. From industrial, mining, and agriculture operations to technology, utilities, and energy producers, water security and stewardship are critical and growing concerns. The need for sustainable water management and resource protection is further amplified as water resources become stressed under increasing demands.

What is water risk?

The UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate defines water risk as the possibility of an entity or asset experiencing a water-related challenge. These challenges take many forms:

• Water supply accessibility and reliability, driven, for example, by inadequate water storage or treatment systems, groundwater depletion, imperiled surface waters, and competing demands from agriculture, industry, urban areas, and environmental protection.
• Water supply quality, which can be degraded by salinity, pollutant discharges, aging infrastructure, and poor waste management.
• Flooding, a growing threat as sea levels rise, flood patterns change, and storms intensify with climate change. Flooding often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
• Infrastructure failure, a potential consequence of extreme weather events.
• Droughts, which, due to climate change, may become more intense and increasingly impact geographical areas unaccustomed to drought stress.
• Regulatory discharge limits, which may necessitate water treatment, regulatory tracking, and sampling programs for compliance.
• Supply chain disruption, which could follow floods or storms and impact transportation networks or vulnerable suppliers at any point in an operation’s supply chain. A common example is food supply disruption due to drought, freezes, and flooding.
• Energy-water nexus challenges, because energy is required to withdraw, treat, and distribute water to the point of use, and energy is also consumed as water is used in industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, and cooling processes. Likewise, water resources serve a critical role in the generation of electricity and the production of fuels and can significantly affect the reliability and resilience of energy systems.
• Regulatory uncertainty driven by changing administrations, policies, permitting requirements, regulations, legal challenges, and interpretations.
• Knowledge management due to, e.g., employee turnover, reorganization, poor data management, and technology transitions.

Community opposition to infrastructure modernization or other development projects.

These challenges can evolve slowly — as in the case of a water supply dwindling over years of drought — or occur abruptly, as in the case of flooding caused by a storm. The extent of the risk involved is a function of the likelihood of a specific challenge occurring and the severity of the challenge’s impact, which, in turn, depends on the intensity of the challenge and the vulnerability of the stakeholder or asset. Simultaneous or frequent challenges — such as more frequent and intense storm events — can amplify impacts.

When it comes to water, standard risk management approaches — including avoidance, mitigation, transference, and acceptance — present unique challenges and opportunities. Past risk assumptions may not be appropriate for many locations and industries due to evolving uncertainties and knowledge.  

How can you manage water risk and make operations more resilient?

Given that water risk encompasses such a wide, sometimes competing range of challenges, operations need multidisciplinary expertise and a holistic approach to properly integrate best practices for resource and risk management. They also need to ensure that the risk management strategies they adopt today can adapt to the uncertainties of tomorrow.

The following steps can help manage water risk:

Understand your vulnerabilities. We can think about water risk in four major categories: physical, regulatory, reputational, and technological. All four elements are interrelated, but an understanding of each can guide priorities and create a big-picture view of your current risk profile.

• Physical risk. As the most visible aspect of water risk, physical risk often manifests as the effects of flooding, drought, landslides, inadequate infrastructure, erosion, water stress, ecosystem vulnerability, and water quality. Familiar examples of risk mitigation measures include engineering structures for flood protection or securing more reliable water supplies.
• Regulatory risk. This aspect encompasses concerns such as evolving regulations, rising water costs, regulatory permitting uncertainty, water laws, and water allocation limits. The administration of water rights, laws, and regulations can vary significantly across jurisdictional boundaries, which can contribute to compliance and operational challenges.
• Reputational risk. Given water’s centrality to healthy, prosperous communities and the increased public scrutiny of corporate environmental, social, and governance concerns, including environmental justice, projects that impact water supplies can draw intense scrutiny from local communities and other partners. Reputational risk factors include potential community opposition, shareholder concern and litigation, creditworthiness, insurability, and investment community expectations.
• Technological risk. This risk area encompasses data governance, decision barriers, knowledge gaps, data quality, technology debt, technology transition, and change management. In other words, does a company have the right technology and practices in place for informed operational, compliance, and safety-related decisions as water challenges arise? Effective decision support solutions require careful assessment and implementation to prove useful and provide value.

Assess your vulnerabilities to find your opportunities. A systematic look at each risk area mentioned above can help operations find where they are most vulnerable, which, in turn, can help prioritize mitigation efforts.

A risk assessment can also help you identify the vulnerability of assets to water stranding, that is, assets that have or could stop producing a return due to a water-related event, such as flooding, inadequate water supply, poor water quality, or regulatory noncompliance. Without proactive actions, stranded assets can evolve into long-term liabilities.

A thorough understanding of your risk can also reveal water-related opportunities: the possibility that you can drive value and positive outcomes through better water management.

What is a water opportunity?

With proper planning, tactics for managing risk can accomplish multiple goals — increasing the efficiency of your current water use, making progress toward internal sustainability commitments, and helping you better mitigate water risk.

Water opportunities can include:

• Efficiency gains. These gains include cutting water use by modernizing systems and practices to eliminate leaks and waste, performing regular water audits, and co-optimizing water and energy efficiency.
• Recycling, reclamation, and restoration. These opportunities also increase efficiency and can make your site more self-sufficient or protected in the event of a water-related emergency. For example, a restored coastal marsh can mitigate the impacts of storms and flooding.
• Opportunities to benefit your community. For example, that same restored coastal marsh could provide your community with recreation and wildlife habitat.
• Risk mitigation cost sharing. Federal and nonfederal funding programs, such as EPA brownfields, stormwater, and infrastructure grants, offer cost-sharing opportunities, some of which can pair risk mitigation with conservation efforts. Stakeholder collaboration can also achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Nature-based solutions. Green roofs, permeable pavement, bioswales, and other green-design choices can protect water quality and offer side benefits, such as better air quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal.
• Technology sharing and leveraging. Properly aligned technology can provide cost savings while mitigating water risk — such as a water monitoring program that informs compliance and operational decisions or sharing information with stakeholders for transparency or to inspire innovative solutions.
• A chance to employ the best available science and practices. A growing wealth of resources is available to guide risk mitigation and adaptation investment decisions.
• Lower insurance costs. Demonstrating proactive water risk reduction measures can lower insurance costs and validate insurability.
• Safer operations. Effective water risk mitigation protects people, assets, businesses, and the environment.
• Future cost avoidance. By planning today, you can incorporate water risk reductions and sustainability into ongoing improvement plans to reduce future costs or build a water-resilient supply chain to protect future revenues.
• Better monitoring of industry and international standards. The Alliance for Water Stewardship, the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, CEO Water Mandate, and many other bodies offer regulatory and industry guidance related to water risk. Operations increasingly need to account for and disclose their sustainability, water stewardship, and water risk and opportunity initiatives. Tracking those standards and understanding your current state can build a more robust, accurate reporting structure.

The Author:

Christopher Dacey is a Technical Expert, Senior Hydrogeologist with Haley & Aldrich.

By Keith Ziobron, PE and Samantha Miller, PE, CHA Consulting, Inc.

According to the EPA, there are an estimated 450,000 brownfields in the United States. They can be found in both urban and rural communities, and they range in size from small corner filling stations to former locomotive manufacturing facilities covering hundreds or even thousands of acres. These properties have often been vacant and underutilized for decades. Regardless of size, history and location, their common trait is that they could be complicated to reuse or redevelop due to known or perceived environmental conditions.

Urban brownfield sites are often former industrial sites. They frequently sit in the center of our cities but remain dormant due to the presence of contaminated soil or groundwater, asbestos-containing materials, and/or mold infestation. Perhaps there are dilapidated buildings still standing, long-forgotten underground infrastructure, or years of waste and junk that must be removed before a site is ready for redevelopment.

Rural brownfields are present in nearly every downtown main street where the populations have dwindled or are located along defunct railroad tracks or our rivers. These sites are often hidden by decades of untended brush and vegetation that doesn’t entirely cover the remnants of the past. 

Urban, rural, or somewhere in between, there’s funding available to communities to help them transform these sites into community assets. While some see insurmountable obstacles to reviving these sites, community leaders with vision see limitless opportunities. Two recent case studies, one from Downtown Syracuse, New York, and one across the country in the City of Chiloquin, Oregon, demonstrate the successes that a community can achieve when visions are harnessed and available resources leveraged.

Syracuse, New York

The City of Syracuse is experiencing a rejuvenation with investment in the local economy and revitalization of its downtown. A big part of this revitalization began with the JMA Wireless Tech Campus, which has been a cornerstone of the efforts to foster economic growth, innovation, community development, and stimulate further economic activity and job growth for the city.

The JMA Wireless Tech Campus was developed at 140 Cortland Avenue, a former brownfield site that has been redeveloped into a state-of-the-art 5G manufacturing facility with modern offices and showrooms. This is just the beginning of what the city hopes will be a national hub for 5G technology.

This brownfield site, a former industrial laundry, required a comprehensive remedial investigation, alternative remedial analysis, and a comprehensive remedial design work plan through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Brownfield Cleanup Program. Historical industrial use of the property resulted in soil, groundwater and soil vapor contamination, primarily chlorinated solvents. Site investigation activities included an extensive soil and groundwater investigation and included the removal of six underground storage tanks, source area treatment via deep soil mixing with zero-valent iron for one plume area, and ex-situ chemical oxidation with groundwater extraction and injection system for a second plume area. As the redevelopment construction progressed, a sub-slab vapor mitigation system and soil cover system were installed on the site for long-term controls.

Following site cleanup, the project focused on the design, permitting and construction of a modern 80,000 SF headquarters and manufacturing facility, including the associated infrastructure for water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunications, and fire. Infrastructure improvements included new traffic signal design, sanitary sewer lining, and reconstruction of existing 8” and 24” water mains for the city.

The JMA project has served as a catalyst for further investment in the city. Syracuse was recently awarded $40 million in federal funding under the CHIPS and Science Act and $8 million from the State of New York to continue to bolster the semiconductor industry in the region. This added investment is a continuation of the revitalization initiated by the JMA Wireless Tech Campus and the vision of community leaders to bring prosperity and jobs to their city.

Chiloquin, Oregon

As a rural community with a population of just under 800, Chiloquin, Oregon, has leveraged a series of state and federal funding sources to access nearly $1.2 million to date to catalyze redevelopment in their blighted downtown area. More specifically, Chiloquin’s brownfield program is cleaning up two key properties centrally located in the city and has assessed 10 additional properties. To date, the City of Chiloquin has been able to leverage an array of state and federal funding, including:

1.    A $60,000 Business Oregon Assessment grant for the pre-acquisition due diligence of the former Markwardt Brothers Garage site.

2.    A $300,000 EPA Community-wide Assessment grant.

3.    A $402,500 EPA Cleanup grant for the former Markwardt Brothers Garage.

4.    A $200,000 Business Oregon Cleanup grant for removal of asbestos-containing debris associated with the collapsed Chiloquin Mercantile Building.

5.    A $200,000 Business Oregon Cleanup grant to supplement the EPA Cleanup grant for the Markwardt Brothers Garage.

With cleanup complete, the City of Chiloquin has applied for a $15 million EPA Community Change Grant to fund the design and construction of a state-of-the-art community resilience center. Chiloquin is an admirable example of a rural community taking charge of its brownfields and creating something valuable for the future. In fact, the City of Chiloquin was just awarded the 2024 Outstanding Oregon Brownfield Project of the Year at this year’s Oregon Brownfield Conference.

With an eye on the future and the willingness to tap into available resources and brownfield cleanup expertise, other communities, urban like Syracuse or rural like Chiloquin, can realize a better future ahead for their residents.

About the Authors:

Keith Ziobron, PE, is a senior project manager and leads the brownfield program at CHA Consulting, Inc. He has over 38 years of experience in environmental engineering, including brownfield funding, assessment and redevelopment, remediation services, environmental compliance and permitting, and planning/economic development-related services. Keith has been helping secure and manage USEPA Brownfield grant funding since 2001. In all, he has assisted more than 25 communities to establish Brownfield programs and is currently managing four EPA Community-wide Assessment grants, two EPA Brownfield Cleanup grants, and three EPA Revolving Loan Fund grants. You can reach Keith at kziobron@chasolutions.com or 678-787-9576.

Samantha Miller, PE, is a senior engineer at CHA Consulting, Inc. She has 12 years of experience providing engineering services for environmental projects, including performing environmental monitoring, construction observation services, remediation system designs, bulk storage tank inspections, developing site management plans, and regulatory negotiation and coordination. Samantha has worked on various regulated sites, including petroleum and chemical remediation sites, tank cleanup sites, solid waste facility closures, and vapor intrusion mitigation projects. You can reach Samantha at smiller@chasolutions.com or 315-257-7154.

The Authors:

Keith Ziobron, PE, is a senior project manager and leads the brownfield program at CHA Consulting, Inc. He has over 38 years of experience in environmental engineering, including brownfield funding, assessment and redevelopment, remediation services, environmental compliance and permitting, and planning/economic development-related services. Keith has been helping secure and manage USEPA Brownfield grant funding since 2001. In all, he has assisted more than 25 communities to establish Brownfield programs and is currently managing four EPA Community-wide Assessment grants, two EPA Brownfield Cleanup grants, and three EPA Revolving Loan Fund grants. You can reach Keith at kziobron@chasolutions.com or 678-787-9576.

Samantha Miller, PE, is a senior engineer at CHA Consulting, Inc. She has 12 years of experience providing engineering services for environmental projects, including performing environmental monitoring, construction observation services, remediation system designs, bulk storage tank inspections, developing site management plans, and regulatory negotiation and coordination. Samantha has worked on various regulated sites, including petroleum and chemical remediation sites, tank cleanup sites, solid waste facility closures, and vapor intrusion mitigation projects. You can reach Samantha at smiller@chasolutions.com or 315-257-7154.

By Christina Sartorio Ku - Connell Foley

Reforms contained in a rule proposal to modernize land resource protection rules will significantly impact land use developments throughout New Jersey, making the Garden State’s permit acquisition process even more challenging and difficult to navigate than it is now.

The proposed reforms, known as the Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) rules, are intended to better protect New Jersey communities from coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and other public health and safety risks arising from climate change. Announced by Governor Phil Murphy and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette in May, and published in the New Jersey Register on August 5, 2024, the REAL rules are a result of the New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJ PACT) initiative. If enacted, they would amend New Jersey’s existing flood hazard, stormwater, coastal zone, and freshwater wetland regulations statewide to address climate change impacts, improve water quality, increase flood protections, and address issues specifically impacting overburdened communities.

The REAL rules would amend existing law to increase flood protections in several ways, including by:

• creating an “Inundation Risk Zone” (IRZ) regulated area within tidal flood hazard areas that would encompass land currently above sea level likely to be inundated during high tides during the life of the proposed development. New or improved developments within the IRZ will need to meet specific standards intended to address the increased flood risk that people and property are exposed to due to expected sea level rise and more intense storm events.
• redefining the extent of tidal flood hazard areas and replacing the existing “flood hazard area design flood elevation” with a proposed “climate adjusted flood elevation” that is calculated by adding five feet to FEMA’s 100-year flood elevation in tidal flood hazard areas.
• expanding riparian zone buffers and imposing stricter limitations on wetlands and stormwater management, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. For example, the rule imposes a 3% impervious cover limit in new “Critical Environmental Sites” and enhances the requirements for stormwater management in redevelopment projects.
• aligning New Jersey’s floodplain management efforts with the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) minimum standards, as established in the rule or floodplain ordinance for the community where the site is located.

Other proposed changes include replacing the term “permit-by-rule” under the Coastal Zone Management Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:7) with the new term “permit-by-registration,” which requires applicants to submit compliance information to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for tracking of regulated activities throughout the State. Under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:7A), the proposed rules would require applicants to demonstrate why a project necessitates impacting wetlands, regardless of whether all other criteria under the rules are met; the reforms also require that all proposed activities in transition areas be situated at least 25 feet from any freshwater wetlands.

Finally, pursuant to the Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules (N.J.A.C. 7:13), the REAL rules would regulate isolated waters draining less than 50 acres, removing the exception for work located within 25 feet of a bulkhead, retaining wall, or revetment along a tidal or impounded fluvial water.

The NJDEP is accepting public comments to the proposed rules until November 3, 2024. If the NJDEP does not make any substantive changes to the proposed rules upon review of the public comments, these rules may be adopted and effective as early as the spring or summer of 2025. Pursuant to the regulations, any application submitted to the NJDEP after the effective date of the adopted rules, or any application that has not been deemed administratively complete by that date, will be subject to the new rules.

The Author:

by Cassie Bethoney - Weston & Sampson

Like many mill towns in the region, the neighborhood of Willimansett in Chicopee, Massachusetts followed a pattern of urban development and had been one of the area’s most thriving industrial centers for over a century. During that time, the neighborhood was almost entirely built out with few land parcels left undeveloped. However, during the mid-20thcentury, businesses began closing, leaving these industrial facilities and structures empty and unused. This situation has continued to impact the neighborhood’s traffic patterns and demographics, which was exacerbated by its bounds - major highways and infrastructure to the north, east, and south and the Connecticut River to the west. Many original settlers in the area moved away, and the neighborhood evolved into a home for a new wave of immigrants from Caribbean and Latin American nations. 

This story is not new. Industry evolves. The demographics of a neighborhood change over time, yet so much potential is tied up in these foundational ‘bones’ of developed land. What some might see as blight – brownfields – are actually opportunities in disguise. The Willimansett Brownfields Area-Wide Plan (AWP) positions five brownfield sites as catalysts for reinvestment in a way that both honors the neighborhood’s industrial past and those who live there today. 

While Willimansett may be challenged in some respects, it has much to offer, from fantastic open spaces, walkability, and a connected commercial corridor, to a shifting demographic just waiting for their culture to be expressed in their surroundings. A younger population means more families, more working age adults, and more community activity, which can provide the energy and entrepreneurism to fuel future growth and prosperity in Willimansett and throughout Chicopee. Housing, jobs, community goods, and services – these things can thrive in the underutilized buildings and vacant brownfields of the neighborhood and are the critical elements of any vibrant neighborhood. This ambitious project is seen as a vital step toward creating a vibrant, connected, and thriving community in Chicopee.

The Willimansett Brownfields AWP, funded by a $300,000 U.S. EPA Community Wide Assessment Grant, presents a strategic roadmap to assess, clean up, and/or repurpose the catalyst brownfield sites for new housing, commercial development, approachable streetscapes, and green spaces. The five key takeaways from the plan are summarized below:

1.  Community-Led Approach: One of the most notable aspects of the plan is its foundation in neighborhood voices. Business owners and local residents, especially those typically hard to reach, shaped the redevelopment strategy to ensure that any transformation set for the neighborhood aligns with the needs of those who live and work there. “We see this as an opportunity to not only clean up these sites but also to foster a new sense of community,” said Mayor John Vieau. 

Engagement was challenging during the planning process. Early on, the project team realized that the standard methods of engagement wouldn’t work in a high renter neighborhood where English is often not the main language spoken at home. A pivot toward strategically aligning with existing community events and asking quick and simple questions (alongside beautiful graphics) was the key to success. By the end of the planning process, the team made just under 2,000 connections.

2.  Boosting Economic and Social Vitality: Both public and private investment are leveraged in this plan, which will create job opportunities, increase affordable housing, and revitalize the local business scene. Five key brownfield sites have been identified as catalysts for change, with redevelopment plans that include residential units, commercial spaces, recreational facilities, and artful expression of neighborhood culture. These sites have the greatest immediate potential for reuse and their redevelopment would be transformative for Willimansett. Some of the key potential benefits to redevelopment identified across the five sites are the following:

• Many sites are in well-known and visible locations, offering the potential to stimulate additional investment and revitalization in the area, including the sustainable reuse of already developed land.
• For sites near the Connecticut RiverWalk and Bikeway, this frontage provides opportunities to create visual and physical connections to the waterfront. This offers unique opportunities for dining, and small businesses would benefit from proximity to the RiverWalk and Bikeway.
• Redevelopment of these sites allows for mixed-uses, including both residential and commercial. This contributes to job creation, shopping and dining options, and addresses the city’s existing housing demand.
• Residential development could be higher density than single-family. The reuse of these sites also provides an opportunity for affordable housing and home ownership.
• Improved streetscape and landscape features like tree plantings, bike amenities, and concessions can improve aesthetics and attract businesses and tenants. 
• Improved streetscapes can also enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety.

These projects are expected to draw more residents and visitors to the area, fueling local economic growth.

3. Environmental and Public Health Gains: Cleaning up hazardous brownfield sites also promises significant environmental and public health benefits. The plan will reduce contamination risks and transform neglected properties into safe, usable spaces for the community. 

4. A Focus on Connectivity: Improving infrastructure and neighborhood connectivity is a core component of the plan. Enhanced pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and public transportation routes are proposed to better integrate Willimansett with the rest of Chicopee. The Connecticut RiverWalk and Bikeway, which runs along the neighborhood, will become even more of an asset than it already is by offering residents easier access to a network of recreational opportunities.

5. Cultural and Social Revitalization: In addition to economic and environmental goals, the plan emphasizes the importance of preserving Willimansett’s cultural heritage and finding creative ways to express the cultures of those currently living in the neighborhood. People invest in a place when it reflects their values. Public art installations, community events, and green spaces are part of the strategy to celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse population while fostering a strong sense of social cohesion. As the community becomes more diverse, it is essential to acknowledge Willimansett's industrial past while embracing new cultural identities. This balance will breathe new life into the neighborhood.

Looking ahead, the plan sets a precedent for urban redevelopment projects across the region. Willimansett’s transformation will not happen overnight, but this plan is a call to action. It is about creating a future where this neighborhood can thrive economically, environmentally, and socially. With a clear vision in place, the Willimansett Brownfields AWP represents a bold step toward a brighter future for one of Chicopee’s most historically rich neighborhoods and can be a model for other cities faced with similar challenges.

For more information about the Willimansett Brownfields Area-Wide Plan, visit the City of Chicopee’s website or contact the Department of Planning and Development at https://chicopeema.gov/365/Planning-Department.

The Author:

by Andrea Pedersen - Montrose Environmental

Brownfield Grants provide a unique opportunity to transform contaminated and underutilized properties into vibrant community assets. By understanding the various types of grants available and leveraging expert assistance, your community can effectively navigate the upcoming Brownfield Grant competition and maximize your chances of securing funding!

The EPA’s annual Brownfield Grant competition takes place in the fall. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is usually released between August and October, with applications due 8-10 weeks afterward.

Starting your preparations for the FY2025 Brownfield Grant competition well ahead of the deadline significantly boosts your chances of success. Early preparation allows ample time for comprehensive planning, engaging with the community and stakeholders, and crafting a compelling and thoughtful narrative. Continue reading to learn the best steps to take while preparing your application!

Identify key elements of your application.

Crafting a successful Brownfield Grant application requires strategic planning and the expertise of experienced grant writers. One of the first steps is to clearly define the project boundary and objectives. Presenting a well-defined target area and setting realistic goals for your project helps reviewers understand the scope and intent of your proposal. Additionally, providing compelling data to demonstrate the community’s need for the project is crucial. This could include statistics, case studies, or other relevant information that highlights the importance of the redevelopment.

Describing the key outcomes of the project and the benefits it will bring to the community is another essential element. This could include economic growth, environmental improvements, or social benefits. Equally important is outlining your strategies for engaging key stakeholders and educating community members about the benefits of brownfield redevelopment. Involving a diverse group of voices on the project steering committee ensures broad support and strengthens your application.

A comprehensive project plan and detailed budget are also vital. Detail the steps involved in the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment process, and provide a realistic budget that aligns with the proposed activities. Highlighting your past successes in managing other state or federal grants demonstrates your capability and reliability to potential funders. Finally, crafting a thoughtful narrative that includes a consistent theme throughout each section of the grant application will keep the attention of reviewers and help you score maximum points.

Find the right tools and resources to prepare your application.

To assist in the preparation process, the EPA’s Brownfields Program website offers guidelines, FAQs, and examples of successful applications, providing a wealth of information to help you get started. Grant writing workshops are another valuable resource, offering training on how to write compelling proposals with tips and best practices from experienced grant writers. Additionally, the EPA has dedicated Technical Assistance providers in each region who can connect you with grant writing services and review your draft application prior to submission.

Explore other EPA funding opportunities.

The EPA has introduced several new funding opportunities and program enhancements for FY2024 and FY2025. Up to $20 million per project is available to support redevelopment in historically marginalized communities affected by legacy pollution and climate change. Over $20 million is allocated for Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations to assess and clean up contamination on lands conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Additional funding is available for training residents in environmental remediation and green jobs. Enhanced support is also provided for communities needing help with grant applications and project planning.

Now you have it! The steps to take while preparing for your funding application. Be sure to reach out to the Montrose Brownfields team if you are ready to engage expert funding consultants. Brownfield Redevelopment Service & Consultants | Montrose Environmental (montrose-env.com)

The Author: