Interested in Applying for Assessment Services?

Here's what you need to know to get started...

What is the Assessment Program?

Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized properties where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by concerns about actual or potential environmental contamination. Most communities have one or more properties that have become brownfields sites. These sites become eyesores, and can even become public health and safety threats. Municipal governments or others may wish to take the lead in addressing these sites, but often lack the funds necessary to investigate environmental contamination issues. This is where the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Brownfields Assessment Program can help. The program provides assistance on behalf of municipalities and other eligible entities to investigate hazardous substance and petroleum contamination at brownfields sites. This work reduces the uncertainty surrounding these sites and helps to position them for appropriate cleanup and reuse.

How does it work?

The available assistance includes Phase I site assessments, Phase II site investigations and remedial planning services. The assistance is provided as a grant of services from one of DES's contract environmental consulting firms. The consulting firm performs the work under contract to DES and on behalf of the recipient. Upon award of assistance, DES assigns a staff geologist or engineer to serve as project manager. The DES Project Manager works closely with the recipient and the environmental consulting firm to ensure that an appropriate assessment is completed and the site is properly positioned for cleanup and reuse.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Assessment Services?

Eligible entities include municipalities, regional planning commissions, local or regional economic development agencies, and non-profit organizations. Eligibility is determined by application to DES.

How do I Apply for Assistance?

To apply for these assessment services, simply fill out an assessment application located at Brownfields Assessment Application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and assistance is awarded as funds are available.

Upon award, DES will meet with you and one of our contract environmental consultants to discuss your project and tour the site. Following this meeting, a work scope will be developed that outlines the various tasks needed to conduct the site investigation. Once the work is completed, the grantee receives a copy of the final site investigation report along with recommendations for preparing and implementing a cleanup plan, if necessary.

How Much Assessment Grant of Services Funding is Available?

DES performs this work using federal brownfields funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The amount of assistance granted depends upon the specific conditions at the site and the availability of these funds. Most projects start out with an assessment valued at $25,000 to $50,000. If more work is needed, additional investigation and/or remedial planning services may be provided as funds are available. Federal law caps the total amount of assessment funding at any one site to $200,000.

How Long Does it Take to Complete an Assessment?

The length of time to complete an assessment varies depending on specific site conditions. However, most site investigations can be completed in 90 to 120 days.

If you have additional questions on the New Hampshire Brownfields Assessment Program, please contact DES at (603) 271-2908.