Brownfields Redevelopment
What is a Brownfield?
A “brownfield” is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as real property which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. These sites have the potential to negatively impact our region’s public health, natural environment, and economic opportunities.
Find more information about Brownfields on the EPA Website.
OCPC’S Successful 4-Year EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant
Old Colony Planning Council was awarded $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address several burdensome Brownfield sites with documented environmental concerns that exist in our southeastern network. This 4-year grant will allow OCPC to hire a professional engineering firm or qualified environmental professional (QEP) to conduct assessment activities and planning for cleanup and redevelopment on commercial/industrial properties in communities along the MBTA rail corridor as well as other communities in the OCPC district.
OCPC’s initial proposal identifies six (6) properties in the towns of East Bridgewater, Whitman, Hanson and Easton with great redevelopment potential but stymied by contamination that inhibits potential future development. While preliminary target sites have been proposed, formal project selection will occur through a partnership engagement process that will involve collaboration with each individual community and ultimately expand on the initial list of 6 sites. All sites need to meet federal EPA brownfield eligibility requirements prior to assistance.
To maximize transparency and inclusivity, OCPC has established the Brownfields Project Steering Committee made up of representatives from each community and those interested in cleanup and redevelopment of sites to address public health, environment, and beneficial redevelopment. The Committee will work with OCPC to steer and oversee implementation of the Brownfields program and allow for input and consensus among stakeholders to align project goals and outcomes.
| Member | Organization |
|---|---|
| Charles Seelig (John Haines) | Town of East Bridgewater |
| Lisa Green (Tony Defrias) | Town of Hanson |
| Kathy Keefe | Town of Whitman |
| Stephanie Danielson | Town of Easton |
| David Bancroft | MassDevelopment |
| Bill Napolitano | Taunton Water Rivershed |
| Tim Doherty | Neighborworks Housing Solutions |
| Cindy Pendergast | Neighborworks Housing Solutions |
If you would like to receive more information about this RFP please contact Nick Giaquinto, ngiaquinto@ocpcrpa.org.
