Brownfields Mission

EPA Brownfield Program is designed to empower states, tribes and their communities and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely cleanup and sustainable reuse Brownfield's. A Brownfield is a property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminate. EPA's Brownfield's Program provides financial and technical assistance for Brownfield's activities through an approach based on four main goals:

•    Protecting the Environment

Addressing the Brownfield's to ensure the health and well being of America's people and environment.

•    Promoting Partnerships

Enhancing collaboration and communication essential to facilitate Brownfield's
cleanup and reuse.

•    Strengthening the Marketplace

Providing financial and technical assistance to bolster the private market.

•    Sustaining Reuse

Redeveloping Brownfield's to enhance a community's long-term quality of life.

All communities have properties that are abandoned, under-used or have fallen into conditions of blight. When considering Brownfields, too often only industrial "war zones" or inner city neighborhoods in the big cities. Brownfields are everywhere, in both urban and rural areas. They come in all sizes. The Brownfield property can be the former lumberyard; the corner feed mill abandoned in the 1950s or the vacant City lot where the old factory burned down or a maw and paw business when "Dad was a Kid".

Many properties suffer from the perception of environmental problems. Most have excellent business locations, existing infrastructure and access to transportation. Due to fear of the "unknown" these buyers, lenders and developers pass over these properties for less "risky" property transactions. Merely the fear of environmental contamination and regulatory intervention has been enough to hinder or stop redevelopment of these vital community areas.

Getting the Public Involved

It cannot be done without you

Community opinion and involvement is vital to the success of the Brownfield's restoration. The EPA Brownfield's Program must reach members of the community.

When Brownfield's studies identify environmental issues, the solution is always a balance between cost and community benefit. The type of environmental restoration affects the type and amount of cleanup needed, if any. For example, properties restored to business use often require fewer cleanups than for private commercial or home construction. You can help the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe determine the needs of our community as part of these decisions.

In seeking environmental solutions the Brownfield's Program incorporates your ideas in seeking the proper balance between protecting human health and the environment and an overall redevelopment strategy to create jobs, generate revenues for the tribe and attract new businesses.

How can you help?

The Environmental Protection Department and the Brownfield's Tribal Response Program ask that you get involved. Be part of balanced solutions by your written or e-­mail comments, attending public meetings or participating in Browns fields Public Field Day. You will understand the process and help shape the progress of our community's redevelopment efforts.

 

For questions and comments please contact:

Mr. Lou Mendoza, Brownfields Coordinator

Call: (605) 964-6558 or 6559

Email: lmendoza@crstepd.org