4th Quarter 2001, Issue 14

THE ROAD TO BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENTTHE ROAD TO BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENTBrownfields and transportation are connected in ways thatcreate opportunities to accomplish transportation, eco-nomic, community, and environmental goals. Transpor-tation plays a critical role in brownfields redevelopment. Often,former transportation facilities – railroad yards, for example – arebrownfield sites themselves. Also, accessibility to transportationresources is often a prerequisite for developers seeking locationsfor new projects. In addition, many transportation goals – im-proved access, reduced trip lengths, efficient use of thetransportation system, maintenance of existing infrastructure, andeven air emission reduction – can be facilitated through brown-fields redevelopment.

In April 1998, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT)announced its new policy on brownfields redevelopment. The U.S.DOT is now committed to supporting transportation-related devel-opment of brownfields as part of its efforts to improve communitiesthrough transportation investments. The Federal Highway Admin-istration (FHWA) also revised its existing policy on hazardouswaste and contaminated sites in April 1998. The new policy sup-ports the Brownfields Initiative by encouraging participation intransportation projects that include the use and redevelopment ofcontaminated sites when appropriate. This revised policy replacedthe policy set forth in guidance issued in 1988, which emphasizedthe avoidance of all contaminated properties during transportationdevelopment activities. States, localities, and transit agencies areprovided the flexibility to participate, where appropriate, in trans-portation projects that include the reuse of brownfield sites. TheU.S. DOT’s policy states that transportation is more than asphalt,concrete and steel. It states that the U.S. DOT must ensure thattransportation investments not only promote mobility, but alsostrong economies and healthy natural environments valued bycommunities. In a 1998 press release, U.S. Secretary of Transporta-tion, Rodney E. Slater, said, “Returning brownfields to productiveuse creates a foundation for new economic opportunities and revi-talized communities. I want transportation to play an active role –where it makes sense – in working with communities to addressbrownfields….”

A report made available in February 2001 highlights the linksbetween brownfields and transportation. “Redeveloping Brown-fields with Federal Transportation Funds,” compiled by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the Association

of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), is intended toassist developers, transportation planners, economic developmentprofessionals, policy analysts, and others interested in achievingbetter transportation, environmental, and community outcomes.The report describes transportation funding sources that can beused to support brownfields redevelopment. The report also in-cludes case studies. To access the report, go to:www.smartgrowth.org/library/brownfield_tea21.

Federal transportation funds can be used to pay for remediationof environmental contamination that lies in the path of a transpor-tation project, or on the site of a former transportation project, tostimulate the reuse of brownfields and enhance those propertiesfor private or public users by improving access to the sites. Formore information on these funds, go to: www.dot.gov , www.IN.gov/dot , or www.fhwa.dot.gov .

Transportation infrastructure is a critical element of any devel-opment, particularly brownfields redevelopment. Excellenttransportation services are necessary for revitalization of our ur-ban core. The infusion of public funds for transportation projectscan provide momentum for nearby development.

When aided by transportation programs, brownfields redevel-opment can bring new jobs, services, and amenities to aneighborhood; reduce vehicle miles of travel; reduce time spent incongestion; and increase the viability of transit, walking and bik-ing.

To this end, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)and the local office of the FHWA are members of the Indiana Inter-agency Brownfields Task Force, which is an affiliation of state andfederal agencies that work to promote responsible brownfields re-development. Brownfields redevelopment is complex and oftenrequires funding and technical assistance from multiple programs.Through the collective sharing and presentation of resources, theTask Force provides a clearinghouse for numerous brownfieldsredevelopment assistance programs offered through state, federaland nonprofit organizations. Funding programs offered by IN-DOT and FHWA can be found in the Indiana BrownfieldsRedevelopment Resource Guide. The Resource Guide is availableon the Brownfields Program web site or by contacting Tracy Con-cannon, of the Brownfields Program.

IDEM/Office of Land Quality Page 2 www.IN.gov/idem/land

Community Initiatives

CC Vista InauguralStudent Institute

On August 13, Brownfields Pro-gram staff participated in the2001 CC Vista Inaugural StudentInstitute presented by the Center for Inter-active Learning and Collaboration (CILC) atEagle Creek Hideaway in Indianapolis. Theinstitute was designed to allow students toexplore their thoughts on the issues theircommunities face. These issues included:urban growth, environmental issues, trans-portation needs, and public transit. Studentstried to answer the question “How do webuild communities to meet individual needsyet span the larger needs of surroundingcommunities?” Students from rural, subur-ban, and urban areas and of various gradelevels participated, working in small groupsled by facilitators from the community. Withguidance from speakers from the City of In-dianapolis, the POLIS Center, the IndianaDepartment of Transportation, IndianaDepartment of Environmental Management(IDEM), and IndyGo, students assumed theroles of local government decision-makersthat were charged with building a communi-ty through smart planning choices.Brownfields Program staff presented infor-mation on brownfields redevelopment as itrelates to smart growth and led a hands-onactivity that put the students in charge ofdeciding what to do with their communities’brownfields.

The CILC is a not-for-profit corporationcommitted to enhancing education, health-care and library communities through the useof two-way, interactive video distance learn-ing. IDEM plans to continue to participatein the CILC’s CC Vista initiative to work withstudents on specific projects relating tobrownfields redevelopment.

In Brief

Two IndianaCommunities Chosento Participate in ICMAPeer Exchange Program

T he International City/County ManagementAssociation (ICMA)received approximately 20 applicationsearlier this year for its Brownfields PeerExchange Program. The objective of thePeer Exchange Program is to researchthe critical elements of effective brown-fields redevelopment that can bereplicated by and adapted to other com-munities. The Peer Exchange pairs moreexperienced “mentor” communities with“protege” communities that have re-quested assistance with specific aspectsof brownfields cleanup and redevelop-ment. In March, ten communities werechosen to participate; two of the ten com-munities are in Indiana. Gary, Indianawas paired up with Camden, New Jer-sey, and Indianapolis, Indiana was pairedup with Concord, North Carolina. Theprogram ran through October 2001.ICMA will write and publish a final re-port that will present case studies of theparticipating communities, discuss theactivities of the peer exchanges, andshare the best practices and lessonslearned while focusing on how other lo-cal governments can adapt these methodsin their own communities. For more in-formation on the Peer ExchangeProgram, contact Elizabeth Stasiak at(202) 962-3509 or estasiak@icma.org.

Brownfields in theWindy City

M ore than 2,500 peoplegathered in Chicago, Illinoisfor the Brownfields 2001national conference that was held Sep-tember 24-26 at the McCormick PlaceConvention Center. All 50 states andPuerto Rico, as well as several coun-tries, such as Canada, England,

Germany, Belgium, andBrazil were represent-ed in the conferenceregistration. The con-ference was a forumfor sharing brownfieldsredevelopment experi-ences and innovationfrom around the world.Session tracks includedBrownfields Basics,Leveraging ResourcesThrough Partnerships,Creating Value and Sus-tainability, and others.

Brownfields redevel-opment in Indiana washighlighted in an exhib-it booth shared byIDEM’s BrownfieldsProgram and VoluntaryRemediation Program(VRP), the Indiana De-velopment FinanceAuthority, the IndianaDepartment of Com-merce, and the Indiana

Interagency Brownfields Task Force.Gabriele Hauer, Section Chief of IDEM’sBrownfields Program, and Peggy Dors-ey, Section Chief of IDEM’s VRP,participated in the conference as speak-ers. Jim Sullivan represented IDEM’sAbandoned Landfills Program with aposter presentation.

Brownfields Bulletin 4th Qtr. 2001, Issue 14 Page 3 Contact information on back page

Current Activities

Public Participation

IDEM is seeking examples of localbrownfield public participationsuccess stories. The agencyhopes to include these examples in aninformational packet that will be madeavailable to communities, neighborhoodassociations, developers, and other stake-holders upon request. Of particularinterest are instances where neighborswere informed about environmental andeconomic issues and asked about theirpreferences for property end uses priorto redevelopment planning. The agencywould like to receive a short description(approximately two pages) of your pub-lic participation experience, includinghow public preferences were accommo-dated in the actual redevelopment andcopies of any related public outreach ma-terials. Please send your information toSusan Tynes, of the Brownfields Pro-gram, by January 31, 2002.

$1 Million Available fora Limited Time

As part of the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency’s(U.S.EPA) Brownfields Re-development Initiative, IDEM has a totalof $1 million available in the BrownfieldsCleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCR-LF) to loan directly to public or privateentities. Offering interest rates rangingfrom 2.5 percent to 3 percent, this is agreat opportunity for brownfields rede-velopment. But don’t wait! If thefunding is not loaned soon, it will revertback to the U.S. EPA to be used in oth-er states. For more information on theBCRLF, contact Gabriele Hauer, Sec-tion Chief of the Brownfields Program,or visit the Brownfields Program website.

Q: Does the State of Indiana have a brownfields inventory list?

A: At this time, the State of Indiana does not maintain a com-prehensive list of brownfields, other than those sites that haveentered the Brownfields Program in some way. Many people fearthat a state list of potential brownfields may unfairly classifyproperties as brownfields, reducing their value and stability. However, for acommunity organization or local unit of government that is interested inaddressing brownfields, an important first step is to develop a list of potentialbrownfield properties. This can be done by simply driving through the com-munity, asking local neighborhood organizations and groups for input, andenlisting the help of other local government entities, such as the health depart-ment. The next step is to prioritize the identified brownfield sites accordingto local needs and the properties’ redevelopment viability. Throughout theentire process, it is important to keep in mind that educating local citizensabout brownfields and involving them in long-term planning decisions arevital. More information about the planning stage, or the remediation andredevelopment stages of brownfields redevelopment may be found in theIndiana Brownfields Redevelopment Resource Guide. To obtain the Resource

Guide, download it from the Brownfields Programweb site or contact Tracy Concannon, of theBrownfields Program, to request that a copy bemailed to you.

*IDEM’s Brownfields Program no longer issues No Further Action letters. Site Status lettershave been developed to answer environmental site status questions.

54 Comfort andSite Status Letters issued*

34

98 15 Loans approvedGrants awarded

Assessmentscompleted or referred

Brownfields ProgramBrownfields Program Score

Card

Score

Card

IDEM/Office of Land Quality Page 4 www.IN.gov/idem/land

New VRPApplicationNow Available

IDEM’s Voluntary RemediationProgram (VRP) has a new applica-tion that is more user friendly andnow available on the VRP web site,www.IN.gov/idem/land/vrp. It mayalso be accessed on the Brown-fields Program web site underForms/Applications.

Mark YourCalendars!

The next Indiana Site Assess-ment Grant Deadline will be inFebruary 2002. Please check theBrownfields Program web site forupdated information as it becomesavailable.

What’s Ahead

Next year’s national brown-fields conference will be heldin Charlotte, North Carolina.

The first International Con-ference on Prevention,Assessment, Rehabitation andDevelopment of BrownfieldSites–Brownfields 2002 willbe held in Cadiz, Spain onSeptember 2-4, 2002. Formore information, please visitwww.wessex.ac.uk.

Issues

The Voluntary RemediationProgram and the BrownfieldsProgram–Similar Yet Different

IDEM is often asked what the differ-ences are between its BrownfieldsProgram and its Voluntary RemediationProgram (VRP). There are some dif-ferences, but the two programs oftenwork hand in hand to facilitate the clean-up of brownfields sites. For moreinformation about VRP, please contactPeggy Dorsey at (800) 451-6027, ext. 4-0966 or pdorsey@dem.state.in.us. Thefollowing is a brief summary of how VRPaligns with the Brownfields Program.

Similarities

Both programs can facilitate redevel-opment of brownfield properties.

Both programs are voluntary.

Both programs provide educationaland outreach activities.

Both programs currently offer a choiceof Risk Integrated System of Clo-sure (RISC) closure levels or VRPcleanup levels as cleanup goals.

Both programs offer their respective“closure” documents.

Differences

VRP’s main goal is to provide govern-ment approval for privately fundedremediation projects.Brownfields Program’s main goal is toprovide government assistance forthe assessment, cleanup and redevelop-ment or reuse of properties to revitalizecommunities.

VRP is a remediation program.Brownfields Program is a technicaland financial assistance program.

VRP sites typically include industrial orcommercial properties that have notbeen abandoned and need closure foran environmental release.Brownfields Program sites typically in-clude abandoned industrial orcommercial properties that local com-munities need assistance to redevelop.

VRP requires a $1,000 applicationfee (municipalities are exempt) and re-covers costs for project administration,technical evaluation, confirmatory sam-pling, and travel.Brownfields Program is free - costs forservices are currently not recoveredfrom program participants.

VRP requires a contract betweenIDEM and the applicant before the IDEMreview begins.Brownfields Program requires no con-tract.

VRP requires Data Quality Level 4(the highest level) for confirmatory sam-pling.Brownfields Program allows screeningquality data when appropriate.

VRP requires structured remediationwork plans and completion reports.Brownfields Program reporting require-ments are somewhat less structured.

VRP offers a Certificate of Comple-tion and the Governor’s Office offers a“Covenant Not to Sue”(CNS) forsites that have been remediated throughVRP.Brownfields Program offers ComfortLetters and Site Status Letters toaddress liability issues as appropriate,but which do not provide liability pro-tection as a CNS.

Brownfields Bulletin 4th Qtr. 2001, Issue 14 Page 5 Contact information on back page

Fold Here ( )& Tab At The Top ( )

How Are We Doing?Please Fill Out The Survey On The Following Page

To Let Us Know How We Can Improve This Publication.

IDEM/Office of Land Quality Page 6 www.IN.gov/idem/land

Readers SurveyBased on your opinion of the regular quarterly issues of the Brownfields Bulletin, please reply to the following questions. You may

mail this form to the address shown on the reverse side, or go to the Brownfields Program web site and submit it online.

What best represents your interest/occupation/affiliation with brownfields? Government Student Community Non-Profit Financial Legal

Real Estate Other___________________

What best describes your current level of involvement with brownfields issues? Interested Reader Up to 25% of Work Time 25%-50% of Work Time >50% of Work Time

Do you regularly read the Brownfields Bulletin on-line? Yes No

ARTICLESHow would you rate the information presented in the Brownfields Bulletin?

Good Too Basic Too TechnicalHow would you rate the usefulness of the information in the Brownfields Bulletin’s articles?

Excellent Very Good Good Fair PoorIs the information provided in the Brownfields Bulletin current and up-to-date?

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LAYOUTHow would you rate the effectiveness of the graphic elements (photos, diagrams, etc.) in the Brownfields Bulletin?

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What is your overall rating of the layout of the Brownfields Bulletin? (Please consider readability, general appearance, ease of finding needed information, etc.)

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OVERALL BULLETINHow often do you think the Brownfields Bulletin should be published?

Quarterly Bi-annually AnnuallyyHow would you rate the length of the Brownfields Bulletin?

Good Too Shortt Too LongHow would you rate the value of the Brownfields Bulletin’s contents specific to your interest or affiliation?

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What is your overall rating of the Brownfields Bulletin? Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor

COMMENTSPlease provide any comments, suggestions, or explanations you may have for any of the above answers.

TOPICSPlease select any topics of interest that you would like to see highlighted or repeated in future Brownfields Bulletin issues.

Environmental Justice Industrial/Commercial Properties Residential Properties Rural Brownfields

Farmland Preservation Community Education/Outreach Policy/Regulation/Legislation Liability

Risk Integrated System of Closure Assessment/Remediation Financing Federal/State/Local Initiatives

Community Development Other __________________________

We hope you enjoy reading the Brownfields Bulletin and want to make sure that we keep you informed and interested. Thank youfor your feedback.

http://www.IN.gov/idem/land/brownfields/readersurvey.html

Brownfields Bulletin 4th Qtr. 2001, Issue 14 Page 7 Contact information on back page

Now that the Beveridge Paper facility buildings are removed, green space adjacent tothe river is available for pubic enjoyment.

The former Beveridge Paper facility was a brownfield property that operated along theWhite River for more than 112 years. Demolition of the buildings began in August of2000.

Site Highlight

Beveridge PaperBeveridge Paper is an ex-ample of a brownfield thatwas addressed through

IDEM’s Voluntary Remediation Program(VRP). The former Beveridge Paperfacility operated along the edges of theWhite River in Indianapolis for more than112 years and closed its doors in May2000. The Beveridge Paper property isthe final parcel of property planned forgreen space as part of the White RiverState Park.

Beveridge Paper was once part of aheavily industrialized area of downtownIndianapolis. The surrounding businessesand industries moved years ago, leavingBeveridge Paper as the last operatingfacility along the river. The dated facil-ity appeared out of place at theentranceway to the pedestrian bridge thatcrosses the White River to the Indianap-olis Zoo. Renovation of the facility wasnot feasible financially, and BeveridgePaper had already moved its operationsto other facilities throughout the coun-try.

To aid in the transfer of the propertyand to address liability issues for the com-pany, Beveridge Paper Companyentered VRP. A Voluntary Remedia-tion Agreement (VRA) was signedbetween IDEM and Simkins Industries,parent company of Beveridge Paper.The VRA sets forth a timetable forIDEM to complete its review of a Re-mediation Work Plan (RWP) andprovides for the reimbursement of costsincurred by the state, among other stip-ulations.

Once an applicant has entered VRP,an RWP must be developed. In order todevelop this RWP, a Phase II Environ-mental Investigation must be conducted.This investigation defines what type ofcontamination is on-site and where thecontamination is located. This informa-tion may be incorporated into the RWPor submitted separately; Beveridge Pa-per had already completed this Phase IIinvestigation before it entered the pro-gram. In addition to the Phase IIinvestigation information, a RWP outlineshow the applicant is going to address thecontamination, if necessary. Samplesare collected after the RWP has beenexecuted to confirm the site meets clean-up standards, and then the data issubmitted in a Completion Report. Asallowed by VRP, Beveridge Paper com-bined some of the required activities andreports and obtained the Certificate ofCompletion within 18 months of enter-ing the program. A Covenant Not ToSue will be issued by the Governor’soffice assuring that the site’s propertyowners will not be held liable for con-taminants listed in the Certificate ofCompletion.

4th Qtr. 2001, Issue 14

Indiana Department of Environmental ManagementOffice of Land QualityBrownfields ProgramP.O. Box 6015Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015

50-03-3

Printed on recycled paper, 100% post-consumer content.

Brownfields Bulletin is published quarterly by the Indiana

Department of Environmental Management to inform local

government officials, business representatives and interest groups about

brownfields redevelopment initiatives and success stories from within

and beyond the state. A brownfield site is an industrial or

commercial property that is abandoned, inactive or underutilized

due to actual or perceived environmental contamination. IDEM’s over-

all mission is to make Indiana a cleaner, healthier place to live. IDEM’s

brownfields initiative helps communities remove barriers for sustainable

growth.

Comments and ideas are welcome; e-mail Sandy Bardes of the IDEM

Brownfields Program. For address changes or to be added or deleted

from the mailing list, call (800) 451-6027, press 0 and ask for

ext. 2-4402, or call (317) 232-4402 or

e-mail dchester@dem.state.in.us.

Who Can HelpTechnical and educational assistance

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Brownfields Program Staff (listed at top right)

100 N. Senate Ave., Suite 1101P.O. Box 6015

Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015

www.IN.gov/idem/land/brownfields

Brownfields Program StaffGabriele Hauer ghauer@dem.state.in.usSection Chief (317) 233-2773

Michele Oertel moertel@dem.state.in.usSenior Environmental Manager (317) 234-0235

Dan Chesterson dchester@dem.state.in.usEnvironmental Manager (317) 232-4402

Pat Colcord pcolcord@dem.state.in.usEnvironmental Manager (317) 233-4991

Tracy Concannon tconcann@dem.state.in.us

Environmental Manager (317) 233-2801

Susan Tynes stynes@dem.state.in.us

Environmental Scientist (317) 233-1504

Trevor Fuller tfuller@dem.state.in.us

Environmental Scientist (317) 233-8409

Sandy Bardes sbardes@dem.state.in.usSecretary (317) 233-2570

Thomas W. Baker twbaker@dem.state.in.usAttorney (317) 233-1207

IDEM’s toll-free number: (800) 451-6027, press 0 and ask for aperson by name or number, or dial direct.

Indiana Department of Commerce

Deanna Jeffrion, Enterprise Zone Program Manager

One North Capitol, Suite 600Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 232-8917

e-mail: djeffrion@commerce.state.in.uswww.indbiz.com

Financial assistance

Indiana Development Finance Authority

Calvin Kelly, Program Manager

One North Capitol, Suite 900Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 233-4332

e-mail: ckelly@idfa.state.in.us

www.IN.gov/idfa