The City has funds to conduct Free Phase I and II Assessments
The City of Austin received a $400,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct Environmental Site Assessments to support reuse and redevelopment of land.
What is an Environmental Site Assessment Phase I?
A report prepared for a property that identifies the potential for existing environmental contamination. Typically both the land and the buildings are assessed. This includes a review of records, a site inspection and interviews with neighbors.
What is an Environmental Site Assessment Phase II?
If an Environmental Site Assessment Phase I identifies potential contamination of the site by hazardous materials, a Phase II may be conducted. Tests that are conducted may include:
Surface soil and water samples
Subsurface soil borings
Groundwater monitoring well installation, sampling and analysis
Sampling of dry wells, floor drains and catch basins
Testing to identify if there are any buried tanks or drums
Testing for lead based paint or asbestos containing materials
Why are Environmental Site Assessments Necessary?
A new owner is responsible for contamination, even though they didn’t cause it or were aware of it. However, conducting an assessment will absolve you of responsibility for the contamination.
Even if you are gifted property, you are liable if the property is contaminated. You may not be able to use the property as you had hoped.
Some contamination is not readily apparent. Underground storage tanks may be entirely overlooked.
Banks will not finance an industrial or commercial property without an Environmental Site Assessment.
Conducting a proper assessment releases you from environmental liability for the property.
Who is eligible for this assistance?
Any entity may be eligible. Please contact us to see if your property qualifies.
Nonprofit organizations are eligible for assistance. Profit making business are also eligible; however, there must be a public benefit of the development or redevelopment.
Other eligibility criteria exist, please click the button below for more details.