City of Haverhill Brownfields Assessment Grant

BROWNFIELDS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM APPLICATON

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Brownfields?  
• What does the grant actually do?
• What is the point of these assessments?
• Does the grant pay for clean-up costs?
• How does the City determine which properties get assessed?
• How can I get my property considered for a free environmental assessment?
• How long will the funds be available?
• Where did the City come up with the money for this program?
• Who do I talk to if I have further questions?

What are Brownfields?

Brownfields are defined as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

 What does the grant actually do?

The grant will pay for 2 kinds of environmental assessments for both public and privately-owned properties. A Phase I assessment is a comprehensive paper records search that requires no physical access to a site. A Phase II assessment involves collecting on-site soil/water samples, test borings and other activities, results of which are analyzed in a laboratory.

What is the point of these assessments?

These environmental assessments will determine the cleanliness of a particular site and what is required to bring the property in compliance with its future usage. A property where people would reside [including a mixed-use development] would require a higher level of scrutiny than a parking lot or an exclusively commercial or industrial property. These assessments can help provide answers to long-held questions about cleanup costs. These assessments are often required in order to redevelop property in urban areas, and can cost property owners thousands of dollars. The City has the money to do this work for free for qualifying applicants. The professional firm TRC Solutions of Lowell won a public procurement and is handling all of the scientific work on this project.

Does the grant pay for clean-up costs?

No, the grant does not cover actual clean-up. However, receiving this assessment money is the first step in receiving federal clean-up funds, if the need warrants.

How does the City determine which properties get assessed?

The Browfields Steering Committee, appointed by Mayor James J. Fiorentini, meets to review applications and make recommendations to the Mayor. The committee includes local residents and property owners with expertise and is chaired by Ross Povenmire. The criteria the committee used to analyze projects are included with the application. The Mayor and the Committee are prioritizing downtown properties and those projects with the greatest economic redevelopment potential.

How can I get my property considered for a free environmental assessment?

Simply complete the application form found on the city’s website, or contact grant coordinator Andrew Herlihy at the Mayor’s office at 978-374-2300 or aherlihy@cityofhaverhill.com, and the simple 2-page application will be sent to you. The committee will review all applications within weeks of submittal back to the Mayor’s office.

How long will the funds be available?

The grant and its funding run through June 30, 2007.

Where did the City come up with the money for this program?

The City won a competitive federal grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. All of the funding for activities associated with this program is entirely paid with these federal grant funds. The taxpayers of the City of Haverhill are not supporting this program with one penny outside of what the federal government provides through this grant. The EPA reimburses the City for allowable costs up to $400,000.

Who do I talk to if I have further questions?

Feel free to contact Andrew Herlihy, the City’s Brownfields Assessment Grant Coordinator, at 978-374-2300 or aherlihy@cityofhaverhill.com.