State and Tribal Response Program SEF^
Highlights
EPA Funding Provided to States and Tribes to Address Contaminated Land in their Communities
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
REGION I
CONNECTICUT -The Connecticut Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP), Remediation Division, used
Section 128(a) Response Program funding to conduct training
on CT Remediation Standard Regulations (RSRs) for the
Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut (EPOC).
The RSRs provide the standards for cleanup of contaminated sites
in Connecticut. Currently, the Department delegates oversight
of more than 90% of site cleanups to Licensed Environmental
Professionals (LEPs), retaining the more complicated sites for direct
DEEP oversight. Therefore, it is in the interest of the Department,
as well the regulated community, to ensure that LEPs have a
thorough knowledge of the RSRs. These annual training events
are not only attended by LEPs, but by those looking to take the
exam to become an LEP, as well as junior environmental consulting
staff looking to have a better understanding of the regulations.
The question-and-answer sessions during these trainings provide
opportunities to discuss interpretations of the RSRs, which can be a
learning experience for both the audience and the presenters. With
approximately 120 attendees, the April 2017 RSR training was a
very successful event for both DEEP and EPOC.
REGION 2
NEW YORK -The former American Locomotive site, located in
Schenectady, was recently redeveloped into the Rivers Casino and
Resort. EPA Brownfields Assessment funding was used to complete
the Phase I environmental assessment in 2010 and Phase II in
2011, which identified hazardous and petroleum contamination. In
2016, the site was cleaned up using EPA Section 128(a) Response
Program funds under the oversight of the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The work
was completed to protect the environment and the public, including
sensitive populations such as expecting mothers, children, the
elderly and infirm, minorities, and other community members. This
$330 million redevelopment project includes a 165-room hotel with
low-energy LED lighting and a 10,000 square foot banquet facility.
It is estimated that the project created more than 1,100 jobs.
REGION 3
VIRGINIA-The Town of Pulaski received a 2014 EPA Assessment
Grant to focus on the historic First Street Corridor, a community-
driven, developer-focused, critical downtown commercial corridor.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) used
Section 128(a) funding to provide oversight of environmental
activities. DEQ has worked collaboratively with Pulaski as part of
its Brownfields Individualized Outreach (BIO) efforts, funded by
EPA and state resources. Accomplishments include seven Phase
I assessments, either complete or underway, and two Phase II
assessments, one complete and one underway. Assessment of the
former General Chemical Foundry site led to a $240,000 award
from the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF) for cleanup
and redevelopment into a community garden-to-table market. The
successes enabled through EPA and state grants have engaged
Pulaski's community advisory committee to take an even more
active role in charting the town's brownfields revitalization path.
The new inn at the First Street Corridor.
CERC LA Section 128(a) State andTribal Response Program Funding
April/May/June 2017

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REGION 4
TENNESSEE - The Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation (TDEC), Division of Remediation (DoR), is providing
technical assistance and oversight on the City of Chattanooga's
North St. Elmo Drainage Improvement Project. A portion of the
current drainage system runs beneath the Wheland St. Elmo
hazardous waste foundry landfill and the associated corrugated
metal pipe is in the process of collapsing. This project involves
installation of approximately 3,285 feet of drainage infrastructure
to drain over 1,100 acres of south Chattanooga at a total cost of
over $15.1 million for the city. Due to the crucial and time-critical
nature of this project, DoR used Section 128(a) Response Program
funding to provide oversight assistance and work with the City of
Chattanooga to complete a Brownfield Voluntary Agreement (BVA).
The BVA limits the city's future liability for the large portions of the
stormwater conveyance that run through historical fill, comprised of
foundry wastes (sand, slag) and solid waste. The project began in
the fall of 2016, the project is expected to be completed in 2018.
Completed North St. Eirro Drainage Improvement Project.
EBssiHr i" \?
MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) used Section 128(a) Response Program funding to provide
oversight of the assessment and cleanup of a former gas station.
The property was operated as a gasoline service station for over 20
years (1957-1979) and has operated as various restaurants since
that time. Michigan DEQ awarded a Site Reclamation Grant (SRG)
to assess the property and determine its feasibility for the proposed
future use at the time as Sparty's Coney Island restaurant. The
assessment revealed eight underground storage tanks (USTs) and
petroleum contamination from at least one of them. Groundwater
and soil were impacted by petroleum as well. Remediation included
the removal of all eight USTs and excavation and removal of
contaminated soil. Sparty's Coney Island renovated the property,
providing approximately $460,000 in private investment and
creating 21 jobs. The property has since been renovated again into
a QDOBA Mexican Grill.
REGION 6
NEW MEXICO - Wholesome Valley Farms is turning a former egg
laying facility into an asset for the Town of Berin. Redevelopment
plans include a community farm and research facility, along with
affordable housing on a portion of the property. More than 600,000
square feet of former egg laying facilities are being transformed
into hydroponic greenhouses, seed drying rooms, and a cotton
seed milling operation that will provide a source of healthy, locally
grown food. The New Mexico Environment Department used
Section 128(a) Response Program funding to provide oversight of
environmental activities. Among the goals of the farm operation is
the mitigation of impacted groundwater by using the nutrient-rich
water to irrigate field crops. An application has been submitted to
the New Mexico Environment Department for remediation funding
assistance through a Brownfields Cleanup loan.
REGION 7
KANSAS - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment
(KDHE) used Section 128(a) Response Program funding to provide
oversight of environmental activities at the Western Building and
Tower at Fort Scott. A series of assessments indicated no soil
contamination at the property, but asbestos, lead-based paint,
and mold in the building. Completed in 2015, cleanup included
demolition of the Western Tower and bridge, and the removal of
asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold from the building. The City
of Fort Scott invested $1 million of City Capital Improvement Funds
toward renovation of the Western Building into 35 one- and two-
bedroom apartments. The redeveloped Western Building's grand
opening was held on December 30,2016.
The grand opening of the Mfesfem SuMng.
CERC LA Section 128(a) State andTribal Response Program Funding
April/May/June 2017

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REGION 8
LOWER BRULE SIOUX TRIBE - The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe,
located in central South Dakota along the Missouri River,
recently completed a successful assessment and cleanup of its
abandoned Housing Authority Building. The tribe used Section
128(a) Response Program funding to hire a consultant to conduct
a Phase II assessment of the building. The assessment revealed
asbestos-containing material, lead- based paint, and mercury
waste from older damaged light bulbs, along with other hazardous
materials. In summer 2015, the tribe was awarded an EPA Cleanup
Grant. Activities funded by the grant included hiring a Qualified
Environmental Professional (QEP) and overseeing contractors
performing asbestos abatement. In May of 2017 cleanup was
completed, on-time and under budget. The tribe is now actively
looking for funding opportunities to assist in constructing a Boys &
Girls Club on the property.
Boys & Girls Club property.
REGION 9
HAWAII - The Hawaii Department of Health used Section 128(a)
Response Program funding and received support from EPA's
Children's Environmental Health Program to hold a free symposium
focusing on children's environmental health risks in May 2017.
The symposium was attended by 111 attendees including
pediatricians, nurse practitioners, family practice clinicians, public
health nurses, researchers, and public health educators. It was
sponsored by the Hawaii Department of Health and Western
States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in partnership
with EPA Region 9, the University of Hawaii School of Nursing
and Dental Hygiene, and the John A. Burns School of Medicine,
Department of Pediatrics. The symposium educated attendees on
the environmental burdens commonly found in children, explained
how these burdens can impact children's health, and informed
local professionals on what they can do to address children's
environmental health problems in the communities they work with.
NEVADA - Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP)
Environmental Assistance Program (EAP) staff used Section 128(a)
Response Program funding to coordinate activities with the Nevada
Division of Emergency Management (NDEM) in support of the
State Emergency Operations Center as the Emergency Support
Function for Oil and Hazardous Materials (ESF-10). In 2015, the
EAP worked with partners to update its roles and responsibilities in
case of a state emergency. The EAP produced a comprehensive
procedural manual, provided training for all on-call staff, and
shaped a dynamic and realistic program. Through Section
128(a) funding, the EAP is assisting flood impacted communities
throughout Northern Nevada. Since January 2017, Nevada has
had three Presidential Declarations for State Emergencies due
to flooding. The EAP responded and assisted the NDEM, tribal
entities, and local jurisdictions through technical expertise and
coordinating resources to address hazardous substance releases.
IDAHO - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality used
Section 128(a) Response Program funding to help the Canyon-
Owyhee School Service Agency (COSSA) in Wilder develop a
two-acre gravel parking lot on a former brownfield. The site was a
part of a farm founded in 1913 containing six buildings, including
two homes, a garage, and three sheds; and an above ground
petroleum storage tank. Historically, herbicides and pesticides were
stored and mixed on the property. The buildings were later used for
firefighter training and completely burned down in 2010, but lead
and asbestos potentially remained. A Phase II Assessment showed
that contamination levels were low enough that a cleanup was
not required, although a health-safety plan was needed for onsite
workers. The new parking lot was completed in mid-September
2016, making it available for students, families, and staff that
school year. This enhancement will not only meet the needs of an
expected increase in school population, but will serve as a catalyst
for a planned athletic field project.

United states	CERCLA Section 128(a) State andTribal Response Program Funding	April/May/June 2017	EPA-560-F-17-196
Environmental Protection		

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