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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 5, awarded a $500,000 Cooperative Agreement to Ottawa County, Michigan, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029, under the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.818). This agreement funds Ottawa County to conduct assessment-related activities on brownfield properties—real properties whose development or reuse may be complicated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants—authorized under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 104(k)(2).

Ottawa County will deliver comprehensive environmental assessment and planning services, including conducting an estimated 10-12 environmental site assessments annually (Phase I, Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, Due Care Plans, and State-specific Baseline Environmental Site Assessments); developing site-specific cleanup plans and alternatives analyses; facilitating community engagement through multiple stakeholder meetings; and preparing planning documents to support brownfield redevelopment and revitalization. The county will competitively procure qualified environmental professionals to conduct site activities and report progress through quarterly submissions to the EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES). No subawards are included in this agreement. The initiative is expected to benefit residents, business owners, and stakeholders throughout Ottawa County.

This agreement will provide funding for ottawa county to conduct eligible assessment-related activities as authorized by cerlca 104(K)(2) in ottawa county, michigan. 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. Also, the recipient 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 conducting an average of 10-12 assessments per year, consisting of phase I, phase II environmental site assessments, due care plans, or state-specific baseline environmental site assessments; holding several community meetings, developing site-specific cleanup plans/analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives, developing planning documents to initiate brownfields revitalization, and submitting 15-16 quarterly reports. Work conducted under this agreement will benefit the residents, business owners, and stakeholders in and near ottawa county, michigan.