Brownfields Toolbox

To implement federal and state legislation, states have established their own departments of natural resources or environmental protection agencies. State environmental agencies operate slightly differently from national EPA headquarters or regional offices. Their mission first and foremost is to regulate and enforce state-adopted statutes. As a result, a large part of state-agency resources are utilized for monitoring and permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

State agencies have responded to the expansion of brownfields by investing resources and staff in the Brownfields Initiative. Most have their own state brownfields programs, which complement and supplement federal brownfields activities. In some cases, sites identified as state brownfields are not receiving federal assistance. As such, state brownfields would not be included on the EPA list of funded sites. State and local brownfields not supported by the EPA are another market for Brownfields Job Development and Training programs, creating many more brownfields locations than those identified by the EPA. 

State and environmental agencies can provide local technical assistance not available from EPA regional offices. State environmental agencies also serve as excellent resources for training assistance. Some provide direct training assistance, while others maintain lists of approved or available service providers. State project officers working on brownfields assessment and cleanup are often familiar with contractors and consultants that may become resources or potential partners for Brownfields Job Development and Training programs. The best way to access state-agency Web sites is to search for the state Department of Natural Resources or Environmental Protection Agency. Searching Web sites provides an excellent source of background information, but as stated earlier, personal contact remains essential as program planning develops.

Other state agencies such as departments of commerce and labor, occupational safety and health, or economic development are excellent sources of technical assistance. They can also be located on the Web.


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