What is a Brownfield?

Many of our communities have properties that are abandoned or underutilized because of suspected environmental contamination from past uses. These properties are commonly referred to as “Brownfields.”

Brownfield – noun. 1. 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. 2. abandoned or underutilized property that is not being redeveloped because of fears that it may be contaminated with hazardous substances.

Environmental impacts from historic industrial operations and commercial activities have resulted in vacant and underutilized (“brownfield”) properties throughout our communities. Brownfield sites can be found in many different forms and may include derelict mills and factories, salvage yards and dump sites, former dry cleaners, old rail yards and truck depots, former gas stations and other auto-related businesses, dilapidated and aging buildings, and other vacant and underutilized commercial and industrial properties.

Ngozi Nwosu
Brownfields Program Manager
214-670-6971
Paul White II
Superintendent-Air, Soil, Groundwater Division
214-671-8979

Scope

The City of Dallas's Brownfields Redevelopment Program (BRP) mission is to address environmental obstacles that can hinder revitalization of community development in core neighborhoods. The program also aims to drive sustainable economic growth to ensure a safe, clean environment, and improved quality of life for Dallas residents.

The BRP Program provides a path for community and government entities to voluntarily conduct environmental assessments, surveys, and clean up properties that may be contaminated with hazardous or petroleum wastes.

The BRP prioritizes projects that promise to support neighborhood revitalization or restoration efforts, using the following as a guide for allocating resources to community stakeholders:

  • Protection of Human Health and the Environment
  • Environmental Justice
  • Community Involvement & Partnerships
  • Urban Smart Growth Principles
  • Results Oriented
  • Sustainability goals

Objectives

The BRP objectives include the following:

  • Accept, identify & assess priority sites and Identify clean up options
  • Clean up contaminated sites as applicable
  • Prepare sites for redevelopment
  • Encourage site reuse & revitalization projects
  • Help to reduce health threats to residents from exposure to contaminants
  • Focus on sites with greatest redevelopment potential
  • Focus on the feasible high-impact projects and provide Technical Assistance

The BRP Program , utilizing key partnerships, local and federal funding, aims to offer developers and community stakeholders , the following services in support of redevelopment efforts:

  • Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments
  • Regulated building material Surveys
  • Cleanup planning and Cleanup
  • Education and Regulatory Guidance
  • Community Engagement
  • Technical Assistance
  • Project Financing Strategies(associated with EPA cleanup grants)

Program Status

In May 2020, the City of Dallas was awarded an EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment (BCA) Grant to revitalize vacant and underutilized brownfield properties in three priority focus areas: (1) Fair Park Campus, (2) St. Philip's School and Community Center, and (3) MLK Corridor. The BCA grant provided funding for the following :

  • Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments
  • Regulated building material Surveys
  • Cleanup planning
  • Regulatory Guidance
  • Community Outreach and Engagement

As of May 2023, the BRP has successfully utilized most of the grant funds ahead of EPA’s September 2023 grant term closure period. The FY2023 BCA grant is now at the closeout stage.

The following accomplishments have been realized under the EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment (BCA) Grant:

  • 11 “Project/Site” Nominations received. These sites Include 82 properties spanning 58 acres with proposed redevelopment plans for housing, commercial development, parks & recreation, community services, and interest from other stakeholders
  • Completed assessment activities at 8 sites out of 8 EPA approved sites
  • Completed 45 US. EPA Property Eligibility Determination (PED) Request completed a total of 31 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and 15 Phase II ESAs with 1 Regulated Building Material (RBM) Survey and 1 Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCAs) and/or Cleanup/Reuse Plan under consideration
  • Formed a Brownfield Advisory Committee (BAC) and Coalition Partner’s group facilitating at 4 quarterly Meetings.

The City of Dallas, in adhering to program goals and objectives, applied for additional EPA brownfields grants in November 2022 and provided additional budget and staffing support for the Brownfields Redevelopment Program for FY 2023-24. The BRP applied for the following grants:

  • Community-wide Assessment (CA) Grant – provides funds for assessments $500,000
  • Revolving Loan Fund Grant – provides funds for cleanup and community revitalization $1,000,000

FY23 EPA Brownfields grant awards will be announced in May 2023. US. EPA Brownfields Program

These revitalization efforts are intended to provide benefits to the community, including job creation, increased property values, environmental restoration, and reduced health risks.