Frequently Asked Questions
EPA's RCRA Brownfields Prevention Initiative Pilots

Purpose of Pilots & the Identification of Potential Applicants

Q1 What are the benefits of being a pilot?

A1 Benefits may include: expedited cleanup; field testing of available administrative flexibility and other relevant RCRA cleanup reform tools; crafting of innovative approaches that emphasize site outcomes and eliminate unnecessary process steps; possible EPA sponsorship of public meetings and related outreach activities; and improved prospects for revitalization and redevelopment.

Q2 Who should apply?

A2 Individuals, decision making groups, government entities, and stakeholders seeking integrative solutions and innovative approaches that may address RCRA issues at cleanup sites are good applicant candidates for these pilots. For example, a representative from EPA Regions, State, local government, or communities overseeing a cleanup/redevelopment may apply. Likewise, a developer, a prospective buyer, or an owner/operator whose entire property or parcels of the property are subject to RCRA operating cleanup requirements may also apply.

Q3 What are examples of RCRA cleanup/redevelopment projects that may qualify for these RCRA Brownfields pilots?

A3 A brief list of examples of RCRA cleanup/redevelopment projects that may qualify for pilots include: parcels of a property subject to RCRA post-closure care requirements; a regulated unit being closed under clean closure requirements; cleanup of RCRA treatment, storage, or disposal facilities (both permitted & interim status); RCRA properties undergoing corrective actions at high and non-high priority facilities such as generator sites; restoration/redevelopment projects under state voluntary cleanup programs; and large facility complexes trying to redevelop property parcels. Other communities who are stakeholders of redevelopment projects that address RCRA cleanup concerns are also good candidates, specifically, those with low income/minority populations or at Tribal lands.

Important Information About the Pilots

Q4 What level of funding will EPA allocate to the selected pilots?

A4 Just as in the first round of RCRA Brownfields pilots, EPA is not allocating pilot funding. However, limited funding may become available for EPA to sponsor a few public meetings and support other related pilot outreach activities.

Q5 What is the timeline for pilot results?

A5 Pilots should complete activities within two years. However, EPA plans to report preliminary accomplishments at Brownfields 2001 in September 2001.

Q6 What are the selection criteria applicants should address?

A6 For a discussion of the selection criteria, please see the December 22, 2000, memorandum titled: Upcoming CY2001 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Brownfield Pilots: Application Guidelines, Selection Process, and Criteria, from Timothy Fields, Jr., Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response to RCRA and Superfund Regional Policy Managers.

Application Process

Q7 How do I apply?

A7 Interested parties should first contact the key stakeholders of a candidate cleanup/redevelopment pilot. In addition, a potential applicant should inform the EPA Regional Workgroup contact about the intended pilot proposal. EPA Regional Workgroup contacts can provide you with assistance in developing the application, if needed. Regional contacts are listed towards the end of this flyer. Once an interested party determines that his/her RCRA cleanup/redevelopment project may meet the selection criteria, the applicant should submit two copies of the application to EPA no later than February 1, 2001.

Q8 How can my application be more successful?

A8 Your application may be more successful by following up on each action item and important date provided below:

1. Check with key project stakeholders and government representatives.
2. Inform your EPA Regional Workgroup Contact (see list below).
3. Answer the pilot's criteria succinctly and directly (see Q6 & A6).
4. Submit two copies no later than February 1, 2000, as follows:

Forward one to your EPA Region:

Forward the other copy to EPA Headquarters:

If sending via U. S. Postal Mail:

Attn: Marjorie Buckholtz, RCRA Brownfields Workgroup Chair
OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5105)
USEPA Ariel Rios
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460

If sending via next day delivery service:

Attn: Marjorie Buckholtz, RCRA Brownfields Workgroup Chair OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5105) USEPA Ariel Rios 401 M Street, S. W. Washington, DC 20004

If sending via E-mail:

buckholtz.marjorie@epa.gov