Brownfield Regional Redevelopment Task Force

June 10 Committee Meeting

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Brownfield    Regional Redevelopment Task Force

I. Opening remarks and report on Action Items: - Bob Wilkerson

·    Introductions/ Attendees:  Task Force Members:

Robert W. Wilkerson          Senior Planner, RPC

Joey Hester             Senior Planner, RPC

Chris Reaves                       UAB Center for Urban Affairs

Phillip Wiedmeyer               ARCA Applied Research Center of Alabama

Preston Huddleston Metropolitan Development Board

Dixie Beatty                        ADEM-Land Division-Hazardous Waste Branch

Keith Strother                     City of Birmingham

Karen Ameen                     Jefferson County , Land Planning Division

Guests:     

Jerry Cross                         JCEIDA

David Tidwell                      Black Warrior Riverkeeper                  

Edwin Johnston                   ADEM

Nigel Ruberd                      Jefferson County Economic Development

James Lowery                     Black Warrior Riverkeeper

Jim Hooker             WGD/SREQ

Jennifer Fairley                    RPCGB

·    Reviewed meeting calendar. Copy attached

·    Reviewed Task force member contact list: Members were asked to review their contact information and forward corrections. Copy attached

·    Reviewed Draft of Revised Task Force Definition: Wilkerson asked members to review this document and provide input, suggestions, and comments via email.  Discussion on this will continue at the next meeting. Copy attached 

·    Discussion of Toolkit.  Wilkerson encouraged task force members to attend the upcoming  EPA Sponsored Brownfields Redevelopers Conference in Atlanta; also the National Brownfields Conference in St Louis; conference information can help us form the tool kit.  Discussion indicated that the toolkit should include a “Brown Pages” listing of developers, financial institutions, and insurance agencies that work with Brownfields.   Wilkerson made the group aware of a great book resource: Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Properties .That source has potential to provide a number of toolkit references.

II. Discussion of the EPA Visit and Pilot Project Site. - Wilkerson and Huddleston

·    Wilkerson reported on interaction initiated with EPA Region IV representatives Camilla Warren and Matt Robbins. On June 9, 2004 , EPA officials Warren and Robbins visited Birmingham to become acquainted with the Brownfield Task Force’s initiatives. Representatives from The City of Birmingham, Jefferson County , The City of Gadsden, Metropolitan Development Board, UAB, and Regional Planning Commission attended. Preston Huddleston arranged a tour of major local brownfield sites, providing EPA with important understanding of the volume and potential of Brownfield redevelopment in the region.

·    Huddleston reported to the Task force that EPA was highly impressed and encouraged with the Titusville , Stockman, and Ensley Works sites.

·    Wilkerson reported Ms Warren’s positive comments relative to the Organization of the Task Force, and the impressive collection of organizations and representatives that have joined in a collaborative effort to pursue brownfield redevelopment. EPA views that cooperative spirit as a tremendous strength.

·    EPA is now serving a “facilitators” role vs. their historical role of enforcement. Warren and Robbins stated their desire for the Task force to help disseminate that message. See attached: $75 Million in Brownfields Grants Announced.  

·    EPA encouraged the Task Force to select a pilot site and apply for a site assessment and evaluation grant in the next funding cycle. To achieve this, the Task Force must take swift action to identify the Pilot Site: Grant applications must be submitted by November 2004 for funding in June 2005.

·    Dixie Beatty informed the Task Force that a new method of Phase I assessment is coming up on public notice next month – “All Appropriate Inquiry”.  It will replace the current ASTM, but it does not address phase II.   These new requirements will satisfy CERCLA. All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) will be the new requirement for all properties purchased after Jan 2002.  This new requirement will force people to look at the property as it is now, not use a prior ASTM assessment. The new assessments must be performed by an environmental professional and all appropriate inquiry defines professional designations that meet standards to perform assessments i.e., PE, PG, Geologist, etc. For more information, Dixie recommended members visit the EPA website: www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/aai/aaifs.htm, also see attached information.

·    There was a discussion regarding the choice of Pilot Sites and funding requirements. The Task Force was advised that all funding requests must meet certain key minimum requirements.  EPA is forwarding a grants application guide and format to Wilkerson. Upon receipt, Wilkerson will forward to the Task Force. EPA clarified that it is permissible for site work to begin on a brownfield prior to awarding of a grant. Work achieved prior to a grant award may be reimbursed via receipts and documentation of work performed. Public education and involvement is a key component under the brownfields grant approval matrix.  Our group will work with EPA, ADEM and ADECA with this funding program.

·    Edwin Johnston provided additional comments relative to the relationship that EPA and ADEM have formed for the purpose of working together to resolve issues.

·    Wilkerson Reported EPA’s recommendation (during the June 9 meeting) that various potential redevelopment projects from within the defined region apply for grant funds as a group with a central entity managing the process. Under 104 guidelines, entities that apply for a collection or bundle of grants, as a coalition, may apply for up to $1,000,000.00 in funding. Wilkerson commented that a one million infusion of 104 funds into the region would greatly advance the brownfield redevelopment initiative. Those attending the June 9 meeting were receptive to the suggestion for a combined grant application.

·     EPA grant applications which collaborate with other local groups and compliment ongoing initiatives, such as approved master plans or a region’s various ecological/ sustainability initiatives, receive favorable points under the grant approval matrix. Regarding the selection of a pilot site, Wilkerson recommended that the Task Force consider other regional programs and projects, adding strength to the potential impact of grant funds and benefiting a variety of initiatives.

III. Other Discussion:

·     EPA’s Redevelopers Conference will be held August 3rd, in Atlanta . Those interested in attending may contact Wilkerson at bwilkerson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8428 or Matt Robbins at EPA in Atlanta:robbins.matt@epa.gov or 404-563-8371.

·      Birmingham sites can be submitted to that conference for professional evaluation. Potential sites will be discussed at the July 15 meeting. 

·     Education and Awareness: Phillip Wiedmeyer suggested the Task Force begin a public education and awareness initiative. Wilkerson agreed, adding that we need to bring major developers, bankers, and municipal administrators to an understanding of the positives regarding brownfield redevelopment. Wiedmeyer also suggested that we consider providing education programs as an outreach to association meetings for developers, attorneys, financiers.

·    Brownfields Survey Update:  68 sites have been reported within the 7 county task force region.  Follow-up is needed with municipalities who have not responded, in an attempt to compile a comprehensive inventory of sites. Wilkerson reported that a follow-up effort is in process. ADEM offered to assist with screening of sites.

·    Next meeting- July 15, 1:30 RPCGB First Floor Conference Room

·    Adjourn