The Kansas Department of Health and Environment was awarded a Brownfields Petroleum Assessment Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to promote redevelopment in eight rural central Kansas counties (Barton, McPherson, Rice, Pawnee, Stafford, Reno, Ellsworth, and Edwards) with a combined population of 154,283. KDHE has collaborated with the Central Prairie Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council to address abandoned properties, within the eight-county region, that may be complicated by potential petroleum contamination. The targeted sites are primarily abandoned gas station properties, but may involve any property with potential petroleum issues. Such properties may include, but are not limited to, auto repair shops, factories, and dry cleaners.

As the interstate highway system continues to evolve, traffic along two-lane highways is declining. As a result, many rural Kansas communities have endured substantial financial impacts. Rural businesses that once depended on travelers, such as gas stations, began to disappear, leaving behind an abundance of abandoned properties located in prime locations within Kansas communities. Often it is the unknown condition of a property that dissuades development considerations. Once communities can demonstrate a property is viable for redevelopment, unused pieces of property can be restored.

Petroleum grant funds will be used to inventory brownfields and conduct approximately 20 Phase I and five Phase II Environmental Assessments within the eight-county region. In addition, grant funds will be used to enhance awareness and support community outreach activities. Brownfields assessments are expected to help the targeted counties gain information about environmental conditions at these sites, and begin planning for cleanup and redevelopment activities.

The grant period extends through June 2011. Communities located in the eight-county region that are interested in the program should contact Ryan Weiser, KDHE Brownfields Program Coordinator, at 785-296-5519 or the RC&D Council at 620-792-6224.

Current Progress

KDHE and RC&D have developed an inventory of properties in the eight-county region that might be eligible for inclusion in the Brownfields Program. Approximately ten sites within four communities have been selected for Phase I Assessments. A Phase I Assessment determines historical property uses, as well as any potential environmental problems associated with the site that may complicate the intended outcome for the property. Community outreach with local property owners, business owners, and community leaders in the aforesaid counties is ongoing.

More Information About This Grant

• Map of the Eight-County Region (.jpg)

More Information About EPA's Brownfields Program

• About Brownfields
• Anatomy of Brownfields Redevelopment (.pdf)
• EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants: Interested in Applying for Funding? (.pdf)

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