What Is a Brownfield

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.

Brownfield Program Benefits the
Entire Community

Everyone benefits from the Brownfield Program as it is an environmentally friendly method of economic development.  Instead of building on new undeveloped property businesses are given incentives to reinvest in brownfield properties which reduces blight, helps protect the environment, puts vacant properties back to productive uses, and lessens development pressures on "greenspaces".  

Individuals involved in real estate transactions can further benefit from the liability protection, financial incentives, and other incentives available through the Brownfield Program.  These items are often the difference in whether a property transaction or development takes place.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The program direction and major decisions of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is made by a nine member volunteer Board of Directors.  The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority would not be able to exist without these individuals.  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.

Meeting Minutes

 United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Grants

In 2007 the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority received notification it received two grants totaling $400,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Both grants are for Brownfield Assessment, one for Hazardous Substances and one for Petroleum.  The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is currently in the process of implementing each grant. 

EPA Fact Sheet
Osceola County Brownfield Program Flyer

Specific activities under the grant include:

   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 Environmental Site Assessments

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments include historic record searches, interviews, and a visual inspection of the property.  If, after the Phase I assessment, there is no evidence to suggest that any activities occurred that caused a release of contamination, then no Phase II (sampling) activities are undertaken.

   Phase II Environmental Site Assessments  

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments are conducted based on the findings of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.  A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involves the sampling of soil and water suspected of containing contamination.

   Baseline Environmental Assessments

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

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

Due Care Plans, Brownfield Plans, and Act 381 Work Plans can be developed when needed.

Announcements

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Completes Phase II Environmental Site Assessment in Evart:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recently completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment at 115 W. Seventh St. in Evart.  Anyone wishing to review the report may do so by contacting Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.

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August
2009

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Completes its First Phase II Environmental Site Assessment:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recently completed its first Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).  The Phase II ESA was conducted at the former Osceola County Road Commission Garage in Tustin.  Anyone wishing to review the report may do so by contacting Dan Massy at 231-832-7397.

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July 2009

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July
2009

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Completed:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recently completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment at 115 W. Seventh St. in Evart.  The site was formerly known as Neal's Service Station.  Anyone wishing to review the report may do so by contacting Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.

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June
2009

Osceola County Brownfield Inventory Listing Added to Website:  The Osceola County Brownfield Inventory Listing provides a listing of all Brownfield sites in Osceola County.  

The Inventory Listing was developed by reviewing existing public records, through input received at public outreach meetings, and from input provided by Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board Members.  

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May 2009

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Completes its First Phase I Environmental Site Assessment:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority recently completed its first Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).  The Phase I ESA was conducted at the former Osceola County Road Commission Garage in Tustin.  Anyone wishing to review the report may do so by contacting Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.

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May 2009

New Property Profile Completed:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has completed a Property Profile for the Former Ralph's Marathon in Evart.

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March 2009

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Completes both Petroleum and Hazardous Site Inventories:  Working with its consultant, AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has completed its inventory of both Petroleum and Hazardous Sites in the County.  The document will always be a work in progress as sites can be added or removed as appropriate.  If you would like a copy of the inventory and scoring criteria used to rank the sites please contact Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.