Greetings and salutations! I am Sean O’Brien, a new employee with the Brownfields Program in the Department of Natural Resources here on Indian Island. So what is a Brownfield? “Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or containment.” (USEPA).
The purpose of this program:
- Provides a means to enhance economic development
- Enhances the quality of life by decreasing blight and providing a safer environment.
- Reduces exposure of harmful substances to human health and the environment
- Provides funding to both investigate and cleanup sites
- Protects and enhances the environment for future generations
With the help of the EPA Brownfields Tribal Response Program (CERCLA) federal grant funding under 128(A) ( https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-state-local-tribal-information) and great consultants Campbell Environmental Group ( http://www.cegenvironmental.com) we are able to continue our program and build on it. Currently, we are working on building our inventory for cleanup sites. We are planning a household hazardous waste collection day, website development so that you can access our public inventory of cleanup sites, health and safety training, and environmental resource education. With the help of Campbell Environmental Group we will be able deliver site specific Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, and Remedial Action Planning for our current inventory and new sites.
The goal of this program is identify potential Brownfields sites so they can be investigated and remediated, if necessary, to protect human health and the environment. The Brownfield Program operates on all Penobscot Lands (Reservation, Trust, and Fee). For more information about the program, use this link https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-and-land-revitalization-connecticut-maine-massachusetts-new-hampshire-rhode#pane-1. If you need to contact me please do! Sean.Obrien@penobscotnation.org.
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