Assessment Program Summary

PVPC’s site assessment grant-of-service program provides assistance through Phase I and Phase II assessments and Phase III (cleanup planning) activities. Sites contaminated (or thought to be contaminated) by hazardous substances and/or petroleum are eligible.

Under the program, PVPC’s licensed consultants conduct assessment activities on behalf of project proponents, who may include municipalities, non-profits, and private parties. Applicants do not need to own sites to receive assistance under the program; however, a written site access agreement from the property owner is needed to conduct nearly all Phase I studies and all Phase II and Phase III activities.

Project selection is guided by PVPC’s Brownfields Advisory Committee – see below for more on the project approval process. At least 75% of available funding is allocated for sites located within Areas of Brownfields Interest, as designated in PVPC’s Regional Brownfields Plan.

Project Approval Process

Projects are approved based on eligibility under EPA’s regulations, availability of EPA funds, project benefit and need, and overall feasibility. More specifically, top ranked applicant projects will be located in key areas (including transit-oriented and environmental justice neighborhoods), offer realistic and beneficial redevelopment potential (economic development, recreation, public services, and environmental/health protection), demonstrate community support and compatibility with local plans (master plan, etc…), and show readiness to proceed in the near future.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but final selection decisions are made by PVPC’s Brownfields Advisory Committee at its quarterly meetings. In order to have your site considered for assessment assistance at the meeting, your completed application must be received no less than one week prior to the next scheduled committee meeting. Please send your application to Andrew Loew, PVPC, 60 Congress St., Springfield, MA 01104. Note that funds under the current FY12 assessment grant from US EPA are mostly allocated to ongoing projects - please contact PVPC regarding availability prior to submitting an application. 

See below for a program application, approval process outline, and model site access agreement.