What Is a Brownfield

The Small Business Liability Relief and Revitalization Act of 2002 defines a Brownfield site as "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."

The goal of Osceola County's Brownfield Program is to put Brownfield sites back to use.  Ideally this means projects driven by the private sector so that Brownfield sites can get back onto the local tax rolls and serve as locations where jobs can be created; however, when appropriate the Brownfield Authority will assist local government and governmental entities utilize the Brownfield Program.

                                      Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

Day-to-day operation of Osceola County's Brownfield program is carried out as part of the County's Community Development program.  A Brownfield Authority Board appointed by the Board of  Commissioners provides direction.   The Board of Directors normally meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the County Courthouse, 301 West Upton, Reed City.  The public is welcome to attend.

Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes

                       United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants

In 2007 the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority received a $200,000 Hazardous Substance Assessment Grant and a $200,000 Petroleum Substance Assessment Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  The Hazardous Assessment Grant has been closed out while only approximately $25,000 of Petroleum funds remain. 

EPA Fact Sheet

Specific activities under the grants included:

   Community Outreach

Community outreach meetings were held at several different locations around the county.  Additionally, information concerning Osceola County’s Brownfield Program was placed on the Internet.  While the Community Outreach objectives of the grant have been met, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will always continue its outreach efforts.  If you know of a community group or individual that is looking for a speaker please let us know.

   Brownfield Site Inventory

A Brownfield Site Inventory database has been developed.  It includes information on both Hazardous Substance and Petroleum sites.  The database is always considered a work in progress.   

   Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments include historic record searches, interviews, and a visual inspection of the property.  If the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment indicates a release of contamination may have occurred then a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is undertaken.  A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involves the sampling of soil and water suspected of containing contamination.  Environmental Site Assessments are a normal part of most real estate transactions and required by most financial institutions if financing the property.  If you are buying or selling property contact the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.  These environmental assessments can be done at no charge to the buyer or seller. 

   Baseline Environmental Assessments

Baseline Environmental Assessments and Due Care Plans can be conducted at no cost.  Baseline Environmental Assessments provide liability protection for new owners or operators on a contaminated property.

    Due Care Plans, Brownfield Plans, and Act 381 Work Plans 

Brownfield Plans and Act 381 Work Plans can be developed when needed.  These plans can help the new property owner recover certain eligible costs of property improvements.

    Measures of Success

Criteria was established to measure the success of the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Program.  By all measures the program has been a success.  In November 2012 the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority submitted another Hazardous Substance Assessment Grant application to the EPA. 

Brownfield Properties

The Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has conducted assessment work at 19 properties.  Development has occurred, or is scheduled to take place at most of these properties; however, several of the properties are still available for sale.  These Brownfield properties may be attractive to a new owner or developer because, if needed, the the Brownfield Authority may be able to pay for a Baseline Environmental Assessment and Due Care Plan.  The new owner or developer may also be able to be reimbursed for certain development costs.    These properties are listed along with other available properties in the Available Buildings/Properties section.

Brownfield Links
 

Brownfield Properties
Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Brownfield Website
 

Osceola Economic Alliance
301 W. Upton ● Reed City, MI 49677
Phone: (231) 832-7397 ● Fax: (231) 832-3381
Email the OEA

Last Updated: February 02, 2012