Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Plan

What is a Brownfield?

A brownfield is a piece of land that has been used in the past for businesses or industry, but now may have environmental concerns—like possible contamination from chemicals, fuel, or other materials. These concerns can make it harder for someone to buy, sell, or reuse the property.

Not every brownfield is dangerous, but testing is needed to find out what’s there. Once the property is understood and a plan is made, it can often be safely cleaned up and put back into use for new businesses, housing, or community spaces.

Why This Matters

Brownfields can hold back growth in our community. Vacant or contaminated properties may lower nearby property values, discourage new businesses, and create safety concerns.

By assessing and planning for cleanup, Mt. Vernon is:

• Protecting health and safety by identifying and addressing environmental risks.
• Encouraging investment by making sites more attractive for redevelopment.
• Revitalizing neighborhoods by turning unused spaces into opportunities for housing, jobs, or community projects.
• Strengthening our future by removing barriers to growth and making Mt. Vernon more welcoming for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Project Overview

The City of Mt. Vernon received a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025. This funding allows the City to study properties that may have environmental concerns and prepare them for future redevelopment.

To complete this work, the City is partnering with Terracon, an environmental consulting firm that will help guide the technical and regulatory parts of the project. Terracon will assist with assessments, planning documents, and community engagement while ensuring all activities meet EPA requirements.

With this grant, the City will:

• Conduct Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (historical and records research to identify possible contamination).
• Conduct Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (collecting soil, water, or building samples to confirm if contamination is present).
• Develop cleanup and reuse plans for key sites, making them ready for private or public investment.
• Provide updates and opportunities for community participation throughout the process, as appropriate.

Sites Under Review

The Brownfield Assessment Grant will focus on several properties in Mt. Vernon that have been vacant for many years. These sites are located in and around South 10th Street, an area with a history of industrial and commercial activity.

By studying these properties, the City can:

• Understand whether contamination is present.
• Plan for cleanup if needed.
• Explore opportunities to return these properties to productive use, such as housing, retail, community spaces, or other development.

Additional sites may be added to the project over time, based on community input and City priorities.

Community Involvement

Community input is an important part of the Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Planning process. The City of Mt. Vernon is committed to keeping residents, business owners, and community organizations informed and providing opportunities for participation as the project moves forward.

Opportunities for involvement may include:

• Public Meetings – Informational sessions to share project updates and gather feedback.
• Surveys or Comment Periods – Opportunities to provide input on redevelopment priorities and community needs.
• Project Updates – Periodic updates and key documents posted on this page to support transparency.

Community feedback will help inform decisions related to site assessment, cleanup planning, and potential reuse, with the goal of aligning redevelopment efforts with local priorities.

Next Steps

The Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Planning project is just getting started. Activities anticipated as the project moves forward may include:

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments – Reviewing site history and records to identify potential concerns.
• Phase II Environmental Site Assessments – Conducting soil, water, and air testing where needed to confirm conditions.
• Cleanup Planning – Developing strategies for safe and effective reuse of the properties.
• Community Engagement – Opportunities for residents to provide input and stay informed.

As the project progresses, updates, reports, and opportunities for involvement will be shared here to keep the community informed every step of the way.

Documents & Reports

As the project moves forward, relevant documents and updates may be posted here as they become available.

These may include:

• Environmental site assessments
• Cleanup planning documents
• Community meeting materials and summaries
• Other project updates

The City will make reasonable efforts to share information that supports transparency and public awareness throughout the process.

Project Summary

The City of Mt. Vernon is committed to turning challenges into opportunities. Through the Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Planning project, we are taking important steps to transform long-vacant properties into spaces that can support new businesses, housing, and community activities.

By working together with residents, businesses, and partners, we can remove barriers to redevelopment and build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Mt. Vernon for years to come.