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Land Revitalization
The revitalization and redevelopment of dilapidated, abandoned and contaminated properties, commonly referred to as “Brownfields” have been playing an exemplary role in reinvesting in our past to solve legacy environmental problems and recycle quality and economically viable property. EPIC’s Land Revitalization Program is geared to provide outreach and environmental services on projects that are typically less than $5 million. EPIC’s focus is on sustainable land use, local economic development, affordable housing, creation of parks and open spaces, and revitalizing or preserving properties with historical or archeological value. EPIC’s assistance can range from:
- Community Organizing & Correspondence
- Financial Research & Cost Estimating/Management
- Technical consulting and writing; e.g., Work Plans, QAPPs, Site Investigation & Cleanup Reports
- Soil and Groundwater Investigations/Sampling (RI/FS)
- Remediation Oversight & “Green” Remediation
- Mapping Services in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and AutoCADÔ
- Contractor Oversight
- Grant Writing Support
Long Term Goals: Help develop loan program(s) with local/regional financial institutions for lending on contaminated properties that are less than $5 million dollars; Gain additional mediation training and offer mediation assistance; Emissions tracking; Develop a network professionals that are in need of casual work to help sustain our affordable rates.
Due Diligence
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the cornerstone of a successful due diligence program. Environmental due diligence is usually required in situations involving the acquisition of a property, a refinance, or business mergers such as required by a financial institution/lender or grant administrator. Due Diligence is also a part of the Fee to Trust Process for tribal entities; the NEPA/SEPA processes and when State/Federal money is used such as a property acquisition grant. Phase I ESAs are conducted to identify potential environmental liabilities known as Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) in order to comply with All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) requirements in reference to the innocent purchaser defense under CERCLA. This entails completing site visit historical property research, interviews, regulatory records reviews, evaluations of contaminated and /or potentially contaminated sites, mapping and technical reporting. Upon completion of a Phase I ESA, further investigation may be required, commonly referred to as a Phase II ESA, which typically involves soil and groundwater sampling, waste characterization, and extensive research.
EPIC is able to provide these services for land use planning projects such as conservation easements, land use restrictions, redevelopment of Brownfields and transactions involving non-profit organizations, institutions and local/tribal businesses and governments.
Long Term Goals: Offer Training or Internship Program; Cultural and language diversity for ESL; Expand to local businesses and develop criteria for entering program; Develop a grant program for low income clients or those having limited resources.
Tribal Services
EPIC offers land use planning services to Tribes along with Due Diligence Services. Tribal Entities are expanding reservations for economic development, preservation of archeological sites, recovery of lost land, housing and recreation. EPIC provides NEPA & SEPA planning services when tribes receive grants, such as Community Development Block Grants from US Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. EPIC’s staff has successfully completed projects for NEPA and Due Diligence assessments for significant redevelopment, expansion and economic development of tribal lands in Washington and California.
Long Term Goals: Offer Training or Internship Program for Tribal Studies Student; Invite collegiate faculty to sign board or assist with projects.
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Programs under development:
Hazardous Materials Management & Disaster Assistance
EPIC’s staff is licensed asbestos inspectors and has been trained to work with lead contaminated paint in construction. In the event of a local natural disaster, such as significant flooding, EPIC is able to assist local property owners with the identification and recommendations for safe handling of asbestos laden building materials that are destroyed such as drywall, flooring and underlayment papers.
Sustainable Planning
This program will include assisting local and regional governments, organizations, tribes and the general public on sustainable planning measures to help reverse urban sprawl, promote reuse of abandoned properties, buildings and sites for local economic development, affordable housing, mixed use planning, and parks and recreation facilities.
Job Training Network
As indicated above, EPIC is interested in providing outreach assistance, internship opportunities and educational programs to expose this arena of the environmental consulting and planning to undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding: EPIC is currently funded by the dollars paid for environmental services. EPIC has a vision of growing into an organization that offers a variety of programs that will be sustained financially by both consulting services and from government and foundation grants.
For more information on EPIC, please contact Matthew P. Loxterman, Executive Director, 360/561-4656.
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