Brownfields Assistance

Program Overview

Many communities in Wyoming have properties that are abandoned or underutilized because of known or suspected environmental contamination. These properties, known as “brownfields,” may require cleanup before they are safe for reuse or redevelopment. The DEQ established the Brownfields Assistance (BA) program to help local governments investigate, cleanup, and reuse brownfield properties. 

Wyoming’s BA program can provide technical assistance to brownfield sites through:

• A Phase I environmental site assessment, including an historical investigation of the previous uses of the property and a  visual site inspection (but no sampling)
• A Phase II environmental site assessment, including sampling of groundwater, surface water, and soil to identify the types and concentrations of contaminants
• Identification of cleanup options and cost estimates based on future uses and redevelopment plans
• Some limited site cleanup activities

Assistance is available up to $400,000 per site ($200,000 for assessment and $200,000 for cleanup), if eligible. If DEQ determines a site is eligible to receive BA, DEQ will develop a scope of work for the project, hire a contractor to perform the work, and will oversee the work activities.

Eligibility Criteria

A site may be eligible to receive BA based on the following criteria:

Eligible applicants: local governments, their associated agencies, and quasi-governmental entities under the control of local governments.

Eligible properties: must meet the definitions of a “brownfield siteBrownfields 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 contaminant.” as defined by EPA and must be eligible to participate in the VRP. Properties impacted by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants; impacted by controlled substances (e.g., methamphetamine); and petroleum or petroleum products (excluding sites regulated by the Leaking Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Program) may be eligible. Please see the BA Application package for additional information.

Pre-Application Assistance

If you are interested in applying to the BA program, DEQ offers pre-application assistance to potential applicants. If you are interested, you may contact DEQ to discuss:

• BA eligibility criteria
• The nature of known or suspected contamination
• Potential reuse/redevelopment opportunities
• The BA application process
• The type of technical assistance that is available
• The advantages of participating in Wyoming’s VRP

Note that DEQ cannot prepare written applications on behalf of applicants. Requests for pre-application assistance and questions regarding Wyoming’s VRP can be directed to the DEQ at the addresses at right.

Application Information

Applicants that are interested in obtaining a BA need to submit two copies of the VRP/BA application form and a $500 fee to the Cheyenne office address listed above.