Brownfields are real property, the expansion, development or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 awarded a $500,000 Cooperative Agreement to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission under the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.818). The funding will support the recipient in conducting eligible assessment-related activities authorized under CERLCA 104(k)(2) in Haverhill, Methuen, Lawrence and other communities in Northeastern Massachusetts from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2026.

Specifically, the recipient will inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup planning and community involvement activities for brownfield sites. This includes competitively procuring environmental professionals to perform 10 Phase I environmental site assessments, 10 Phase II ESAs, and developing 4 site-specific cleanup plans. The recipient will also hold 12 community meetings, develop 4 planning documents to initiate brownfield revitalization, and submit 16 quarterly reports. The work funded under this cooperative agreement aims to benefit residents, businesses and brownfield areas in the 15-member communities of the Merrimack Valley region.

This agreement will provide funding for merrimack valley planning commission to conduct eligible assessment-related activities as authorized by cerlca 104(k)(2) in haverhill, methuen, lawrence and other of the 15 member communities in northeastern, massachusetts.activities:specifically, this agreement will provide funding to the recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup planning and community involvement related activities. Additionally, the recipient will competitively procure (as needed) and direct a qualified environmental professional to conduct environmental site activities, and will report on interim progress and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the property profile form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (acres).subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:further, the recipient anticipates CONDUCTING10 phase i and 10 environmental site assessments, holding 12 community meetings, developing 4 site-specific cleanup plans/analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives, developing 4 planning documents to initiate brownfields revitalization, and submitting 16 quarterly reports. Work conducted under this agreement will benefit the residents, business owners, and brownfield in and near merrimack valley which includes 15 members communities in northeastern massachusetts.