BROWN
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Sustainable Options for a Former
Lumber Company Town
Sustainability Pilot Background
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EPA's Brownfields Sustainability Pilots provide technical assistance to assist
communities in achieving greener, more sustainable results when redeveloping
brownfields. These pilots also provide models for other communities across
the country.
EPA provided technical assistance to Humboldt County, California for sustainable
redevelopment of a former lumber mill and the surrounding community. The project
included evaluating sustainable options for the town's Master Plan and assistance in
analyzing two different green rating systems. EPA also supported the development of
green guidelines for remodeling historic Victorian homes unique to Northern California.
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Samoa Peninsula Project Background
The Samoa Peninsula is located in northern California and is a 9.5 mile long, one mile wide land barrier between
Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Town of Samoa, a former lumber company town, is located on the Samoa
Peninsula. In 2004, Humboldt County received an EPA Assessment grant to conduct Phase I and II environmental
site assessments (ESAs) on parcels in the town. A Phase II ESA found high levels of lead and other chemicals
from past mill operations. The Samoa Pacific Group LLC, the developer that purchased the town including 99
existing historic residences in 2001, plans to apply to Humboldt County's Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund for
funding to clean up soil surrounding the homes. Once cleanup is complete, current tenants of the properties will
have the opportunity to purchase the homes. The developer and Humboldt County sought EPA technical assistance
to evaluate the town's Master Plan for sustainable options and to assist homeowners with identifying sustainable
upgrades for the historic homes.
Project Highlights
EPA's technical assistance included the development of two reports. The first report, Recommendations for
Sustainable Site Analysis, is an evaluation of the town's Master Plan overlaid with two green rating systems. The
second report, Sustainable Solutions for Historic Houses in Northern California, is a voluntary green code and green
rehabilitation manual for historic homes.
The first report evaluated the town's current Master Plan against the criteria for two green rating systems, Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) and Land and Natural Development
(LAND) Code. Under LEED-ND, the Master Plan scored well for brownfields redevelopment, restoration of wetlands
and habitats, walkable streets, access to public spaces, and stormwater management, among other criteria. The
Master Plan scores even better under the LAND Code rating system for an integrated development that avoids any
impacts to a delicate ecosystem (dunes) and includes compact lots, low impact parking and plantings, and access to
public transit.
To complement the Master Plan analysis, EPA provided technical assistance to create guidelines for homeowners on
how to renovate and rehabilitate Victorian style, wood framed homes. The Sustainable Solutions for Historic Homes in
Northern California guide focuses on the historic Victorian homes in the Town of Samoa built in the early 1900s. The
information also applies to many wood framed houses built throughout the region during the same time period.
The guide recommends smart, sustainable choices for rehabilitating an historic home in the following areas:
Treatment Standards • Plumbing Improvements
Structural Details • Electrical and Lighting Systems
Preserving Exterior Details • Sustainable Materials for Interior Finish
Insulating for Improved Energy Performance • Landscaping
Upgrading Heating and Ventilation
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Challenges and Lessons Learned
Addressing a Unique Climate
The Town of Samoa is located on a peninsula
about one mile wide, flanked by Humboldt Bay
and the Pacific Ocean. Residents deal with
wind, fog and a generally cool climate that make
it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature
within homes. EPA support included an evaluation
of the most efficient energy upgrades to the
houses, taking into account the climate and
structure sensitivity of historic homes.
Local Expertise Important to Project Success
Local expertise was invaluable. The developer
and county assembled local contractors,
historians, woodworkers and others who preserved Samoa houses to consult on the project. The green
rehabilitation manual included information from local contractors, who helped fill the gap on local building
materials and climate considerations. Local staff participated with support from an EPA Assessment grant for
the area.
Street view of historic Victorian homes in Samoa, California.
The project is awaiting approval of the Master Plan by the California Coastal Commission and site cleanup. Humboldt
County and EPA sent copies of the reports to the Coastal Commission and will be distributing copies of the green
rehabilitation manual to the general public, including the renters of the historic homes.
Sources for Additional Information
For more information on this project, please see the full Samoa Peninsula technical assistance reports at:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/samoa.pdf and
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/green_home_guide_final.pdf
Regional Contact Information
For more information on the Samoa Peninsula project, please contact:
Diane Strassmaier
EPA Region 9
415-972-3247
strassmaier.diane@epa.gov
Sustainable Options for a
Former Lumber Company Town
EPA-560-F-09-503
October 2009
www, epa.go v/bro wn fields
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