Southern Brownfield Report

Don't Overlook the Indemnity Provision

2012-02-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

By Barry R. Geisler

Source: Brownfield Renewal Online

As a result of the ongoing economic downturn, General Contractors (GC), Construction Managers, trade contractors, remediation contractors and all others who face daily environmental risks are facing unprecedented challenges in their efforts to remain competitive. With stiff competition on each project, it is easy to overlook a very important aspect of most construction contracts: The indemnity provision.

An indemnity or “hold harmless” provision requires one party (the indemnitor) to reimburse and, in some cases, defend the other party (the indemnitee) against certain claims brought against the indemnitee by a third party. The purpose of the provision is to transfer the costs associated with such claims from the indemnitee to the indemnitor. It is important to understand that an enforceable indemnity clause does not relieve the indemnitee of its liability. Rather, such a provision transfers the obligation to pay the costs associated with that liability to the indemnitor....

CLICK HERE SEE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT BROWNFIELD RENEWAL WEB SITE

FY12 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant - Request for Proposals (RFP) - deadline April 12, 2012

2012-02-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

EPA announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities, including non-profit organizations, to deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field, with a focus on solid and hazardous waste remediation, environmental health and safety, and wastewater-related training.While Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants require that certain types of training be provided, as outlined in Section III.C., Threshold Eligibility Criteria, applicants may design their own curricula and choose what types of supplemental environmental training they want to deliver as referenced in Section I.B., Use of Grant Funds. EPA encourages applicants to develop their curricula based on local labor market assessments and employers‘ hiring needs.For the purposes of these guidelines, the term "grant" refers to the cooperative agreement that EPA will award to a successful applicant. Please refer to Section II.C. for a description of EPA‘s anticipated substantial involvement in the financial assistance agreements awarded under these guidelines.

Link to Full Announcement

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND JOB TRAINING GRANTS

New Paper on Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Markets: Status and Trends

2012-02-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

New Paper on Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Markets: Status and Trends

This paper examines experience in solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) markets in the United States. It describes how SREC markets function--key policy design provisions, eligible technologies, state and regional eligibility rules, solar alternative compliance payments, measurement and verification methods, long-term contracting provisions, and rate caps. It also examines the trends of SREC markets--trading volumes, sourcing trends, trends in the size of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems driven by these markets, and trends in price and compliance. Throughout, the paper explores key issues and challenges facing SREC markets and attempts by policymakers to address some of these market barriers.

Find out more and access the report here.

Onslow County, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

2012-02-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 02/06/2012
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Onslow County, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Onslow County is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas. This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to get development that protects their character and quality of life.
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

USDA 2012 Hazardous Fuels Woody Biomass Utilization Grant - $3 million

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

USDA 2012 Hazardous Fuels Woody Biomass Utilization Grant - $3 million
Application Due: March 31, 2012
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, businesses, companies, corporations, school districts, communities, non-profit organizations, and special purpose districts.

The U.S. Forest Service requests proposals for wood energy projects that require engineering services. These projects will use woody biomass, such as material removed from forest restoration activities, wildfire hazardous fuel treatments, insect and disease mitigation, and/or forest management due to catastrophic weather events. The woody biomass shall be used in a bioenergy facility that uses commercially proven technologies to produce thermal, electrical, or liquid/gaseous bioenergy. The funds from grant program must be used to further the planning of such facilities by funding the engineering services necessary for final design and cost analysis.

For more information, click here.

HUD Guidance for HUD-assisted Manufactured Housing near Hazardous Operations (24 CFR Part 51 Subpart C)

2012-02-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

24 CFR Part 51 Subpart C - "Siting of HUD-Assisted Projects Near Hazardous Operations Handing Conventional Fuels or Chemicals of an Explosive Or Flammable Nature", establishes explosion and thermal radiation safety standards to determine an Acceptable Separation Distance (ASD) from potential hazards involving chemicals of an explosive or fire prone nature stored in above ground stationary containers.

HUD's Region IV office in Atlanta issued a December 5, 2011 memo describing how and when HUD regulation 24 CFR Subpart C applies to Manufactured Housing. Here is a link to the memo:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8_KPWB0jP6AYzY4YTRjYTEtMDhhMC00MTFmLWI5MDAtMjQ4ODBlNjgxYzM0

For more HUD Environmental Guidance, go to: http://www.hud.gov/local/shared/working/r4/environment/index.cfm?state=ga

SUCCESSFUL BROWNFIELD AREA-WIDE PLANNING PROPOSAL

2012-02-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Last year, EPA selected the City of New Bern as a Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program recipient. New Bern is targeting the Five Points neighborhood, an area adjacent to the city’s downtown historic district. The area is home to 7,726 people. Once a vibrant area of residential and commercial activities, Five Points has experienced years of disinvestment, and many properties have been abandoned. More than 30 percent of residents live below the poverty level. The Five Points neighborhood contains at least 39 brownfields, including abandoned gas stations, former dry cleaners, and many underutilized buildings.

More than 30 percent of the retail space is vacant. The area-wide plan for the Five Points neighborhood will identify best uses for brownfields based on environmental data and community input, and assess current infrastructure needs to support reuse. Development of the plan is expected to facilitate community involvement in brownfields assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment, connect brownfields reuse to new job opportunities, and increase transit opportunities for the community.

If you're looking to apply for an Area-Wide Grant, this proposal may help you understand what EPA is looking for. To view this successful proposal, click <HERE>.

WEBCAST - Feb 24th - Implementation of the HUD/DOT/EPA Partnership on Sustainable Communities

2012-02-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

In order to take advantage of the Sustainable Communities Program here in the deep south, it might help to understand how it is being applied in other areas of the U.S. This free webinar will cover projects in the Midwest.

February 24, 2012 - 12:00pm eastern

Presentation given by:
Stephanie Cwik, USEPA Region 5
Christopher Choi, USEPA Region 5
Jonathan Grosshans, USEPA Region 5
Danielle Potts, USEPA Region 5

Click here to register for this free webinar!

Speakers will cover three projects that have been implemented in the Midwest through the Sustainable Communities Project:

Indianapolis, IN
This project focused in on several Indianapolis neighborhoods which have experienced severe population loss, contains multiple brownfield sites, and is the focus of potential transportation investment. The project team analyzed opportunities for coordination of federal, state, and local investment in the neighborhoods, and created a structured investment plan.

Toledo, OH
EPA's community efforts in Toledo builds on the investment of brownfield assessment and cleanup work around the former Jeep Site, a large, contaminated property northwest of downtown. Over the past couple of years, we have been working with local partners to develop a strategy and workplan to implement improvements to the surrounding communities that will be impacted by the Jeep site redevelopment. We will present our progress to date, and some of the upcoming challenges and opportunities as this project moves forward.

Moline, IL
Significant transportation funding has been designated toward the creation of a high speed rail line and station serving Moline, Illinois. The rail station will be built on a former a brownfield site, which is a former Sears warehouse, adjacent to the successful John Deere Commons downtown redevelopment project. The project team brought in expertise to bring together the practical issues and challenges associated with application of green building approaches in concert with historic preservation

Click here to register for this free webinar!

EPA’s FY 2013 Budget Proposal Released: Brownfields Program Funded at $167 Million

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

by: sophia.rios@spiegelmcd.com
02/15/12

The Obama Administration has proposed a FY 2013 budget of $8.344 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This budget reflects a government-wide effort to reduce spending and find cost-savings, and is $105 million below the EPA's enacted level for FY 2012. The FY 2013 budget is the result of EPA's ongoing efforts to carefully consider potential cost savings and reductions while continuing its commitment to core environmental and health protections -- safeguarding Americans from pollution in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the land where they build their communities.

"This budget is focused on fulfilling EPA's core mission to protect health and the environment for millions of American families. It demonstrates fiscal responsibility, while still supporting clean air, healthy waters and innovative safeguards that are essential to an America built to last," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "It has taken hard work and difficult choices to reach this balanced approach, and while we had to make sacrifices, we have maintained our commitment to the core priorities of this agency and ensured the protections the American people expect and deserve."

FY 2013 Brownfields Program:
The EPA's Brownfields program is funded at $167 million. This program supports states, local communities, and tribes in their efforts to assess and clean up potentially contaminated and lightly contaminated sites within their jurisdiction. In FY 2013, this support includes participation in the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, particularly for brownfields area-wide planning projects and support for sustainable redevelopment approaches to brownfields. The EPA will continue to provide technical assistance for brownfields redevelopment in cities in transition (areas struggling with high unemployment as a result of structural changes to their economies). In addition, the Brownfields program, in collaboration with the EPA’s Sustainable Communities program, will address critical issues for brownfields redevelopment, including land assembly, development permitting issues, financing, accountability to uniform systems of information for land use controls, and other factors that influence the economic viability of brownfields redevelopment. The best practices, tools, and lessons learned from the Sustainable Communities program will directly inform and assist the EPA’s efforts to increase area-wide planning for assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites. In FY 2013, the Brownfields program will continue to foster federal, state, local, and public-private partnerships to return properties to productive economic use in communities.

The EPA supports a modification to the current statutory language which calls for a firm 25-percent set-aside for petroleum brownfields properties. The new language will provide for "no more than 25 percent" of Brownfields funds directed to petroleum sites. This change will allow brownfield funding to be directed to projects selected based on potential risk and benefits. Petroleum sites will remain eligible for funding.

FY 2013 U.S. DOE's Office Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
For the DOE's Office Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the President requested $2.27 billion, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to an energy future that is cleaner, less expensive, and full of new jobs.

The blueprint includes investments in innovation, job-creating clean energy technologies, and national security. Specifically, the FY 2013 request promotes efforts to cut the cost of solar energy by 75% by the end of the decade and continue crosscutting research into clean energy technologies that can lead to a one-third reduction in U.S. dependence on oil by 2025.

The budget will support EERE goals, including improving building energy efficiency 50% by 2030, with 1 million homes weatherized by 2013; reducing energy consumption of manufactured goods across targeted product life-cycles by 50% or more; decreasing federal energy demand by 30% by 2015 (using a 2003 base) and federal greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2020 (using a 2008 base); improving cars to achieve fuel economy greater than 60 miles per gallon by 2025 and creating batteries by 2015 that cost half of what they do today; making solar energy competitive with other energy sources through the SunShot Initiative; and enabling wind energy to contribute 20% of U.S. electricity use by 2030.

Among the highlights: $60 million to perform critical research on energy storage systems and devise new approaches for battery storage; $350 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to continue support for promising early-stage research projects that could deliver game-changing clean energy technologies; $120 million to support energy frontier research centers; and $140 million for five existing energy innovation hubs and to establish a new hub to focus on grid systems and the tie between transmission and distribution systems. The FY13 budget request also highlights steps taken by DOE to reduce costs. For example, the agency will reduce, consolidate, or move 40% of its websites to the Energy.gov platform to increase communication and transparency as well as streamline website infrastructure processes, which will save more than $10 million a year.

Other Key FY 2013 Budget Highlights For EPA Include:

Supporting State Governments. The budget proposes $1.2 billion in categorical grants for states that are on the front lines implementing environmental statutes such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The increases from FY 2012 levels include nearly $66 million for State and Tribal Air Quality Management grants, nearly $27 million for Pollution Control (Clean Water Act Section 106) grants, and about $29 million for the Tribal General Assistance Program.

Protecting America’s Waters. The proposal provides $2 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving funds (SRFs). This will allow the SRFs to finance over $6 billion in wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects annually. EPA will work to target assistance to small and underserved communities with limited ability to repay loans, while maintaining state program integrity.

Cleaning Up Contaminated Sites in Communities. The proposal includes $755 million in funding for the Superfund Cleanup program which maintains funding to support cleanup at hazardous waste sites that address emergencies (Superfund Emergency Response and Removal) at the nation’s highest priority sites (Superfund Remedial).

Investing in Cutting Edge Research. EPA’s proposed budget provides $576 million to support research and innovation. Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants are funded at $81 million to conduct research in key areas such as hydraulic fracturing, potential endocrine disruptors, and green infrastructure. Building upon ongoing research and collaborating with the Department of Energy and the US Geological Survey, a total $14 million investment will begin to assess potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on air quality, water quality, and ecosystems. The EPA also will release an Interim Report on the Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources in 2012.

Ongoing Support to Economically and Environmentally Vital Water Bodies. To ensure the progress made during the past three years continues, EPA is proposing $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Programs and projects will target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes. About $73 million, which is a $15 million increase, will fund the Chesapeake Bay program’s continued implementation of the President’s Executive Order on Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration. Funding will support bay watershed states as they implement their plans to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in an unprecedented effort to restore this economically important ecosystem.

Protecting Americans from Harmful Chemicals. EPA is proposing $68 million, an increase of $11 million from FY 2012, to reduce chemical risks, increase the pace of chemical hazard assessments, and provide the public with greater access to toxic chemical information. Funding will sustain the agency’s successes in managing the potential risks of new chemicals coming into the market and accelerating the progress to help ensure the safety of chemicals on the market that have not been tested for adverse human health and environmental impacts.

Next Generation Compliance. EPA’s budget proposal requests $36 million to support "Next Generation Compliance", a new enforcement model designed to enhance EPA’s ability to detect violations that impact public health. The three components of this approach are: promoting electronic reporting by facilities, modifying data systems to implement electronic reporting, and deploying modern monitoring technology. This will work toward improved compliance and transparency, and more efficient processes that do not rely on paper-based reporting. And, create cost savings and efficiencies for EPA, states and industry.

Supporting the National Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Standards Program. The budget contains a $10 million increase to the EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory for certification and compliance testing programs and to evaluate new biofuels technologies. The national program of fuel economy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) standards for light duty vehicles alone will save approximately 12 billion barrels of oil and prevent 6 billion metric tons of GHG emissions over the lifetime of the vehicles sold through model year 2025. These funds will improve testing methods for the agency’s renewable fuels program, and the GHG and fuel economy programs intended to reduce dependence on oil and save consumers money at the pump.

Reducing and Eliminating Programs. The budget includes $50 million in savings by eliminating several EPA programs that have either completed their goals or can be implemented through other federal or state efforts.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/budget

Dunwoody, GA is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 02/06/2012
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Dunwoody, GA will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Dunwoody will use the Green Building Toolkit to assist in the identification and removal of barriers in the permitting processes for sustainable designs and green buildings.
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Corpus Christi is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 02/03/2012
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Corpus Christi is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

Greensboro, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 02/06/2012
Contact Information:

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Greensboro, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Greensboro is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development. This assistance will help the community understand the key principles and decisions at the location, site, and building levels that can result in a more sustainable plan or development proposal.
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Using Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 20% Green Project Reserve for Brownfield Redevelopment

2012-02-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

Congress' intent in enacting the Green Project Reserve (GPR) for the 2010 Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is to direct State investment practices in the water sector to guide funding toward projects that utilize green or soft-path practices to complement and augment hard or gray infrastructure, adopt practices that reduce the environmental footprint of water and wastewater treatment, collection, and distribution, help utilities adapt to climate change, enhance water and energy conservation, adopt more sustainable solutions to wet weather flows, and promote innovative approaches to water management problems. Over time, GPR projects could enable utilities to take savings derived from reducing water losses and energy consumption, and use them for public health and environmental enhancement projects. Additionally, EPA expects that green projects will help the water sector improve the quality of water services without putting additional strain on the energy grid, and by reducing the volume of water lost every year.

Eligible nonpoint source projects implement a nonpoint source management program under an approved section 319 plan or the nine element watershed plans required by the 319 program. Only the portions of a project that remediate, mitigate the impacts of, or prevent water pollution or aquatic or riparian habitat degradation should be funded. Where water quantity projects improve water quality (e.g. reduction of flows from impervious surfaces that adversely affect stream health, or the modification of irrigation systems to reduce runoff and leachate from irrigated lands), they would be considered to have a water quality benefit. In many cases, water quality protection is combined with other elements of an overall project. For instance, brownfield revitalization projects include not only water quality assessment and cleanup elements, but often a redevelopment element as well. Where the water quality portion of a project is clearly distinct from other portions of the project, only the water quality portion can be funded by the CWSRF.

Here is guidance - https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8_KPWB0jP6AMjlmMTc0ODQtZDg4NC00OTc5LWI4Y2MtOWUwOWU1MjgwMDhi

Baton Rouge is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

2012-02-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 02/03/2012
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Baton Rouge is receiving assistance in the development of parking audits, which help the city manage parking supply and apply strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

FL - Tons of contaminated dirt to be removed from Fort Pierce site

2012-02-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

FORT PIERCE - Tons of PCB-contaminated dirt will finally be hauled
away from a soon-to-be designated brownfield known as Parcel 2 at the
former site of the H.D. King Power Plant in Fort Pierce.

The two-week haul-off will begin as soon as it is dry enough, said
Jon Ward, director of the city's Department of Urban Redevelopment.
Parcel 3 has been cleaned and work on Parcel 1 continues, Ward said.

The plant, which began operation about a century ago on North Indian
River Drive, has burned fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. The
plant was razed in 2008 to make way for newer developments, but left
toxic chemicals, Ward said.

For the entire article, see
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/09/tons-of-contaminated-dirt-to-be-removed-from/

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Fourth Round of Funding Under Highly Successful TIGER Program

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the availability of funding for transportation projects under a fourth round of the popular TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant program. TIGER 2012 will make $500 million available for surface transportation projects having a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area, or region.

The previous three rounds of the TIGER program provided $2.6 billion to 172 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Demand for the program has been overwhelming, and during the previous three rounds, the Department of Transportation received more than 3,348 applications requesting more than $95 billion for transportation projects across the country.

"Americans are demanding investments in highways, ports, commuter rail, streetcars, buses, and high-speed rail. These kinds of projects not only mean a stronger economic future for the U.S., but jobs for Americans today," said Secretary LaHood. As in previous rounds, high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail projects remain eligible for funding. TIGER 2012 provides for the possibility of up to $100 million being used toward these projects. TIGER 2012 will also continue to encourage the development of transportation projects in rural areas, providing $120 million for rural transportation projects.

On November 18, 2011, the President signed the FY 2012 Appropriations Act, which provided $500 million for Department of Transportation infrastructure investments. Like the first three rounds, TIGER 2012 grants are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded on a competitive basis.
Projects will be evaluated on primary criteria that include safety, economic competitiveness, livability, environmental sustainability, state of repair and short-term job creation.

Pre-applications are due February 20 and applications are due March 19. You can click on the following link to view the Notice of Funding Availability. http://www.dot.gov/tiger/docs/fy12_tiger_nofa.pdf

Questions related to the application process, technical assistance, or debriefing requests can be sent to: tigergrants@dot.gov and more information is available at: http://www.dot.gov/tiger/

Local Sustainability Matching Fund

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

The Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) joined together to launch a Local Sustainability Matching Fund. Now a project of the Funders’ Network, the fund was initiated with leadership support from the Kendeda Fund, New York Community Trust, Summit Foundation, and Surdna Foundation.

The fund will provide matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives that demonstrate broad-based community support and engagement.

To attract additional interest in urban sustainability projects beyond those funded through the fund, we will house an Idea Bank, providing summaries of project applications on this page. Check back in May 2012 to download proposal ideas for innovative sustainability projects.

For more information about the fund, please make sure to read the RFP and the Frequently Asked Questions. Both are available at THIS WEBSITE. If you still have remaining questions, you may contact Ann Wallace at ann@fundersnetwork.org.

First Projects Certified by SITES™ National Rating System for Sustainable Landscapes

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) has announced the first three projects to be certified by the nation’s most comprehensive system for rating the sustainable design, construction and maintenance of built landscapes.

The St. Charles, Missouri, campus of Novus International Inc., the Green at College Park of the University of Texas at Arlington, and the Woodland Discovery Playground at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee, are the first to be recognized for their sustainable land practices from among 150-plus pilot projects seeking certification since summer 2010.

SITES is a partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Botanic Garden. SITES was created in 2005 to fill a critical need for guidelines and recognition of green landscapes based on their planning, design, construction and maintenance. The voluntary, national rating system and set of performance benchmarks applies to sustainable landscapes in areas with or without buildings.

In June 2010 pilot projects began testing the rating system created by dozens of the country’s leading sustainability experts, scientists and design professionals. The diverse projects were at various stages of development, with the goal of seeking up to a four-star rating upon completion.

The SITES rating system includes 15 prerequisites and 51 additional, flexible credits to choose from that add up to 250 points. The credits address areas such as soil restoration, use of recycled materials and land maintenance approaches. One through four stars are obtained for achieving 40, 50, 60 or 80 percent of those 250 points. The Novus headquarters, the Green at College Park and Woodland Discovery Playground SITES Certified Projects received a three-star, one-star and one-star rating respectively.
Among the features Novus developed with SWT Design and others for the 9-acre headquarters was a parking lot with stormwater retention features, a walking trail that winds through restored prairie and other habitat, and a vegetable garden that staff members maintain.

“The innovation and analytical thinking of these first certified projects is helping point the way for the next iteration of the guidelines, which will form the basis for open certification in 2013,” said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville.

The Green at College Park project leaders including Professor of Landscape Architecture David Hopman worked with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates Inc. to create an open lawn, pedestrian promenade, shade arbor and more on about three acres in downtown Arlington. The new greenspace at UT Arlington redesigns a brownfield site, turning a past drainage problem into a major site feature and amenity.

The site had served mostly as a parking lot, with poor stormwater drainage that flooded a nearby creek. Now the green space next to Arlington’s first mixed-use development features native and adapted plants in rain gardens and a water detention system that help slow the flow of stormwater to cleanse it for re-use on the green space’s new vegetation.

“Developing inviting outdoor spaces that make the most of precious resources such as water is critical to our future,” said Susan Rieff, executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “These projects powerfully demonstrate how sustainably designed landscapes can produce environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits.”

The conservancy that oversees Shelby Farms Park developed the Woodland Discovery Playground with James Corner Field Operations and others to restore a woodland and promote children’s health. The 4.25-acre playground was developed based on children’s play theories and after workshops with children and adults. It uses recycled shoe material to cover several play areas and loose, recycled boot material under a playroom of nets and treehouses. The permeable materials allow stormwater to nourish an arbor with native trees connecting the playrooms.

“The educational value of these pilot projects is significant. They demonstrate what a sustainable site looks and feels like and now serve as a model to others aspiring for sustainability in a designed landscape,” said Holly H. Shimizu, executive director of the U.S. Botanic Garden. “Having the first pilot projects certified solidifies years of work into something tangible that we hope will be replicated all around the country.”
SITES will continue to receive feedback from the SITES Certified Projects and the remaining pilot projects until June 2012. These projects include private residences, streetscapes, industrial complexes and other settings. Their input as well as the public’s will be used to finalize the rating system and reference guide, expected to be released widely in 2013.

For more information about SITES, visit www.sustainablesites.org. For images, interviews and more on SITES, contact media@sustainablesites.org.
###

MS - Corinth plans to clear Wurlitzer property

2012-02-07T09:52:00.002-06:00

By AP (Johnston) | February 02, 2011

CORINTH, Miss. (AP) — The city of Corinth is planning to revitalize a prime spot in the industrial park with hope of bringing new jobs to the city. The city-owned Wurlitzer property is the focus of the plan, which would include removal of the industrial building. Officials believe removing the dilapidated industrial building will improve the marketability of the site. "The Wurlitzer property is probably some of the best industrial property that I have seen in Corinth," said Mayor Tommy Irwin.

About six months ago, he met with FCA, which occupied the Wurlitzer building, to discuss the possibility of FCA moving to the Gateway building. A manufacturer of wooden containers with Caterpillar as its largest customer, FCA agreed to make the move. The building formerly occupied by the Gateway Corporation "was a great facility that was not being used," said Irwin, "and it's been a great match for the owners of Gateway, us and FCA." He said the cleaned up Wurlitzer site will serve as "skin in the game" to help the city attract industry. Environmental assessments of the property will be forthcoming, and the building would then be torn down. The city is looking at a brownfield grant to assist with the environmental process, but Irwin said the city can handle the other costs.

Alliance President Gary Chandler believes the plan will be good for marketing the site. "The building as it stands now, in my opinion, is not very marketable," he said. "The mayor's plan to tear the building down and market it as a site is the way we need to go." With environmental studies involved, he noted it will not be an overnight process. Irwin estimated 700 to 800 worked at Wurlitzer during its peak. Known for organs, electronic pianos and jukeboxes, the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company entered an agreement with Corinth in 1955 to come to the city. The agreement entailed a bond issue and the city improving the land and constructing a factory building of about 100,000 square feet.

The Gateway property has been an industrial site since 1950. "I'm delighted that a great woodworking business with the great reputation that FCA has is able to continue using the property for its intended use," said building owner Clayton Stanley. Alcorn County Board of Supervisors President Lowell Hinton said the county supports the city's effort to redevelop the property. Alderman Andrew Labas said the city has begun taking applications and qualifying statements from engineers for the environmental assessment.
"I feel like it's a great industrial site. However, the current condition is not really marketable," he said.
Alderman Mike Hopkins said he also supports the plan. "I do think that when we get it ready it will be an asset for recruiting new industry," he said.

Information from: The Daily Corinthian.

The International Parking Institute Publishes Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and Operations

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

The International Parking Institute (IPI) recently published its Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and Operations, outlining industry-wide goals and organization action items that provide education, incentives, and forums for members to learn about and contribute to sustainable parking solutions.

According to IPI Chair Casey Jones, CAPP, "This Framework represents a fundamental shift in thinking and reflects the integral role parking professionals play in helping communities achieve sustainability goals." Jones noted that the Framework is not an endpoint, but a living document that will be adapted over time to accommodate new ideas and advancements in the sustainability movement.

As stated in the Framework on Sustainability, parking and transportation solutions should balance economic feasibility, public health and welfare, and consideration of environmental effects. The Framework lists seven goals related to sustainability, as well as 10 action areas through which IPI, in close collaboration with its members, will focus efforts.

In the Framework on Sustainability, IPI pledges to promote and support seminars, publications, awards, education certification programs, and other tools and resources on sustainability topics. The Framework also states support for peer-to-peer sharing, long-term views, and third-party collaboration, which are all critical steps in making informed sustainability decisions.

IPI has already made significant strides in implementing many of the actions. Two years ago, the association created a Sustainability Committee, now co-chaired by Rachel Yoka, LEED AP BD+C, CPSM, Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. and Rick Decker, CAPP, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. In addition to working collaboratively with other organizations to advance environmental approaches, a book on parking sustainability, including case studies, is in the works.

Sustainability will also be a focus at IPI's 2012 Conference and Expo, the world's largest parking industry event. Scheduled for June 10-13 in Phoenix, Ariz., this year's conference includes an educational track on the topic.

In addition, IPI's annual Awards of Excellence competition, which recognizes outstanding achievements in parking, recently added two new categories to reward environmentally-friendly innovation in new and renovated facilities, as well as operations.

"Contrary to common misperceptions, parking is vital to sustainability," said Shawn Conrad, CAE, executive director of IPI. "well-planned parking can increase use of mass transportation, reduce the number of people commuting, and encourage alternative travel methods such as bicycling.

Conrad also noted that just reducing the amount of time it takes for drivers to find a parking spot can significantly reduce fuel waste and emissions, and this can be accomplished through smart planning combined with new technologies and mobile apps that make it easier to find and navigate to available parking spaces.

According to IPI's 2011 Emerging Trends in Parking report, an increasing demand for green and sustainable parking solutions is a leading industry trend.

Many parking facilities today are adopting best practices in sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and innovative water and waste management systems to reduce their carbon footprints. These include implementing recycling systems, using local and recycled materials in construction, and installing renewable energy technology such as photovoltaic, wind power, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. An increasing number of parking facilities are also supporting sustainability by accommodating alternative fuel vehicles.

The International Parking Institute is the world's largest association representing parking professionals and the parking industry. Learn more and download IPI's Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management and Operations at www.parking.org.
Download the full Framework.
# # #

Media Contact:
Helen Sullivan
sullivan@parking.org
703.847.9702 office

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Brownfield Development

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

[Source: New Partners for Community Revitalization]

Investment in Brownfields Leverages Private Investment and Creates Jobs: $1 of public investment in brownfields leverages $8 in total investment; $10,000 to $13,000 in public investments creates/retains one job.[1]
Brownfield Redevelopment Revitalizes Neighborhoods As Measured by Adjacent Property Value Increases. Cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties lead to property value increases on the order of 5% to 15% for properties that are up to 3/4 mile from the site.[2]
Public Investment in Brownfields Results in Direct Generation of Local Tax Revenue. Public investments in brownfields are generally recouped from local taxes generated by the project within about three years.[3] A national survey found that redeveloping brownfields in just 105 surveyed cities could lead to $2.2 billion in local tax revenue, annually.
Brownfields Redevelopment Has Lower Infrastructure Costs. The cost of providing infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, electricity, etc) to a greenfield site averages $50,000 to $60,000 per unit, compared to $5,000 to $10,000 per unit for a brownfield or greyfield site.^[4]
Urban Brownfields Redevelopment accommodates Growth without Sprawl. One acre of redeveloped brownfields saves 4.5 acres of farms and countryside from sprawl development due to higher density of development on brownfield sites and the elimination or reduction of the additional lands for associated infrastructure for greenfield development.[5]
Brownfield Redevelopment Has Lower a Carbon Footprint and produces Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Improvements. A recent report released by Urban Land Institute (ULI) documents that compact urban development, as an alternative to sprawl, could reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 20 percent to 40 percent.[6] Studies of brownfields projects indicate similar VMT savings.[7] These reduced VMT’s translate directly to emission reductions and greenhouse gas savings of a similar or greater magnitude. This is in part due to proximity to mass transit.
Brownfield Redevelopment has Water Quality Benefits/Less Run-off. Brownfields development, because it tends to be higher density than alternative greenfields development, lowers run-off and improves water quality.[8]

[1] NorthEast-MidWest Institute Digest Report, Brownfields Policy Research, Volume 1, Number 3, August 15, 2008

[2] De Sousa, C. and C. Wu. “Assessing the Impact of Publicly Supported Brownfields Redevelopment on Surrounding Property Values.” (In Progress)

[3] De Sousa, C. 2006. “Unearthing the benefits of brownfield to green space projects: An examination of project use and quality of life impacts.” Local Environment 11(5): 577-600.

[4] Environmental and Energy Studies Institute and the Funders Network, “Energy and Smart Growth and Energy, it’s about What and Where We Build.”

[5] George Washington University, see http://www.gwu.edu/~eem/Brownfields/

[6] Urban Land Institute, Smart Growth America, the Center for Clean Air Policy, and the National Center for Smart Growth, “Growing Cooler, Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change,” http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/gcindex.html

[7] US Conference of Mayors, “Clean Air/Brownfields Report,” December, 2001.

[8] Lynn Richards, “Water and the Density Debate,’ Planning Magazine, June 2006, APA http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/water_density.htm

KY - EEC Grant Funds Available through 2011 TVA Settlement

2012-02-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

Energy and Environment Cabinet Grant Funds Available

2011 TVA settlement results in $11.2 million over 5 years

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2012) – The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet today announced that it is seeking proposals from qualified entities to receive funding for projects that fall under the 2011 settlement agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The settlement requires TVA to invest in new and upgraded state-of-the-art pollution controls that will reduce pollution, save energy and protect public health and the environment. More information on the settlement can be found at http://www.epa.gov .

As part of the settlement, Kentucky will receive $11.2 million over a five-year period to implement environmental mitigation projects. The cabinet is seeking proposals involving renewable energy and energy efficient applications that can include the following type projects:

Purchase and installation of photo-voltaic cells and/or solar thermal systems on buildings;
Projects to conserve energy in new and existing buildings, manufacturing facilities, mobile homes, modular buildings, including efficient lighting, appliance efficiency improvement projects, and weatherization projects;
Funding of agricultural and forestry sector use and production of renewable energy and carbon sequestration;
Implementation of projects to improve energy efficiency or renewable energy projects at water treatment and wastewater treatment plants; and
Projects that implement or expand smart grid technologies.
Projects that install cogeneration units (wherein a single fuel source simultaneously produces electricity and useful heat) at industrial manufacturing plants or institutions such as universities, hospitals, prisons and military bases.

Eligible applicants include:

Secondary and post-secondary educational institutions (public and private)
State, local and county governments
Commercial/ industrial entities, including manufacturers and industrial developers
Area Development Districts
Community Action Agencies
Electric co-ops
Municipal electric utilities
Nonprofit organizations

The Request for Proposal can be found at http://energy.ky.gov, and questions regarding the RFP can be submitted electronically to Paul Brooks at paul.brooks@ky.gov until Feb. 23, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

One original proposal and three copies must be submitted by mail to Donna Jones, Energy and Environment Cabinet, 500 Mero St., 12^th floor Capital Plaza Tower, Frankfort, KY 40601 by close of business on March 19, 2012. Electronic or facsimile proposals will not be accepted.

Contracts awarded will be posted at http://eprocurement.ky.gov.

EPA Agreement Reached to Address Contamination at CTS Site in Asheville, NC

2012-02-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

Release Date: 01/26/2012
Contact Information: James Pinkney, 404-562-9183, pinkney.james@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – January 26, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CTS Corporation have reached an agreement, an Administrative Order and Settlement Agreement on Consent (AOC), to conduct a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the CTS of Asheville, Inc. Site in Asheville, NC.

The RI serves as the mechanism for collecting data to characterize site conditions, determine the nature and extent of contamination, assess risks to human health and the environment, and conduct treatability testing to determine the nature and potential performance and cost of treatment technologies. The FS is the mechanism for the development, screening and detailed evaluation of alternative remedial actions.

According to the terms of the AOC, CTS Corporation will:

Submit a Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL)Work Plan and Health and Safety Plan within two weeks. The NAPL Work Plan will be implemented concurrently with the January 13, 2012 Soil Vapor Extraction Confirmation Sampling and Analysis Plan, Revision 7 (“CSAP”).

Submit a Work Plan related to monitoring of private drinking water wells that are located within a one mile radius of the former plant at the Site.

Submit a Vapor Intrusion Assessment Work Plan.

Submit a RI/FS Work Plan and a RI Sampling and Analysis Plan to address all other known or suspected exposure pathways.

CTS Corporation has informed EPA of their desire to offer whole house water filtration systems for homes within a one mile radius of the Site that rely on wells as their drinking water source. This is an interim measure until the RI/FS process selects the final remedy. All costs of installation and maintenance of the filtration systems will be borne by CTS. The filter media will remove any contaminants that may be in the ground water. EPA will initiate an immediate effort to inform the community, and solicit comments from the community, about this interim measure.

All work associated with the AOC will be under the authority and oversight of EPA’s Superfund Remedial and Site Evaluation Branch.

The CTS of Asheville, Inc. site is located in south Asheville, near the Skyland Community. Operations occurred at the CTS site from the early 1950’s until 1986. CTS Corporation manufactured electronic components at the facility from 1959 to 1985. The chemical compound trichloroethene (TCE) was used by CTS to clean and/or degrease metal objects prior to electroplating. In 1987, the original 57-acre property was sold to Mills Gap Road Associates (MGRA) who developed a residential neighborhood on approximately 48 acres, leaving a fenced 9-acre site where the manufacturing had occurred.

For more information about the site, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region4/superfund/sites/npl/northcarolina/millsgapnc.html

DOE Smart Grid Data Access Funding Opportunity - $8 million

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

DOE Smart Grid Data Access Funding Opportunity - $8 million
Application Due: March 1, 2012
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes.

The U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory is seeking applications aimed at empowering consumers to better manage their electricity use by enabling access to electricity consumption data by customers and their authorized third parties, and providing or supporting the use of third-party tools and software products that use the available data to deliver a value-added service to the customer. Projects under this Funding Opportunity Announcement will be composed of two phases. Under Phase I, applicants will need to demonstrate the capability for electricity customers and or designated third parties to access their usage data and the functionality of their proposed tool or software product to provide this access. Phase II involves adoption of the tools and software products demonstrated in Phase I to an entire service territory, region, or community within the jurisdiction of the applicant or the utility partner of the applicant.

For more information, click here.

WEBINAR: Green and Sustainable Remediation

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

ITRC Green & Sustainable Remediation - February 14, 2012, 2:00PM-4:15PM EST

Many state and federal agencies are just beginning to assess and apply green and sustainable remediation into their regulatory programs. This training provides background on Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) concepts, a scalable and flexible framework and metrics, tools and resources to conduct GSR evaluations on remedial projects. The training is based on the ITRC's Technical & Regulatory Guidance Document: Green and Sustainable Remediation: A Practical Framework (GSR-2, 2011) as well as ITRC's Overview Document, Green and Sustainable Remediation: State of the Science and Practice (GSR-1, 2011). Beyond basic GSR principles and definitions, participants will learn the potential benefits of incorporating GSR into their projects; when and how to incorporate GSR within a project's life cycle; and how to perform a GSR evaluation using appropriate tools. In addition, a variety of case studies will demonstrate the application of GSR and the results. The training course provides an important primer for both organizations initiating GSR programs as well as those organizations seeking to incorporate GSR considerations into existing regulatory guidance. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/live .