A brownfield site is defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, controlled substances, petroleum or petroleum products or is mine-scarred land.
Impacts from environmental contaminants could be known, or simply a potential concern for the owner, buyer, or other stakeholders.

Brownfield sites are often abandoned or blighted. Other characteristics are active but underused properties (like a salvage yard) or a real estate transaction that has real or perceived contamination. 

Common contaminants include: lead-based paint, asbestos, mercury in old thermostats, fluorescent lights, PCBs, industrial grade chemicals, petroleum and controlled substances.

Any property located in Missoula County where revitalization/redevelopment is complicated by known or suspected environmental contamination may be eligible to participate in the Missoula County Brownfields Program. The county seeks to use these funds widely and prioritize projects outside the City of Missoula limits.
Examples of potential brownfield sites include, but are not limited to:

• Former gas stations
• Auto repair shops
• Pesticide/herbicide/chemical handling facilities
• Landfills
• Illegal dump sites
• Industrial manufacturers
• Warehouses
• Dry cleaners
• Wood treatment facilities
• Gravel pits
• Buildings containing asbestos, lead-based paint or other hazardous building materials
• Properties that may have been used to produce methamphetamine

Yes. Click here to learn more about the city’s Brownfields program. Missoula County can provide brownfields assistance to sites within the city limits; however, priority is given to sites outside city limits.

The initial eligibility criteria include:

• Does the site meet the Real Property definition?
• Is the site abandoned or underutilized?
• Is there potential for environmental contamination?
• Is there a potential for reuse or redevelopment?
• Is there a public benefit?
• Is there a willing stakeholder?

Each site that receives these services must first be deemed eligible by the EPA. Sites owned by the U.S. Government and sites subject to enforcement under CERCLA (federal Superfund) are ineligible.

The goals of the Missoula County Brownfield Assessment Program are to remove environmental uncertainty and facilitate development of Brownfield sites within Missoula County. Assessment funds are available to any public or private entity that meets eligibility requirements. With EPA Brownfield funds, Missoula County will assist communities and property owners affected by environmental contamination by:

• Completing Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Estimating site contaminant risks
• Providing cost estimates for clean-up, if needed
• Developing conceptual cleanup or reuse plans based on the severity of site contamination Local governments or private investors reluctant to invest in a property out of fear of contamination can tap into these funds to remove environmental barriers to redevelopment.

Local governments, nonprofit organizations, or private investors reluctant to invest in a property out of fear of contamination can utilize this program to determine the nature and extent of an environmental problem.

Environmental Site Assessments are completed by a contractor hired by Missoula County at no (or minimal) cost to the property owner. Assessment reports can be used to satisfy purchaser or lender concerns or regulatory agency requirements. Some assessments show less environmental impacts than suspected or feared, leading to immediate property reuse. In the event abatement of hazardous substances is necessary, completing formal environmental due diligence and cleanup planning can help a property qualify for federal or state cleanup resources.

Participation also minimizes risk. Environmental Site Assessments allow individuals to satisfy All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) requirements pursuant to obtaining innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or bona fide prospective purchaser limitations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) guidelines. These protections help minimize risk for current or potential landowners and allow for the redevelopment of a brownfield property. 

No. Missoula County’s Brownfields Program is unable to support environmental cleanup currently; however, other options for cleanup support exist.