Mississippi #Brownfield Program Overview

Here's an overview of the Mississippi Brownfield Program.

Link -> http://bit.ly/MS-Brownfield-Program-Overview

EPA Guidance - Cleaning Up #Brownfields under State Response Programs – Getting to ‘No Further Action’

This newly published report by #EPA provides information on certain aspects of state response programs available to owners and prospective purchasers of brownfield sites. It is a guide for owners of brownfield properties on the general requirements for entering a brownfield into a state cleanup program and the process for attaining a state decision or certification of the need for “no further action” under each state response program. This report is a central source of information regarding the process available in each state for attaining a state decision or certification of the need for “no further action” under each state response program. The report summarizes information gathered from state response program contacts and state response program websites.   A link to the report is found below:

Cleaning Up Brownfields under State Response Programs – Getting to ‘No Further Action’ (PDF)(132 pp, 13 MB)

Water study: Alabama has 4th highest level of PFAS contaminants

(Source: Montgomery Advertiser, A. Yawn)

"A few months after a water advisory was issued for north Alabama due to high levels of PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a Harvard University study has found that Alabama has the fourth-highest concentration of the chemicals in its water supply behind California, New Jersey and North Carolina.

PFASs are chemicals that repel water and are resistant to fire and oil. Because of these properties, PFASs have been used in household cleaners, fire fighting foams and Teflon cookware.

However, the scientific community is beginning to connect ingestion of PFASs to health issues which is why those shopping for a new non-stick frying pan will most likely see many touting the “PFOA-free” label in reference to perfluorooactanoic acid, a type of PFAS also found in some Alabama water supplies.

PFAS have now been linked to birth defects, cancer, obesity and immune system suppression, and the Harvard-led study found PFASs in the drinking water supplies of 16.5 million Americans...."

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Brownfield Redevelopment Moves Forward at Ole Miss

(Source: LinkedIn)

In November of 2010, the 69-acre Whirlpool brownfield site in Oxford, MS was sold to the University of Mississippi for $3.4 million. To ensure the property is safe as well as marketable, Whirlpool entered into a Brownfield Agreement with the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality (MCEQ) during its October, 2010 meeting to clean up an area in the defunct plant that showed the presence of hydraulic fluid, which has contaminated a small, 500 square foot area. MCEQ, during the October 2010 Meeting, also approved the sale of the site to the University of Mississippi.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office approved the university’s purchase, provided Whirlpool agreed to pay for any problems caused by hydraulic fluid contamination. The state’s College Board has also approved the deal. Whirlpool first announced the Oxford plant’s closure in July 2008 and that production of its built-in cooking appliances would transition to the Cleveland, TN facility. The Mississippi site closed in March 2009. 

(Source: news.olemiss.edu, AUGUST 8, 2016 BY CHRISTINA STEUBE) – "The University of Mississippi Department of Campus Recreation is expanding – in a huge way. As the university’s enrollment continues to increase, so does the use of its recreation facilities. To accommodate growth, construction will begin soon on a recreation center and transportation hub at the former Whirlpool factory south of Highway 6 on Chucky Mullins Drive.

Demolition on part of the facility began earlier this month, and construction bids are slated to go out this fall, said Peter Tulchinsky, director of campus recreation. Construction on the $32 million project is expected to begin in early 2017....

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ATSDR Action Model

The ATSDR Brownfields/Land Revitalization Action Model (ATSDR Action Model) is a grassroots, community-level model designed to foster dialogue, communication, and vision among the diverse members of the “Development
Community."

The ATSDR Action Model creates a framework to assess the impacts of redevelopment on public health, with a goal of achieving positive, sustainable improvements in overall community health.

The Action Model framework encourages the Development Community to focus on broad public health topics connected to community health, such as physical and mental health; environment; education and economy; planning; safety and security; and communication and risk communication.

For more information, go to this <LINK>.

Inheriting Brownfield Sites & Environmental Risk - Article

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/blog/buffalo-law-journal/2016/08/the-risks-of-inheriting-contaminated-real-property.html

"Most people understand the importance of estate planning to protect significant family assets for the benefit of their descendants and loved ones.

After all, the desire to provide for our families is often a key factor motivating us to pursue financial success during our working lives. A sound, well-considered estate plan can be an important tool to make sure that the long-term financial goals we desire are achieved when we are gone.

All too often, however, the environmental risks associated with the inheritance of commercial property or businesses are not adequately considered during the estate planning process. Dad passes, leaving his gas station property to his son or daughter. Mom passes, and leaves the family metal-plating business to her children...." 

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EPA Region 6 Brownfields Conference: August 31 - Sept. 1st: Addison, TX

EPA Region 6 is hosting a region-wide Brownfields Conference that will focus on the tools and resources communities need to build their community...from federal partners to tips and successful programs of your peers.

They will have state breakout meetings, panel discussions and expert speakers on topics ranging from “outside the box thinking” to financing options. Of course, there will be a focus on Brownfields, including the upcoming 2017 Assessment and Cleanup National Competition. For more information, contact Karen Sterrett at 214.665.2275 or email at sterrett.karen@epa.gov .

‘THE MILL AT MSU’ BROWNFIELD PROJECT WINS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Source: ppmco.com

"Over 100 years of history went into the making of the Mill at Mississippi State University, and this year the Mississippi Municipal League (MLL) honored the $40 million restoration project with its “Best Overall” Excellence Award.

These awards, given annually since 1993, recognize cities that demonstrate innovation, excellent management, citizen participation and community partnerships to enhance the community and quality of life for residents...."

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