Len Pipkin
When asked about the hire, Mr. David Griso, Executive Director of the Watershed
Council stated emphatically, "The coveted Borwnsfields position, bestowed upon the
applicant that best exemplified GIS capabilities, Grant Writing Skills, Community
Outreach experience, a working knowledge of International Fishing Regulations and
Maritime Law; an extensive grasp of Environmental Policy, former Bureau of Indian
Affairs experience, the ability to speak Russian and possessing inroads into many
Renewable Energy sectors made Len the Logical choice as our new EPA / Brownfields coordinator. He will report for duty on Friday, December 4th, 2009."
Brownfields:
The focus of the program is to collaborate with communities in the Kuskokwim River watershed to:
inventory potential brownfield sites
foster public participation in clean up and reuse of contaminated sites
provide relevant training
maintain a watershed-wide record of contaminated sites for the public to access
assist with an environmental assessment of sites
What is a Brownfield?
In short brownfields are contaminated sites which could be targeted for cleanup and redevelopment. According to the EPA, a ‘brownfields site’ is defined as 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.
In 2002 Congress passed the Small Business Liability Protection and Brownfields Revitalization Act which authorized funding for states and tribes to develop response programs to address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields. Since its passage, the Brownfields Law has presented new and exciting opportunities for the cleanup and reuse of contaminated lands.
- Examples of potential Brownfields:
Old or illegal dumps
Petroleum spills
Abandoned or idle structures with lead paint, asbestos or other hazardous materials
Old fuel storage areas or former gas stations
Mine scarred land
- Types of reuse
Community center
Open / green space
Park
Staging area
Transfer site
Restoring habitat
Housing
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
