Brownfields

Our vision is to connect you to resources to help breathe life into empty commercial spaces, transform vacancy into vitality, community eyesores into assets and dead zones into opportunity zones for the dreamers, doers, entrepreneurs, businesses and the communities of Southwestern Montana.

What is a Brownfield Site?

A Brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment. Learn more about types of sites and contaminants reported at brownfields and community actions for their cleanup and reuse.

Brownfield contaminants

Lead: A common contaminant found in paints
Petroleum: A common contaminant found at brownfield sites
Asbestos: A common contaminant found at brownfield sites
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): A contaminant found at brownfield sites
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): A contaminant found at brownfield sites
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): A contaminant found at brownfield sites
Arsenic: A contaminant found at brownfield sites
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): A contaminant found at brownfield sites
Tributyl tins: A contaminant found at brownfield sites

The specific contaminants found at a brownfield site depend on the industry or commercial facility that was previously located there. For example, dry cleaners and gas stations can produce high levels of subsurface contaminants.

Brownfield Loan Program

2% APR: Private Property Owner or Business

1% APR: A municipality, Government agency or a Non-Profit Entity

*Fixed APR, ten year term, $175 application fee, 2% origination fee.Most loans are between $15,000 and $150,000.

Brownfields Application Process

Step 1:
Apply

If you locate a blighted commercial property that you would like to purchase and redevelop but suspect it may be contaminated, contact us to discuss your options for getting a no-cost assessment.

Apply 2:
Phase 1 Environmental Assessment

Comprehensive review that evaluates the environmental risk while addressing the historical and current land use.

Step 3:
Phase 2 Environmental Assessment

Field sampling of subsurface petroleum and construction materials following up with a risk assessment report and estimates for cleaning up contamination.

Step 4:
Clean Up

Abating the confirmed contaminants within the property and receiving the necessary assurances that the property is safe for redevelopment. Low interest loans and subgrants may be available to help with the cleanup.