Alaska Concludes Another DBA Request Period
This month, we describe the review process for applicants to the Brownfield Assessment program administered by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The most recent open application period for the Brownfield Assessments program ended February 19. We also note the interesting DEC website that catalogs projects for which the agency’s assessments have played a role.
Last month’s Alaska news item noted that Alaska tribes are not eligible for competitive EPA Brownfield grants and described efforts by DEC to provide tribal communities with Brownfield site assessments through other means. DEC does this through its DBA program modeled on the EPA’s Targeted Brownfield Assessments. To date, about 70 DBAs have been undertaken all over the state. In addition to Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, they often provide funds for cleanup plans and limited remediation.
The process DEC uses to solicit applications starts with the announcement of the open application period. The agency team then actively pursues applicants, specifically alerting tribal communities with Brownfield properties in need of attention. The 13 Tribal Response Programs in Alaska are a prime source for applications.
After the application period has ended, DEC personnel assist applicants to provide the necessary information that helps determine whether a project is eligible for funding. This keeps the small DEC Brownfields team very busy, often working with remote communities over a large geographical area.
In the DBA solicitation period just ended, seven applications, far fewer than last year’s record of 29, were received. One reason for this decline was the exclusion of state-owned or state-interest properties from the applicant pool. Of the applications received in 2009, 11 were for state-related properties. These sites are now being addressed through another prioritization process operating under an agreement between DEC and the other state agencies. Additionally, two applications were received after the deadline and are being referred to the EPA TBA program.
According to DEC staff, the smaller number of requests for assistance is a reflection of the increase in the quality of the applications received. For a variety of reasons, in 2009, not all the applicants received funding. This year, the agency hopes to fund all the requests. DEC personnel also believe that communities eligible to apply for DBAs have become more aware of the need for an end use scenario as part of an acceptable application. Another reason for the smaller number of applicants is the general economic downturn, which affects prospects for site reuse.
Of the seven DBA requests received this year, three are for vacant school sites that communities would like to convert to another purpose. DEC hopes to provide funds for assessments and future cleanup plans. Another community submitted an area-wide DBA request that includes a former fuel-storage property where a new store is planning to locate. Although tanks have already been removed, additional assessment and possible cleanup of contaminated soil is needed before construction begins. For all these sites, DEC is helping applicants gather more information to estimate the level of funding required.
It should be noted that funding for the DBAs selected in this recent application period has not yet been determined. The DBA program operates under the state response program funded by the EPA. The process of performing the DBAs proceeds only after DEC considers all the applications to determine the level of funding to request from the EPA. Work on the sites granted assessments will then start after July 1.
In addition to undertaking new projects, DEC staff hope to receive sufficient funding to provide additional assistance to projects with which they were involved in the past that require more redevelopment help. Less demand for new site work may help revisiting old sites more feasible.
DEC has developed a website that catalogs the work done under the DBA program. It contains a comprehensive listing of Brownfields projects throughout the state and offers future applicants and interested parties helpful links and Brownfield resources. Project descriptions showcase the diversity of Brownfield sites found in Alaska. The website can be accessed here.
For more information about the DBA program, DEC’s Brownfields programs or the website, contact:
Sonja L. Benson
Contaminated Sites Program
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
907-451-2156
sonja.benson@alaska.gov
