Brownfields 2011 Cleanup Grant Fact Sheet Springfield, MO EPA Brownfields Program EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states. communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. A brownfield 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. In 2002, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was passed to help states and communities around the country cleanup and revitalize brownfields sites. 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 Springfield was selected to receive three brownfields cleanup grants. Springfield (population 156,206) is located in southwestern Missouri. Based on completed assessments, there are an estimated 210 properties in the city in need of Phase II assessments. Of these, 147 are likely to require cleanup. The target sites, totaling 2.6 acres, are within the future West Meadows of Jordan Valley Park and are located two blocks from a city-designated biking route and 530 feet from a Greenway Trail Connection. Approximately 29 percent of target area residents live below the poverty level, and the median household income is significantly lower than the city or state medians. Shortfalls in tax revenues and resulting budget cuts are hindering redevelopment. Cleanup of the target sites will reduce threats of exposure to hazardous substances for neighboring residents and the Jordan Creek waterway. Redevelopment plans for the properties include restoration of the Jordan Creek, a storm water management system, and a greenway trail. This multi-use natural park has been identified as a top priority by city residents. Cleanup Grants $600,000 for hazardous substances EPA has selected the City of Springfield for three brownfields cleanup grants. Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to clean up Jordan Valley West Meadows Sites 5, 6, and 7 at 309 North Main. The sites have been used as a rail yard maintenance facility since before 1900. Site investigations indicate that soils are contaminated with heavy metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Grant funds also will be used for cleanup planning and 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 (http://www.epa.gov/brownfields). EPA Region 7 Brownfields Team (800) 223-0425 EPA Region 7 Brownfields Web site (http://www.epa.gov/region7/cleanup/brown fields) Grant Recipient: City of Springfield, Missouri (417) 864-1092 The information presented in this fact sheet comes from the grant proposal; EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. The cooperative agreement for the grant has not yet been negotiated. Therefore, activities described in this fact sheet are subject to change. United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20450 Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5105T) EPA560-F-128-106 May 11 ------- |