News Releases from Region 04

EPA Recognizes North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for Property Reuse Achievements at Superfund Sites

Redevelopment at Sites in Charlotte and Pisgah Forest highlighted

ATLANTA (November 7, 2017) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has received EPA’s “Excellence in State Engagement Supporting Reuse Award” for the agency’s ongoing commitment to support redevelopment and community revitalization.

“NCDEQ is being lauded for their innovative approaches to support the reuse of Superfund Sites across the state,” said Trey Glenn, EPA Regional Administrator for the Southeast. “North Carolina’s strategic thinking has helped return blighted properties to beneficial use, and provide environmental as well as economic benefits for its citizens.”

EPA created the award to recognize state partners whose work supporting the reuse of Superfund sites has led to lasting benefits that enhance community quality of life and ensure the long-term protectiveness of site remedies and stewardship of the environment.

This award recognizes the NCDEQ for promoting redevelopment at contaminated sites through the innovative use of Geographic Information Systems to provide information for potential developers on site use limitations.

Additionally, NCDEQ played an important role in facilitating the redevelopment of the Martin-Marietta, Sodyeco, Inc. Superfund site 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., into ReVenture Park, a business park focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental technology.

Finally, NCDEQ’s involvement in the cleanup and reuse planning processes at the Ecusta Mill Superfund site in Pisgah Forest, N.C., resulted in the site becoming a model for reuse of formerly contaminated industrial sites. Cleanup is ongoing at the site but plans are in place to redevelop the property in a multi-use, residential, commercial and green space village that will complement downtown Brevard, N.C.

More information about this award can be found on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/state-excellence-supporting-reuse-award

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