Brownfields Program

Background

  • The Brownfields Program was established in 1995 to address and coordinate the City's interests in the redevelopment/development of properties that may be contaminated with toxic materials. The City's interests include the investigation for toxic contamination of properties the City may acquire, the characterization of contamination if found, and the remediation of that property prior to the City granting discretionary entitlements for redevelopment/development.
  • Vision: Coordinate a streamlined approach to the redevelopment of abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial properties, located in the City of Sacramento, that are actually, or perceived to be, contaminated with toxic materials.
  • Mission: To protect the residents and workers of Sacramento from exposure to toxic compounds while maximizing sustainable, desirable land use within the City.
  • Goals: Develop and maintain quality working relationships with county, state, and federal regulatory agencies, and developers, which facilitate the safe, timely and cost effective cleanup of contaminated properties.

Brownfields Program Services

  1. Provide City Departments with facts needed to make informed decisions regarding the purchase or acceptance of property, the current use and leasing of property, and the remediation of property prior to redevelopment.

    • Select and manage toxic consultants performing required services and administer subsequent contracts.
    • Review and provide quality control of resulting documents; negotiate with regulatory agencies to resolve any outstanding issues.
    • Advise the City Safety Office of any health and safety issues.
    • Advise City Departments of regulatory issues and toxic status of property in question.
  2. Coordinate and write grant applications, coordination with Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) Brownfields staff, and subsequent management of associated grant funds for projects such as the Downtown Railyards, Union Pacific Railyards, the El Monte Triangle and various City capital improvement projects.
  3. Administer the Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Program: In partnership with SHRA and the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA), provide loans to property owners or developers for the cleanup of hazardous materials (with the exception of petroleum). This reduced-rate financing is offered to encourage residential, commercial, and industrial redevelopment and to eliminate blight.

    • Eligible Borrowers: Any owner or developer of a site in the City of Sacramento. Applicant should have strong financial capacity, a credible re-use plan. Federal regulations limit the eligibility of parties responsible for the contamination.
    • Eligible Uses: Cleanup and removal of hazardous materials from site prior to development. Cleanup activities should be completed within 12 months.
    • Ineligible Uses: Site assessment or characterization (such as a Phase I or II), sampling, workplan development; removal of petroleum-based contamination (funds are available from other sources). Emergency responses which must be completed in less than six months.
    • Loan Term: Up to 20 years
    • Processing Fee: A $250 processing fee is due after the initial determination of eligibility.
    • Loan Fee: One percent for each five years of loan term after the first five years.
    • Interest Rate: Rates vary from zero to three percent depending upon location and financial viability of the project.
    • Other terms: Loan must be fully collateralized. Federal regulatory requirements apply to work financed.
  4. Manage Environmental Oversight Authority (Implementation of Tri-Party Memorandum of Understanding) which provides for a streamlined permitting process for development in the Downtown Sacramento Railyards and ensures the health and safety of workers, and residents during Railyards clean up and development.

    • Ensure CONSULTANT selection process is carried out in accordance with the Tri-Party MOU.
    • Provide day to day management of Environmental Oversight Authority (EOA) field and office activities.
    • Serve as the City's Project Coordinator for day-to-day MOU matters.
    • Advise the City Safety Office of any site health and safety issues.

Further Information

  • Grace Hovey, Associate Planner/Brownfield Program Coordinator, 916-264-7601
  • Vicki Cook, Brownfields Revolving Loan Program Fund Manager, 916-440-1399/Ext.1200
  • Susanne Tam, Environmental Planner 916-264-5375