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Northwest Region Brownfields Program


Brownfields Program

Helping property owners and prospective developers address challenges associated with environmental contamination.

Brownfields Program

One of the legacies of the Northwest Region’s rich economic past is the challenge of reusing commercial and industrial properties. When these properties are abandoned, idled, or underused because business expansion or site redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, they are known as brownfields. Developers find it easier to build on undeveloped land rather than facing unknown costs and liability issues of redeveloping a brownfield. The Northwest Region Brownfields Program is aimed at leveling the playing field for brownfield properties by helping owners and prospective developers address these environmental challenges. Our services include:

  • Conducting research and site interviews to flag areas of a property that would benefit from further investigation (Phase I environmental site assessment);
  • Conducting soil, water, and/or air tests to confirm whether contamination exists , and if so, to what extent (Phase 2 assessment);
  • Developing corrective action plans (including an investigation of alternative solutions and their costs) to protect construction workers, to develop clean up plans, and/or to help the site clear any State or Federal regulatory hurdles; and
  • Providing technical assistance to address site specific issues, such as understanding liability laws and insurance and creating strategies for funding cleanup and redevelopment.

All assessment activities and testing is completed by environmental professionals in accordance with the most recent federal standards. Our program helps you investigate both known or suspected environmental contamination, including hazardous materials, petroleum products, and lead, asbestos, and environmental fungi (mold).

Participation in the program is strictly voluntary and free of charge. Inquiries into the program are held confidential to protect property owners who are undecided about program benefits. Our goal is to help recycle properties back into use as industrial or commercial sites, as green space, or for housing, non-profit or municipal uses.

For more information on brownfields, please contact Greta Brunswick, 802-524-5958, gbrunswick@nrpcvt.com.