November 29, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality is requesting public comment on a grant proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a Brownfield Assessment Grant to undertake limited site assessments at abandoned dumps across five counties in Southeast Michigan, including St. Clair, Macomb, Genesee, Oakland and Wayne. The proposal is to conduct an area-wide review, including record searches, mapping, and risk assessments at a minimum of ten former dumps which may pose threats to the public or natural resources of the state. The specific sites will be determined upon award notification.

The EPA has made these funds available to states, tribes, municipalities, and communities to promote site assessments, perform environmental cleanups, and enhance redevelopment options at contaminated properties.

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Brownfields in Michigan include old dumps, commercial and industrial properties, and sites where pollutants came into contact with soil and groundwater. Applications can be made for up to $200,000 under this grant.

The DEQ’s draft proposal is available for public review on the Internet at www.michigan.gov/deq under the Land, Land Redevelopment, and Brownfield Redevelopment Overview categories.

Proposals will be submitted to EPA by December 14. Comments and letters of support are welcomed, and may be sent to: Ron Smedley, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Remediation and Redevelopment Division, P.O. Box 30426, Lansing, MI 48909, or by e-mail to smedleyr@michigan.gov.

Additional information on the U.S. EPA Brownfield Grant program may be found on the Internet at www.epa.gov/brownfields.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised November 29, 2005 by Pat Watson