BROWNFIELD AND SITE REDEVELOPMENT
BROWNFIELD AND SITE REDEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE
Whether it’s contamination or perceived contamination, many former industrial sites stay dormant because they carry a stigma that prevents new development.
Identifying a brownfield site, however, can be an opportunity. With the right tools and perspective, developers can turn brownfield sites from an eyesore into economic contributors in our communities. There are several resources and strategies to move a site from being vacant to attractive for redevelopment.
CTL Engineering provides a range of brownfield redevelopment and remediation services to help property owners clear the hurdles and make the property useful again.
BROWNFIELD SERVICES
In the past, many former commercial and industrial sites (such as gasoline stations, dry cleaners, machine and plating shops, industrial operations, and manufacturing facilities) were difficult to redevelop. Usually, this was because of the liability and costs involved with removing hazardous materials in the soil and groundwater.
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program In 1995 to help prospective purchasers manage risks while developing properties. Additional brownfield programs at the federal, state and local levels often provide grant money to assess, clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. Many brownfield programs also provide pre-development, geotechnical, and planning funds to accomplish future use of the property. As a result, redevelopment becomes much more attractive as an investment.
CTL provides several Brownfield-related services, including:
INITIAL EVALUATION AND COACHING
Got your eye on a property that seems like a brownfield? CTL can walk you through options, including a desktop review, strategies and partnerships for critical path options, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA ), and federal, state, and local program navigation.
APPLICATION AND FINANCING ASSISTANCE
Brownfield grant applications can be complicated. Each state or government agency has its own set of requirements. In Ohio, for instance, only a government or not-for-profit body can sponsor an application. In Indiana, the same is true. However, for “for-profit” groups, a “brownfield comfort” or “site status letter” can make the process easier. CTL has qualified brownfield redevelopment specialists trained to complete applications and win funding for clients.
INSURANCE ANALYSIS
CTL also performs insurance archeology to identify historical or current insurance policies that may help pay for investigation or clean-up. Having worked with non-profits, municipalities, developers, and insurance companies, CTL brownfield specialists use science and risk-based analysis to determine the appropriate amount of clean-up. That way, a property can be redeveloped and reused for its best and highest use.
INVESTIGATION
Once funding for an investigation is identified, CTL environmental scientists and environmental engineers perform Site Assessments. Those include Phase I ESA, and if needed, Phase II ESA activities. The reports will determine if hazardous contaminants are present, and if so, at what levels. It will also identify options for clean-up, if necessary, and funding solutions.
REMEDIATION
Once contamination is found, CTL helps property owners form a plan for removing it.
SUSTAINABLE REDEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
The cool thing about re-envisioning a property use is that you can integrate sustainable components into the design. Often CTL can work with property owners to find incentives, entitlements, and funding for investments in the future. These may include solar and wind power, energy efficiency improvements, green design, or water quantity and quality improvements. CTL understands the desire to be a good steward of the future and can help build these elements into redevelopment.
GREEN BUILDING CONSULTATION
CTL has on staff Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals (APs), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Home Verifiers, architects, and roofing professionals for general project consultation and documentation services.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Consultation services are also available for avoiding or reducing adverse environmental impacts to sensitive areas (i.e., wetlands, ecological restoration, stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs). Construction Waste Management Planning can also reduce the carbon footprint of development and often saves costs.
BUILDING RENOVATION
Re-purposing old buildings revitalizes character, preserves antiquity, and lessens the carbon footprint of development. CTL provides design and environmental services to turn an existing space into a destination, office, or entertainment venue. Asbestos and Lead Surveys help keep the renovations healthy and within code regulations. Geotechnical services can help when there are additions or new parking lots. CTL Building Envelope Services evaluate the roof’s integrity, the building’s thermal efficiency and ensure the work done inside is protected.
PARTNER IN REDEVELOPMENT
CTL’s certified professionals include geologists, environmental and geotechnical engineers, architects, and finance specialists. We work with clients to develop realistic options using our extensive knowledge of brownfield programs and our decades of experience in environmental consulting. Ultimately, we help clients clear environmental hurdles to clear the way for redevelopment.
ASK OUR EXPERTS
Bipender Jindal
Location: Columbus
Direct Dial: +1 614-824-3524
Chris Jaros
Location: Indianapolis
Direct Dial: +1 317-295-8650