KDHE Receives Funding Under Subtitle C to Enhance State Response Programs

By: Bridget Wilson, Unit Chief, Remedial Section/Orphan Sites Unit

Every city and county, in both rural and urban areas, has abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties. KDHE currently has many programs available to assist with the redevelopment of these potentially contaminated properties. Brownfields properties are defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

In July 2003, EPA awarded KDHE over one million dollars to establish and enhance various state response programs. The primary purpose for this grant is to further develop and expand the use of KDHE's Voluntary Cleanup and Property Redevelopment Program (VCPRP), State Cooperative Program (SCP), and Brownfields Program. EPA Region VIl recognizes the VCPRP and SCP as instrumental in developing and implementing successful strategies to help promote voluntary investigation, cleanup, and revitalization of properties. KDHE will continue to support efforts to promote and implement the EPA's Brownfields initiatives. By investigating and cleaning up a brownfields property and taking care of the site's possible health or environmental risks, communities can use local land again - producing jobs, increasing the tax base, or adding other benefits such as creating a park or residential area.

On January 26, 2004, EPA hosted an awards ceremony to present KDHE the BCRLF award. Jim Gulliford, the administrator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, presented a ceremonial check for one million dollars to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Dr. Ron Hammerschmidt, Director of the Division of Environment, KDHE.