US. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION 5
ILLINOIS, INDIANA MICHIGAN MINNESOTA, OHIO, WISCONSIN AND 35 TRIBES
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TARGETED BROWNEIELDS ASSESSMENT
SWAYZE APARTMENTS WEST COURT STREET
Flint, Michigan	September 2017
The United States Environmental Protection Agency assisted the city of Flint, Mich, by conducting a targeted brownfields
assessment, or TBA, at a property known as Swayze Apartments. Hie TBA helped pave the way for redevelopment of the
property, which now consists of the rehabbed historic Swayze Apartment building and a second newly built fully occupied
apartment building. Together the development includes 36 apartments—28 for people with special needs.
The property is located at 303-327 West Court Street
in Flint and consists of approximately 0.92 acres. The
property was primarily a residential area from the early
1900s until 2010. Over the years the site was the location of
apartment buildings, a single family residence and offices.
At the time of the TBA, the site included two buildings
one of which was the pre-rehabbed Swayze Apartment
building (pictured at left); two garages; two vacant lots and
a concrete pad.
In Sept. 2013, the property owners performed a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment, or ESA, on the property
prior to inclusion in the TBA program. They then updated
the Phase I ESA in Feb. 2014. The Phase I ESA concluded
there was evidence of recognized environmental
Pre-rebabbed Swayze Apartment building.	conditions, or RECs, and potential vapor encroachment
conditions, or pVECs, associated with the property.
RECs are confirmed or potential hazardous substances or conditions at a property and pVECs are situations either on
the property or near the property where there is the potential for vapors to be released, which could potentially cause
vapor intrusion. Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile organic compound, or VOC-contaminated vapors in the soil or
groundwater move into the basements or foundations of buildings. Tie pVECs identified at the site included a nearby
gas station and a potential former nearby dry cleaner. RECs found included asbestos-containing material.
What is a Targeted Brownfields Assessment?
U.S. EPA's Targeted Brownfields Assessment, or
TBA, program provides technical assistance to
states, communities and non-profit organizations,
to minimize the uncertainties of contamination
on brownfield sites. U.S. EPA, at no charge to
the community, will characterize a brownfield to
determine the nature and extent of contamination.
The assessment will be conducted by environmental
consultants currently under contract with U.S. EPA.
Results are provided to the community to assist them
in redevelopment planning. Tie site must be known
to be contaminated or suspected to be contaminated
with hazardous substances or petroleum product.
DETAILS OF U.S. EPA'S SITE ACTIVITIES
As a result of the Phase I ESA, in Nov. 2014, U.S. EPA
performed a TBA at the site consisting of a Phase II Property
Assessment, or PA. At that time, a hazardous materials
survey consisting of an asbestos-containing materials
and lead-based paint inspection was also done. U.S. EPA
evaluated soil contamination, groundwater, the potential for
vapor intrusion, asbestos-containing materials, and lead-
based paint and dust. As part of the TBA, U.S. EPA also
prepared an Environmental Assessment in accordance with
Michigan State Housing Development Authority Rental
Development Division reporting requirement and updated
the Phase I ESA because it had expired.

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The RECs and pVECs identified in the Phase I ESA were
investigated during the TBA. The findings indicated
that no hazardous substances or petroleum products
had been released at the property. Hie results of soil
sampling showed that no VOCs, or polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, called PAHs, were present. Any metals
detected were at levels below levels required for cleanup
in residential areas. Soil gas sampling also found that
VOCs were below levels at which U.S. EPA determines
action needs to taken. The TBA further indicated that
vapor intrusion at the property is unlikely.
U.S. EPA concluded that no additional investigation was
recommended, however, the hazardous materials survey
identified the presence of asbestos-containing material
and lead-based paint, which would need to be addressed
prior to occupancy.
The the property is now being used as affordable rental
housing near the downtown area of Flint. It required
the gut-rehab of the Swayze building and additional
construction of a three-story building. New and rehabbed
rental units now include additional living amenities and
consist of a 36-unit rental development. Of the 36 units,
28 are designated for permanent supportive housing for
people with special needs, homeless individuals or people
at risk for becoming homeless. Those individuals are also
eligible for project-based rental assistance, which helps
low-income residents pay for rent.
Brad Stimple
TBA Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 5 Brownfields
stimple.brad@epa.gov
440-250-1717
For more information on TBAs or to request a TBA:
https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-
and-land-revitalization-iUinois-indiana-michigan-
minnesota-ohio-and
Information on U.S. EPA's brownfields program and
brownfields grant information can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Q: What is a Brownfield?
A: Brownfields are 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.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for a TBA?
A: Eligible entities include state, local and tribal
governments; general purpose units of local
government, land clearance authorities or other
quasi-governmental entities; regional council or
redevelopment agencies; states or legislatures; or
nonprofit organizations.
TBA assistance may only be used at properties that
meet the statutory definition of a brownfield. The
TBA program does not provide resources to conduct
cleanup or building demolition activities. Cleanup
assistance is available under US. EPA's cleanup or
Revolving Loan Fund, or RLF, grants. Information on
U.S. EPA's brownfields cleanup and RLF grants can be
found on the U.S. EPA brownfields website at www.
epa.gov/Brownfields.
Q: What kind of technical assistance is provided in
a TBA?
A: Generally, a Phase I and Phase II environmental
site assessment. U.S. EPA can also provide analysis
for risk assessment to potential contaminants and
recommendations for site cleanup.

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