HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY08 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal-10.01.2008 /0 -/- vE
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Applicant Information
1. Applicant Identification: City of Waterloo, Iowa
2. Funding Requested:
a. Grant Type: Cleanup Grant
b. Amount: $200,000
c. Contamination: Hazardous Substances
3. Location: City of Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa
4. Contacts: Project Contac'::
Donald J. Temeyer, Community Planning & Development Director
Address: 715 Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-4366 Fax: (319) 291-4262
Email: don.temeye-@waterloo-ia.org
Chief Executive:
Timothy J. Hurley, Mayor
Address: 715 Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-4301 Fax: (319) 291-4286
Email: mayor@waterloo-ia.org
5. Date Submitted: December 8, 2006
6. Project Period: October 1, 2007 — September 30, 2011
7. Population: 68,747 (Census 2000)
8. Other:
. The City of Waterloo is a State-designated Enterprise Zone.
9. Cooperative Partners:
Organization Contact Person
Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors Scott Jordan, Chair
319.833.3076
Greater Cedar Valley Alliance Steve Dust
President
319.232.1156
Gates Park Neighborhood Association Leon Mosley, 99 Mosley St
319.269.1857
Waterloo Neighborhood Coalition Matt Boyd, 1422 Vine St.
319.234.8085
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Threshold Criteria for Cleanup Grants
A. Applicant Eligibility
The City of Waterloo is a General Purpose Unit of Local Government and therefore
an eligible entity for Cleanup Grants.
B. Letter from the State Authority
The City of Waterloo has received support from the State of Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (IDNR) for its ongoing EPA Brownfields initiatives and has
received a separate letter of support from the IDNR Brownfield's coordinator
acknowledging the City's intent to begin cleanup of the asbestos contamination at
the former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company Site (Attachment 3).
C. Site Eligibility and Property Ownership Eligibility
1. Basic Site Information. (a) Former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company Site.
(b) 550 Esther Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50703. (c) City of Waterloo, Iowa is the current
of the site. (d) N/A
2. Status and History of Contamination at the Site. The site is contaminated with
asbestos containing building materials. The site is a former metal fabricating plant
and contractor-operated muritions facility with a manufacturing history beginning in
the early 1900s. The majority of the buildings were constructed prior to the 1980s,
therefore the facilities include asbestos containing building materials. The site has
been predominantly vacant since the plant ceased operation in the early 1990s.
Consequently, portions of buildings are collapsing and are providing an exposure
pathway for asbestos into the environment via air and water run-off. Residential
neighborhoods, inhabited by minorities and low-to-moderate income citizens (?) are
adjacent to the site to the north and west. A municipal park abuts the site to the
south with a golf course to the east.
3. Sites Ineligible for Funding. The site is not listed or proposed for listing on the
National Priorities List, is not subject to unilateral administrative orders, court orders,
administrative orders on consent, or judicial consent decrees issued to or entered
into by parties under CERCLA and is not subject to the jurisdiction, custody, or
control of the United States government.
4. Sites Requiring a Property-Specific Determination. Based on information
obtained to date, the City of Waterloo believes the Chamberlain site is eligible for
funding without a property-specific determination. The Site was assessed for
petroleum and hazardous substances under EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants in
2003, 2004, and 2005. Moreover, the EPA has provided an affirmative site eligibility
determination regarding the previous use of EPA funds to conduct environmental
investigations.
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
5. Environmental Assessment Required for Cleanup Proposals. A written ASTM
Phase I report prepared in compliance with the All Appropriate Inquiries Final Rule
(70FR66070) was completed in May 2004 and updated prior to acquisition of the site
by the City in 2005. A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was
completed on the site in January 2005. A supplemental Phase II ESA was
completed in September 2005 to determine if on-site contamination had impacted
off-site properties.
6. Property Ownership Eligibility. The City of Waterloo is the current owner of the
Site. A Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessment (ESA) were performed
on the site prior to the City acquiring the site from the previous property owner. The
City meets the definition of a Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser.
7. Enforcement Actions. No environmental enforcement actions are ongoing on
the brownfields site for which funding is being sought.
8. Information on Liability and Defenses/Protections
a. Information on the Property Acquisition. The City of Waterloo acquired the
former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company Site (Site) by way of a warranty deed
from Atlas Warehouse L.C., an Iowa limited liability company, on December 22,
2005.
b. Timing of Hazardous Substance Disposal. Prior to the City taking possession
of the site, the previous property owner removed and disposed of numerous tanks
and hazardous materials from the Site in accordance with applicable state and/or
federal regulations. The City has not caused or contributed to any release of
hazardous substances at the Site. The City has not, at any time, arranged for the
disposal of hazardous substances at the site or transported hazardous substances
to the Site.
c. Pre-Purchase Inquiry. Under contract through an EPA Brownfields
Assessment Grant awarded to the City of Waterloo, Howard R. Green Company
performed an ASTM Phase I ESA in May 2004. A Phase I ESA Update was
prepared for the Site in June 2005. A Phase II ESA was completed in January 2005.
A supplemental Phase II ESA was completed in September 2005.
The Howard R. Green Company personnel responsible for completing the reports on
the Site are Mike Fisher, Ronn Beebe and Cynthia Quast. Mr. Fisher is a
Registered Environmental Manager (R.E.M.) with experience in a variety of
environmental issues including compliance, permitting, and investigation of
hazardous waste sites and is the Company's Environmental Discipline Leader. Mike
was also the recipient of the 2000 EPA Region VII Partnership Award for excellence
in all aspects of brownfields investigation, cleanup, and economic redevelopment in
Iowa. Mike has completed the U.S. EPA Region VII Quality Assurance training and
is 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
certified. Mr. Beebe is a geologist with experience with a wide variety of
environmental issues including compliance, emergency response, investigation,
remediation, stabilization, management, permitting, and risk based assessments of
hazardous waste sites. Ronn is 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certified. Ms. Quast is a licensed professional
engineer and groundwater professional in the State of Iowa who has experience with
a wide variety of environmental issues including investigation, remediation, and risk-
based assessments of hazardous waste sites. Cynthia is 40-hour Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certified and has completed
the EPA Quality Assurance Training.
d. Post-Acquisition Uses. The Site has been vacant since the acquisition.
e. Continuing Obligations. The City has secured the Site to minimize
unauthorized access to the site, actively participates in the monitoring of known Site
contaminants, and complies with all state and local requirements. The City of
Waterloo currently has a City Ordinance that prohibits the installation of any new
water wells. In addition, other controls required on the site will be strictly enforced
through land deed restrictions and the municipal permitting process. The City will
assist and cooperate in performing the cleanup, including providing access to the
property. The City will comply with all information requests and administrative
subpoenas that have or may be issued in connection with the property; and provide
all legally required notices throughout the cleanup process.
D. Cleanup Authority and Oversight Structure
1. The asbestos released into the environment via building degradation is confined
to the interior of buildings en the Site. A qualified contractor has completed an
asbestos survey on the buildings. The asbestos will be removed by a contractor
qualified and licensed by the State of Iowa.
2. The City of Waterloo owns the site and will have access to the adjacent parkland
on the east and south and the right-of-way to the west of the property. The City has
been successful in obtaining signed access agreements to numerous properties in
the past and will work diligently to obtain access to additional adjacent properties if
necessary.
E. Cost Share
The City of Waterloo will fulfill its cost share arrangement by programmatic staff
support throughout the grant project period, and committing capital toward cleanup
activities. The City of Waterloo will provide additional staff support to keep the
surrounding community informed as to the progress of the cleanup process and
engage them cultivating ideas for the redevelopment of the site. In addition, City
staff will provide input and support to the cleanup planning and interagency
coordination with the EPA, Iowa DNR, and the Black Hawk County Health
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Department. The required cost share for this grant may come in part from City
general obligation funds and in part from State of Iowa Brownfield funds. The City
has obligated funding to address a portion of the demolition costs associated with
this site; however, this capital commitment is not associated with planned cleanup
activities and is not eligible for reimbursement from this Cleanup funding request.
Ranking Criteria for Cleanup Grants
A. Cleanup Up Grant Budget
The City of Waterloo proposes to use this funding to remediate the asbestos
contamination on the former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company site. In addition
to the remediation of the site, funding will also be used to keep the surrounding
community informed throughout the cleanup process, solicit their involvement in the
redevelopment planning and work with the Black Hawk County Health Department
and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to facilitate cleanup planning.
Project Tasks
Budget Community Site Cleanup Cleanup Planning Interagency
Categories Involvement Coordination
Personnel
Travel $3,000
Equipment
Supplies $2,000
Contractual $180,000 $10,000 $5,000
Other
Subtotal $2,000 $180,000 $10,000 $8,000
Cost Share $10,00C $22,000 $5,000 $3,000
Total $12,000 $202,000 $15,000 $11,000
• Task 1 — Community Involvement: The City will assume full
responsibilities for various community outreach activities. These efforts will
include hosting public meetings, soliciting input on cleanup alternatives,
preparing and disseminating project progress reports via a project web
site and printed publications. The budgetary allocation for supplies
includes the cost of printing a project newsletter.
• Task 2 — Site Cleanup: This task includes securing the services of a
certified Asbestos disposal contractor and environmental consultant to
implement the corrective action plan. A professional environmental
contractor will prepare the cleanup specifications and necessary bid
documents. The City's financial commitment will result from capital
committed to this task.
• Task 3 — Interagency Coordination: Activities include coordinating with
the Black Hawk County Health Department and Iowa DNR to ensure that
appropriate steps are being taken to prevent exposure of contaminants
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
and protect human health and the environment. In addition, the City will
use a portion of grant proceeds to attend appropriate Brownfield
Conferences and/or meetings to keep abreast of current approaches
regarding the remediation of hazardous materials — such as Asbestos.
B. Community Need
1. The City of Waterloo has a population of 68,747 (US Census 2000). The
population of the area surrounding the former Chamberlain site exemplifies high
unemployment rates, high minority presence, and lower income wages. According
to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 48% of the population surrounding the Chamberlain
site are comprised of minority residents. The median income of those residences
surrounding the Chamberlain site is approximately $24,694. Comparatively, the
median income in Black Hawk County is $27, 266 and in the State of Iowa is
$39,469. Iowa Workforce Development shows the unemployment as 5.7% in the
community, whereas, unemployment in the State as a whole in 4.7%.
In addition, the 2000 U.S. Census indicates that 24% of the male residents, ages 5
to 15 years, from the neighborhood surrounding the former Chamberlain site have
some form of disability. Comparatively, 11% and 13% of the residents in Black
Hawk County and the City of Waterloo have a noted disability, respectively. These
figures for men ages 65 and over are markedly higher. For example, 70% of the
male residents living within the impacted area have some form of disability —
compared to 44% and 46% for the County and City, respectively.
Correspondingly, 55% of women ages 65 years and older that reside in
neighborhoods adjacent to the former Chamberlain facility have some form of
disability. When contrasted with similar female age cohorts for the City (43%) and
Black Hawk County (40%), the concentration of female residents within the targeted
area impacted by disabilities are 15% to 17% higher.
Clearly the presence of low-income, minority residents, that are documented as
having disabilities in excess of City and County averages, raises significant
Environmental Justice issues. Moreover, the condition of the former Chamberlain
site (e.g, predominantly vacant, severe deteriorated from lack of maintenance over
several years, and pathways for the release of air borne contaminants — such as
asbestos, etc.) raises significant concerns regarding human health and the
environment.
2. Since the buildings on the former Chamberlain site were constructed over a
number of years starting in the early 1900s, the building materials used in their
construction contain asbestos. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials
generally do not pose a health risk. However, when these materials are damaged,
disturbed, and exposed to the natural environment, the friable asbestos can become
hazardous and pose increased risk to area residents by releasing asbestos fibers
into the air. Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health
risk because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
exposure can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers
embedded in lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases including:
asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. The buildings on the former
Chamberlain Manufacturing site are deteriorating and collapsing, therefore,
potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
The removal of the asbestos discovered at the former Chamberlain Manufacturing
Company site will effectively remove potential impacts to area residents via broken
windows, deteriorating roofs, and other structural defects that create pathways to
area citizens. With nearly '1,300 residents living within one-half mile of this site,
neighborhood residents, the asbestos abatement effort will enhance human health
remove environmental cortaminants and reduce the Environmental Justice
concerns..
The environmental assessment of this property was performed using EPA
Brownfields Assessment funds in 2003 through 2005, however, additional funding is
critical in remediating the potential threat this Site poses to surrounding property
owners. Remediating this known carcinogen is a logical next step in the
redevelopment process. What is more, removing this material will contribute to
removing the stigma associated with this site and help cultivate greater private
sector interest in redeveloping the subject property.
Removal actions pertaining to friable asbestos will follow the National Contigency
Plan, including preparation and implementation of a Community Relations Plan,
preparation of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis, soliciting public input, prior
to initiating a cleanup plan.
While abating the presence of friable asbestos is clearly the priority of this project,
the site is also subject to other environmental impairments. Specifically,
groundwater samples detected concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) in excess
of the statewide standard. In fact, two sampling areas detected TCE in
concentrations of 0.0492 mg/L and 0.0109 mg/L which are clearly in excess of the
protected groundwater standard of 0.005 mg/L. These findings have been reported
to Iowa DNR and the City will enroll the site in the Iowa Land Recycling Program to
address groundwater contamination.
3. Once known as the "Factory City of Iowa," Waterloo is a faint reminder of its
former vibrant industrial past. In fact, Federal environmental environmental data
bases cite more than 25 businesses reporting toxic releases, 6 Superfund sites, and
84 releases of airborne contaminants. In addition, the community is home to 12
companies permitted to discharge waste into waterways and 233 Hazardous Waste
Handlers. Iowa environmen:al databases indicate that the community is home to
318 underground storage sites and 115 leaking underground storage sites.
The Federal Enforcement and Compliance database also cites 43 facilities in
Waterloo that have been subject to inspection, cited for compliance issues or
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
informal enforcement actions concerning the Air Facility System, Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Permit Compliance System over the past
three years.
While many of these businesses are vital and provide employment opportunities for
area residents, some are more vulnerable to economic downturns and the
associated consequences associated with closed facilities where hazardous
materials were used. Clearly, the former Chamberlain facility has experienced this
transformation.
The agricultural crisis in the 1980s also impacted the community and area schools.
John Deere, Waterloo's largest employer, reacted to the economic trend by
downsizing its work force by 10,000. Rath Meat Packing Company declared
bankruptcy and closed in 1984, five years after obtaining a $4.5 million loan secured
by the City. At its peak, Rath Packing Company employed over 3,000 persons.
The severe economic stress caused disinvestment in industrial and commercial
facilities and the City's hous ng stock. Income levels in Waterloo have never fully
recovered as evidenced by the fact that an increasingly high percentage of the the
area's school population is eligible to receive free and reduced lunches through this
Federal program.
A primary issue of concern in the Chamberlain Manufacturing neighborhood area is
not necessarily one of unemployment, but one of "underemployment". That is, low-
wage jobs are available but even with two incomes, families are struggling to make
an income above poverty level.
Other than the direct economic and negative impacts brought on by the presence of
asbestos and other environmental contaminants, the presence of brownfield sites
have contributed to urban sprawl in our region. Industries are purposely looking to
locate in "greenfields" to avoid problems encountered by acquiring known or
perceived contaminated sites. In Iowa, the greatest concern stemming from this
sprawl is the consumption of prime farmland. For a region and state with an
economy that relies heavily on agricultural production — particularly value-added
agriculture and cultivating crops used in renewable energy, it is imperative that
productive agricultural land be conserved and sites impacted by environmental
contaminants, like the Chamberlain site, be transformed to productive reuses.
This proposal for the cleanup of the former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company
site interlinks sustainable growth concepts, livability, pollution prevention, and high-
wage employment opportunities to make this project a successful catalyst to similar
cleanup and redevelopment activity in other areas of Waterloo and across the
nation.
C. Sustainable Reuse of Brownfields
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
1. The proposed asbestos removal is one of the most significant steps to eliminate
known contaminants from the former Chamberlain site. With the estimated cost of
abatement set at more than $1.2 million, the threat to area residents from airborne
pollutants is real and extensive. Having completed an asbestos assessment of the
subject facility, observations cited both the presence of friable asbestos in acoustic
ceiling tiles, wallboard, and thermal insulation. What is more, the current building
conditions (e.g., broken windows, deteriorating roofing structure, etc.) pose an equal
threat relative to the release of these contaminants through air borne pathways.
Considering the concentration of minorities, elderly and youth with known physical
disabilities, removing these materials will provide a direct benefit of pollution
prevention. Additionally, potential adverse impacts to Virden Creek which abuts the
subject property will be mitigated.
Coupled with a phased redevelopment plan for this area, the City of Waterloo is
committed to removing the threat responsibly and implementing sustainable reuse
initiatives that are consistent with smart growth practices. These efforts will, in turn,
reduce resource consumption and cultivate opportunities for affordable housing.
Moreover, the Waterloo City Council has made a number of commitments to
implement these initiatives. Specifically, the City:
■ Uses community growth management practices that promotes in-fill
development and reuse of brownfield properties before annexing and
converting prime agricultural land at the urban fringe;
■ Provides financial incentives to encourage the redevelopment of
brownfield sites and those developers that use environmentally friendly
technologies (e.g., Green Building design, energy efficient construction
materials, etc.);
■ Is exploring innovating methods to reuse construction debris, and
innovative storm management techniques to redevelop the subject
property.
2. Removing the asbestos from this site is merely the beginning of the
redevelopment process; however, it will have substantial impacts relative to
removing a known carcinogen that poses a real threat to area residents. By
removing this contaminant, it will also enable the City to proceed with other related
site redevelopment activities such as building demolition and construction of green
space and storm management options that mitigate the release of site contaminants
in the near by Virden Creek area.
Proceeds from this grant will be instrumental to remove the environmental stigma
imposed by the dilapidating structures located on this site and its adverse impact on
diminished property values, disinvestment in properties, and heightened
1 The City recognizes that "building demolition" is not considered an eligible expense for
cleanup funding; consequently, other "non-EPA funds will be used to address this
capital need.
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
incendences of criminal activities since the closure of this business in the early
1990s. Plus, plans to implement a greenway corridor between this site and adjacent
residential areas and the golf course will provide an improved transitional area
where people will be able to enjoy the use of a regional trail, and the City can
cultivate reinvestment opportunities that are conducive to residential areas.
3. The former Chamberlain site is located in an area exhibiting characteristics that
are conducive to reuse and private sector reinvestment. For example, the site is
adjacent to a municipal golfing facility and park area; there is an established
residential district; and the Virden Creek.
To help leverage opportunities for private investment and area revitalization, the City
has created several funding and tax credit options. For example, affected residents
live within the City's Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area (CURA). This
designation enables the City to prioritize areas within the community that exhibit
significant blight and direct Community Development Block Grant funding to those
areas. In this context, the C'ty has authorized the investment of nearly $2 million in
CDBG funds for revitalization efforts. In addition, the area is designated as an Urban
Renewal/Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area, and is within a State designated
Enterprise Zone. The TIF district provides a means for the City to capture property
tax revenues resulting from new investment and issue debt to capitalize various
redevelopment efforts. The Iowa Enterprise Zone provides investment tax credits to
individuals and businesses that invest and employ residents within the affected area.
Coupled with having access to approximately 23 acres of developable land and the
City's commitment to assist with redevelopment efforts, this site will become a
shining example of how contaminanted properties can be revitalized and contribute
to the stability of a neighborhood rather than languish as a liability.
D. Creation and/ or Preservation of Greenspace/Open Space or Nonprofit
Purpose
The grant will facilitate the expansion of public recreational greenspace in an area
desperately in need of recreational opportunities for its citizens. In public meetings
regarding the redevelopment of the site, recreational opportunities have been
suggested numerous times from the surrounding residents. The redevelopment
concept will include open-air baseball fields, youth soccer fields, basketball courts, a
football field and additional areas for a pedestrian and bike trail, picnic area and tot
lot. The development of the site will also preserve outlying greenfields currently in
agricultural production.
Ultimately, the City will enroll This site in the Iowa Land Recycling Program to ensure
that the long-term management and care of the area is protected. While specific
cleanup actions have not been specified at this time, the City envisions the removal
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
of asbestos materials, and mitigate other hazardous materials through the use of
engineered and/or institutional controls.
The redevelopment of the former Chamberlain site integrates other efforts to
improve and redevelop Brownfields. A few of these efforts include the expansion of
the City's trail system to integrate core neighborhoods with the Downtown and Cedar
River corridor, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Planning Assistance to States (PAS)
efforts toward redevelopment planning along the Cedar River, U.S. EPA and
Economic Development Administration (EDA) activities in the Rath Neighborhoods
to the south, past U.S. Deoartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance programs targeted to the
southern adjoining neighborhood, site-specific redevelopment planning for the
former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company site, recently awarded HUD
Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) program grants targeted
toward urban core redevelopment projects, redevelopment of the Downtown Central
Business District with a muli:i-million dollar Vision Iowa grant, and the Highway 63
Corridor Redevelopment Plan.
E. Pre-Award Community Notification
1. The community was notified of the proposed grant submittals by way of a public
meeting held at the Waterloo City Hall on November 1, 2006. The notice of the
public meeting was also posted in the City of Waterloo Neighborhood Services
monthly newsletter which is mailed to all recognized neighborhood associations and
other concerns citizens. Notice of the meeting and pending application appeared in
the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier on October 10, 2006 and a follow up story about
the proposed redevelopment on November 20, 2006. Notice of the public meeting
was also posted on the Waterloo Public Access Channel's calendar of events from
October 20 thru November 1, 2006. The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors
(BHC BOS) also addressed the application submission during their November 7,
2006 meeting. The BHC BOS meetings are televised on WGAT — channel 15 in
Waterloo and are shown six times weekly. Information related to community
involvement is included in Attachment 4.
City will use its public access channel and programming, Neighborhood Services
office, and Community Development office to educate and engage the community
throughout the cleanup, planning, and redevelopment process. The City will hold
educational sessions with the public to help them understand the meaning of these
standards and their relevance to intended reuse.
2. The City of Waterloo utilized various media outlets to inform residents about the
City's plan to submit the proposed Brownfield Cleanup application. Posting public
meeting announcements at various public venues and the Public Access television
station; plus reaching out to area media outlets provided a diverse method of
engaging the public. In addition, the Neighborhood Services newsletter and
attending neighborhood association meetings to inform residents about the City's
intentions and solicit input on the application was also well received.
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
All materials were published in English because this language is the most
indigenous to the community and affected neighborhoods. According to the 2000
U.S. Census, none of the residents residing within the affected Census Tract (17.02)
are linguistically isolated. However, this source also indicates that less than two
percent of the households in the City and Black Hawk County speak Spanish, some
form of Indo-European, and Asian languages. For these situations, interested
persons are asked to request interpreters when needed. Incidentally, these notices
are published in native languages (Spanish, German, Russian, or Chinese).
3. The City of Waterloo allowed three business weeks for public comments to be
received. During this period, City staff actively participated in neighborhood
association meetings and other local citizen groups to address the impending
application submission and solicit additional public comment. In addition, the City
utilized its Neighborhood Services newsletter and monthly radio broadcasts, as well
as its public access television programming to provide periodic updates meeting
notices.
4. The city project staff will evaluate the comments received for compliance with
EPA's goals for the program and compliance with the City of Waterloo's goals for the
project. If the comments are accurate and feasible, the City proposes to incorporate
the context of the comments in the cooperative agreement workplan. In addition, the
City posted all questions, comments and associated responses at City Hall.
F. Ongoing Community Involvement
1. The City will continue to publish monthly newsletters, and conduct quarterly, on-
site project summaries via the public access channel, plus quarterly radio
broadcasts. In addition, environmental findings, reports, cleanup options and
upcoming meeting notices will be posted on the Internet project website. Each of
these community involvement tools will include contact information so interested
parties have a means of forwarding comments and/or asking questions. Cleanup-
related documents will be available for review at the City of Waterloo Planning and
Development Office located on the second floor of City Hall. The redevelopment of
the former Chamberlain site is also being addressed as a part of the Highway 63
Corridor Plan. Information regarding the redevelopment process has also been
solicited at public informational meetings as part of this initiative.
These materials will be disseminated to all of the project partners, such as the EPA ,
Iowa DNR, neighborhood associations, area and regional economic development
partners, commercial real estate brokers/developers, and commercial lending
institutions.
2. Environmental investigations of the subject property began in 19_ via a
Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment Grant. Through this grant, the City
initiated and has since maintained a consistent line of communication with the EPA
Region 7 Brownfields Team, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Contaminated Sites Team. This partnership has involved the distribution of
documents (e.g., Property Specific Sampling and Analysis Plans, Quality Assurance
Project Reports, Quarterly Project Status Reports, Phase I and II Environmental Site
Assessment Reports, etc.). In addition, the City continues to have ongoing
discussions concerning the cleanup needs of the site, reuse options, etc. Under the
auspices of this funding request, the City will submit an application to the Iowa DNR
requesting that the site be enrolled in the Land Recycling Program to ensure that the
selected environmental remedy is appropriate to the planned future use and meet all
applicable state and federal cleanup standards.
In addition, the City will maintain its partnership with local organizations, including
neighborhood associations, E31ack Hawk County Health Department, area economic
development interests and private-sector partners (i.e., real estate brokers and
developers, and financial institutions) to facilitate the reuse of the property in a
manner acceptable to affected residents and to prospective investors.
3. The City will use its public access channel and programming, Neighborhood
Services office, and Community Development office to educate and engage the
adjacent neighborhoods throughout the cleanup, planning, and redevelopment
process. In addition, printed publications such as the monthly Neighborhood
Association Newsletter, project Web Site, Public Access television station and area
media outlets will be used to keep citizens and other stakeholders involved in the
progress of this project.
As stated earlier, the 2000 U.S. Census references less than two percent of
residents in Waterloo that only speak a language other than English. Moreover, this
source also indicates that none of the households from the affected area speak a
foreign language exclusively. Consequently, all materials and oral presentation will
be conducted in English; however, requests for translations will be made available
upon request.
4. Community based organizations involved in this protect are listed below.
Organization Contact Person Activities/Representation _
Black Hawk County Scott Jordan, Chair Participate in the
Board of Supervisors 319.833.3076 redevelopment planning and
foster communications
regarding the Chamberlain
Site.
Greater Cedar Valley Steve Dust Participate in the
Alliance President redevelopment planning and
319.232.1156 marketing of the
Chamberlain Site.
Gates Park Leon Mosley Assisting in neighborhood
Neighborhood 99 Mosley St collaboration and
Association 319.269.1857 redevelopment planning
efforts.
Waterloo Matt Boyd Foster communications by
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Neighborhood 1422 Vine St. holding organizational
Coalition 319-234-8085 planning sessions and
presentations.
G. Reduction of Threats to Human Health and the Environment
1. An Asbestos Inspection Report cites a significant presence of asbestos
containing materials in over 740,000 square feet that housed the former
Chamberlain Manufacturing property. Moreover, groundwater samples collected as
part of a Supplemental Phase II Environmental Site Assessment found evidence of
trichloroethylene (TCE) in excess of the protected groundwater standard of 0.005
mg/L. The concentration that was discovered was 0.0492 mg/L and 0.0109 mg/L.
While both of these contaminants are known carcinogens, removal of the asbestos
containing materials is the City's first priority because of planned building demolition
projects.
Ultimately, the City wishes to create a "shovel-ready" site for redevelopment, free of
environmental impairments That may impact its reuse. Unfortunately, all of the
structures on site show significant signs of deterioration (e.g., roof collapse,
structural damage to building facades, random vandalism to properties, etc.).
Consequently, the City's immediate priority is to begin the process of demolishing
structures and as part of this effort, abate asbestos in a manner consistent with the
sequencing of building demolition. With approximately 17 acres under roof, the City
plans to proceed with the removal of five structures and, accordingly, remove
asbestos containing materials prior to demolition.
Planned use of the grant will result in hiring a licensed asbestos remediation
contractor to remove materials from up to five building areas. Of course, the
contractor will follow applicable state and federal regulations concerning the removal
and disposal of these materials.
Removal of the TCE is a priority; however, it does not represent a significant threat
when compared to the complexities of the removal of structures and abatement of
asbestos. The presence of asbestos poses the greatest threat due to the level of
structural deterioration and potential for materials to be released via air borne
pathways.
2. Since receiving the original Brownfield Assessment Grant used to investigate
this site, the City has consistently involved the EPA Region 7 Brownfields Team and
Iowa Department of Natural Resources in key decisions, such as review and
approval of sampling plans, quality assurance project plans, Phase I and II
Environmental Site Assessment reports, etc. As evidence concerning the presence
of asbestos and TCE, again both regulatory agencies were provided notice and
engaged in discussions concerning the future reuse of the subject property.
To restate, the City plans to first begin the process of abating asbestos with a long-
term strategy to address the presence of TCE as discovered in two groundwater
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
monitoring wells at a later date. The asbestos abatement will follow all applicable
EPA, OSHA, and Iowa DNR rules governing the removal of these cancer causing
materials.
Black Hawk County Health Department will also be an important element in the
City's efforts to examine the health effects of residents living in neighborhoods
adjacent to the project site. As was revealed in Section B, the adjacent
neighborhoods are inhabited by a significant percentage of minorities, low income,
and elderly individuals — many of having physical disabilities. The City will
coordinate cleanup and redevelopment activities with the Black Hawk County Health
Department to monitor the effectiveness of the implemented corrective actions.
3. The Asbestos Inspection Report referencing 19 sections of the former
manufacturing facility, estimates the cost of removal to be in excess of $1.273
million. In addition, two building sections cite roof failures resulting in structures that
collapsed into a building. The report cites that the cost could be higher for these
sections.
The City plans to remove asbestos from five building sections at an estimated cost
of $
H. Leveraging of Additional Resources
1. The City has assembled a phased funding strategy for this project that delineates
capital needs for removal actions and outlines funding options for possible
redevelopment scenarios. As was mentioned earlier, the City's intent is to prepare a
shovel-ready site that car compete with comparable greenfield properties.
However, to do achieve this goal the City must first remove the asbestos and
buildings from the site. The sources and uses of funds for Phase I activities is
summarized below:
Use/Source Brownfield Brownfield Iowa Community Tax
Cleanup Assessment Brownfield Development Increment
Funds Funds Redevelopment Block Grants Financing
Funds
Investigation
Preparation of Bid
Documents
Cleanup Activities
Reporting/Community
Involvement
Monitoring
Building Demolition
Health Monitoring
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
The City also envisions that once the asbestos abatement activities have ceased,
local, state and federal funds will be used to make the site more attractive for private
sector investment and create a green/open space recreational area.
2. The City has an excellent reputation for securing and successfully managing
federal and state funding sources to address community needs including
brownfields. The City will seek out and commit available Economic Development
Administration (EDA) funding, Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
funding, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative
(HUD EDI) funding, as well as potential direct federal appropriations to address
funding gaps in the redevelopment process. Private development and brownfields
investment groups will also be pursued and committed. Waterloo has successfully
addressed similar funding gaps as part of its EPA Pilot and will utilize the lessons
learned and knowledge of funding sources to assure success with this project.
I. Programmatic Capability
1. The City of Waterloo has successfully managed its EPA Assessment
Demonstration Pilot grant, Supplemental Assistance grant, and EPA Brownfields
Assessment Grants, and an EPA Environmental Justice grant. Under the
Brownfields Pilot program, City staff successfully managed numerous Phase I and
Phase II environmental site assessments (ESA). The City's planning and
development staff has been trained in EPA quality assurance requirements as well
as ASTM ESA standards. The City will prepare and solicit requests for qualifications
for consultants to assist in managing all phases of the cleanup grant process.
The City can demonstrate the following accomplishments in their Brownfields
Redevelopment Initiative:
• Securing a $1 million EPA Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan
• Secured $200,000 U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment Demonstrate Pilot grant;
• Secured $150,000 in U.S. EPA Supplemental Assistance funds for the Pilot Area
initiatives;
• Worked with local community college to obtain a $200,000 job training grant;
• Secured $20,000 through EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants Program;
• Creation of an urban renewal district to assist in the redevelopment of the area in
November 1990;
• Applying for and receiving a $2.5 million special purpose HUD grant to demolish
the Rath packing plant;
• Securing a $750,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works
Grant;
• Securing a $1 million EDA Special Purpose Grant;
• Securing $691,750 from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
through their Brownfields Program;
• Securing another $400,000 from IDED for the demolition of the buildings on the
Construction Machinery Company site;
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
• Secured $2,121,700 in Iowa DOT Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy Funds for
the reconstruction of the 18th Street Bridge in the Pilot Area;
• Passed a local option sales tax of which $1,212,400 is designated for street
improvements in the Pilo: Area;
• Secured $1,718,600 in funding from the Black Hawk Metropolitan Area
Transportation Policy Board (MPO) for replacement of the 18th Street Bridge;
• Received a $500,000 grant from the HUD Economic Development Initiative;
• Received $200,000 in Planning Assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers directed at planing needs in the Pilot Area;
• Secured $350,000 in funds from the Iowa DOT State Enhancement Fund;
• Received a $150,000 MPO grant from INRCOG; and
• Negotiated a lease agreement with the University of Northern Iowa Center for
Urban Education to locate in an abandoned railroad depot in the Pilot Area.
• Received $350,000 to assess the former Chamberlain Manufacturing Company
site.
• Securing $200,000 to cleanup soil and groundwater contamination at the former
Construction Machinery Company Site.
• Secured $400,000 to assess hazardous substance and petroleum contamination
in the downtown project area.
2. The City of Waterloo has successfully managed federal funds including those
from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), Economic Development Administration (EDA), and the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA). Waterloo has not had any adverse audit findings from an
OMB Circular A-133 audit, an audit conducted by a federal, state, or local
government inspector general or similar organization. The City of Waterloo has not
been required to comply with special "high risk" terms and conditions under agency
regulations implementing OMB Circular A-102. A recent EPA letter to the mayor
regarding desk review of EPA Assistance Agreements stated, "In general, the City
appears to have systems in place to manage the progress of the funded projects
and associated costs."
3. The City of Waterloo is currently the recipient of three EPA Brownfields
Assessment Grants, one Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) and
one Cleanup cooperative agreement for the former Construction Machinery
Company site and is in compliance with all required quarterly progress reports and
annual financial status report ng. These established lines of communication will be
used in any further brownfield grant administration. The milestones defined in the
cooperative agreements workplans for the grants are being met.
4. Internal milestones will be defined in addition to those milestones documented in
a cooperative agreement with EPA upon funding award. Internal milestones will be
monitored through regularly scheduled meetings between city staff and contractors.
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Site Plan
Attachment 2: Citizen Support Letters
Attachment 3: Letter from State Environmental Authority
Attachment 4: Outreach Activities
Attachment 5: Support Letters from Community-Based Organizations
Attachment 1
Site Plan
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Attachment 2
Citizen Support Letters
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Attachment 3
Letter from State Environmental Authority
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Attachment 4
Outreach Activities
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City of Waterloo, Iowa FY 2008 EPA Brown fields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Attachment 5
Support Letters from Community-Based Organizations
I
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