5 o T> Brownfields 2008 Grant Fact Sheet Coving ton, KY EPA Brownfields Program EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, commu- nities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Abrownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. On January 11, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act. Under this law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs: assessment grants, revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and job training grants. Additionally, funding support is provided to state and tribal response programs through a separate mechanism. Community Description The City of Covington was selected to receive two brownfields assessment grants and a brownfields cleanup grant. Covington (population 43,370) is located along the Ohio River, which separates it from Cincin- nati, Ohio. Major manufacturing began in the early 1800s along the city's riverfront and included a cotton factory, rolling mill, and nail factory. Since the 1950s, the city has struggled to compete with the explosive growth of suburban northern Kentucky. Its population declined from a peak of 64,275 residents, and many businesses closed or relocated. More than 18 percent of city residents live below the poverty level. The city has identified two areas for brownfields assessment in its strategic plan: the River District Revitalization Area and the Covington Downtown Commercial and Arts District Area. Assessment of sites is expected to lead Assessment Grants $200,000 for hazardous substances $200,000 for petroleum EPA has selected the City of Covington for two brownfields assessment grants. Hazardous sub- stances grant funds will be used to inventory and prioritize sites, perform about six to eight Phase I and one to three Phase II environmental site assessments, and conduct community involvement activities. Petroleum grant funds will be used to perform the same tasks at sites with potential petroleum contamination. Cleanup Grant $200,000 for hazardous substances EPA has selected the City of Covington for a brownfields cleanup grant. Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to clean up the former Donaldson Art Sign Company at 2125 Donaldson Avenue. This site has been home to a carnival park, a soap factory, and oil companies. Contami- nants of concern include volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and metals. Grant funds will be used to complete cleanup plans, dispose of about 400 tons of impacted soil, monitor groundwater wells, and conduct community outreach activities. Contacts For further information, including specific grant contacts, additional grant information, brownfields news and events, and publications and links, visit the EPA Brownfields web site at: www.epa.gov/ brownfields. EPA Region 4 Brownfields Team 404-562-8792 http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/bf Grant Recipient: City of Covington, KY 859-292-2168 Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5105T) EPA 560-F-08-074 April 2008 www.epa.gov/brownfields ------- to redevelopment plans that will promote further revitalization of the target areas. Cleanup of the former Donaldson Art Sign Company site will reduce environ- mental and health threats in the area that discourage investment. It also is expected to contribute to the city's efforts to create jobs and increase the local tax base. The information presented in this fact sheet comes from the grant proposal; EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. The cooperative agree- ment for the grant has not yet been negotiated. There- fore, activities described in this fact sheet are subject to change. ------- |