Brownfields Conference Highlights Environmental-Economic Opportunities

For Immediate Release (C-12-96)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
March 26, 1996

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

SACRAMENTO -- At a joint Cal/EPA - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) conference to brief property owners, commercial developers and land use policymakers about new environmental cleanup initiatives, California Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock today hailed the state's progress in restoring contaminated land to economic development as "good for business, and better for the earth."

"California is one of several states leading the way to Brownfields restoration through application of innovative administrative and technological tools.  Brownfields restoration is good for the environment, good for the economy, good for the old, individual areas, and help limit suburban  sprawl'," said Strock. "There efforts bring together California's unique experience and expertise in environmental protection and private land development."

Strock also announced that there is a complete "Prospective Purchaser Agreement (PPA)" posted on the Cal/EPA home page and there will be a generic model agreement posted by April 15 for public review and comment.  The PPA is viewed as a key element in efforts to stimulate cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields.  In these agreements buyers receive a "covenant not to sue", sellers agree to conduct remaining site cleanup work, and responsibilities of developers and tenants are made clear.

Last year, DTSC completed its first PPA as part of a site cleanup project, a former oil refinery in Southern California that is slated for redevelopment as an open-air retail mall and office complex. Another one, also in Southern California, is nearing completion which will convert the site of a former hazardous waste landfill into the world's largest outlet mall.

Strock said that the state is working closely with U.S. EPA to integrate federal Brownfields grants into the state's cleanup schedule. Currently, three sites - the Southern Pacific Railyard in downtown Sacramento, and sites in the cities of Emeryville and Stockton -- have received grant funds from U.S. EPA to stimulate cleanup activities.

"California is moving ahead to use existing federal grants, to the extent possible, to conduct Brownfields assessment work for local agencies with limited resources. Through this effort, we can continue to advance the cleanup and reuse of hundreds of sites throughout California."

The conference highlighted recent Brownfields developments in California, including new federal and state initiatives, breaking through liability barriers, available financial mechanisms, and packaging a redevelopment project, as well as local perspectives and success stories. The conference will feature speakers from both the public and private sector.                             

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