The Kansas Department of Health and Environment

KDHE has received grant funding from EPA to conduct Brownfields Targeted Site Assessments (BTAs) at the request of local units of government, land clearance authorities, regional councils, redevelopment agencies, tribal organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other quasi-governmental agencies across the state. Often, local governments have acquired contaminated properties through foreclosure for back taxes, land donations, or may already own property they would like to sell for redevelopment. It is sometimes difficult for communities to find adequate funding to pay for environmental assessments (Phase I and Phase II assessments for Due Diligence) prior to redevelopment. The BTA Program provides funding and technical assistance to assist communities in assessing properties. Often, it is the unknown condition of the environment that dissuades developers from considering properties, not actual contamination. Once communities can demonstrate a particular property is viable for redevelopment, these communities can then encourage redevelopment activities on these unused pieces of property.

What Does a Brownfields Targeted Assessment Include?

A Brownfields Targeted Assessment includes:

a screening (Phase I) assessment, including a background and historical investigation and a preliminary site inspection;
a full (Phase II) site assessment, including sampling activities to evaluate the extent of environmental impacts.

KDHE's program targets properties that: are abandoned or publicly owned; have low to moderate contamination; include issues of environmental justice; suffer from the stigma of liability; or have a prospective purchaser willing to buy and pay for the cleanup of the property, if needed.

A&M Property Before Photo

In 2003, the A&M Rentals property needed an environmental assessment conducted at a property proposed for redevelopment as a recycling center. The city of Pittsburg applied for KDHE BTA assistance. The BTA revealed limited contamination and the property was referred to KDHE's VCPRP Program.

A&M Property After Photo

After participating in KDHE's VCPRP, the A&M Rentals property has been redeveloped as a recycling center funded in part by another KDHE grant program.

For each site a Targeted Brownfields Assessment Application Form must be completed and submitted to KDHE for approval.

Brownfields Targeted Assessment Application Packet (.pdf)

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