Brownfields
UCPCOG is pleased to have been awarded its 3rd EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant to address priority sites in the region. In preparation for the award UCPCOG is pleased to announce the selection of Mid-Atlantic Associates, Inc. as the contractor to aid with the implementation of the $300,000 federal award. Work will begin October 1, 2020 and conclude on or before September 30, 2023.
Background: To revitalize brownfields, a Brownfields Coalition of member governments wishing to participate was formed. In 2009, the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments was awarded a NC Rural Center Brownfields Assessment Grant. In following years, two EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants were also awarded and utilized. Each jurisdiction in the coalition helps identify potential brownfield properties and as funds are made available, properties are selected by the coalition for assessment and other redevelopment support.

What is a Brownfield?
A “brownfields site” is 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. There are a variety of potential Brownfields, including abandoned or underutilized:
- Textile Mills
-
Light and Heavy Industrial Operations
-
Automobile Service Stations
-
Manufacturing Facilities
-
Machine Shops
-
Dry Cleaners
-
Junkyards or Salvage Properties
-
Landfills
-
Furniture/Wood Processing Operations
-
Chemical Plants
Some Brownfields may be contaminated and pose hazards for communities and surrounding properties. The purpose of the Brownfields Program is to determine the presence of hazards, ultimately remove hazards and reuse Brownfields properties.
UCPCOG Brownfields Coalition Members:
Municipalities: Conway, Dortches, Enfield, Garysburg, Littleton, Middlesex, Princeville, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Saratoga, Scotland Neck, Speed, Stantonsburg, Weldon, Whitakers
Counties: Halifax, Nash, Northampton
Community Impacts and Highlights:
Over $800,000 in Federal EPA and NC Rural Center funds have been utilized to inventory, assess, and help revitalize sites throughout the region. The UCPBC has documented over $58,000,000 in leveraged funds throughout the region. Some projects familiar to many include the Rocky Mount Event Center and Monk to Mill Trail, Roanoke Rapids Paterson Mill and Sonrise sites, Littleton library, Scotland Neck Senior Center, Nash County Courthouse expansion, and Northampton Administrative Buildings. Dozens more sites, many involving private redevelopment, have had environmental assessment work performed to help "close the deal".
More Information: Tirence Horne, thorne@ucpcog.org
Resources: