Simply stated, “Brownfields” is defined as a site where property has been abandoned, is underused, or is generally in poor condition wherein redevelopment or reuse of the site would be dangerous due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances. It is a program designed to empower states, tribes, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment. The Brownfields Tribal Response Program addresses the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites under Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The Brownfields TRP staff is responsible for performing an initial assessment of sites that might contain potentially hazardous material such as asbestos, lead, black mold, meth residue. Brownfield Staff wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during assessments. Upon completion of the assessment, a report is compiled. A plan of action is then delineated and steps are taken to remediate the site. The CRST DENR Brownfields TRP has been involved in the remediation efforts of several sites on the Cheyenne River Reservation, including:

• • Holloway Garage (downtown Eagle Butte, SD)
• • Habitat for Humanity Office (downtown Eagle Butte, SD)
• • Toby Furniture Store (downtown Eagle Butte, SD)
• • White Horse Day School (White Horse, SD)
• • Swift Bird Day School (SwiftBird, SD)
• • Red Scaffold Community Building (Red Scaffold, SD)
• • Jerry Lemke home site (Dupree, SD)
• • 11 abandoned tribal owned home sites

BE SAFE! Before you take steps to demolish or renovate an existing structure, contact the DENR Brownfields TRP staff to see if an assessment should be performed.