Those who attended the open house were able to ask question and voice their concerns.

The city of Live Oak held an open house Tuesday, Dec. 3, to inform the public about the Brownfield Assessment Grants Program. Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Environmental Consulting and Technology and city of Live Oak were present to address questions and concerns. 

The city was selected to receive $400,000 for the EPA’s Brownfields Assessment Grants program. A majority of the  Assessment, Remediation and Cleanup (ARC) grant will be used to prepare a site inventory, conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, conduct community outreach activities and develop cleanup plans of properties located within the city’s designated Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). 

Brownfields are any property where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse is complicated by actual or perceived contamination.

The city is currently taking applications from property owners who would like to be considered for Phase I. During Phase I, there will be a review of records to identify contaminated sites in the vicinity of the property; site reconnaissance; and interviews with the owners and occupants. Phase II will consist of taking samples of soil, sediment, ground water, surface water, drums and other chemical waste containers, tanks and building materials.

After Phase I and II are completed on property, the property owner can enter a Brownfield Site Rehabilitation Agreement with the FDEP to clean up contamination and revitalize the property. With this agreement, the property owner can receive state loan guarantees, sales tax credit on building material and a $2,500 job bonus refund for every new job created.

If anyone is interested in applying for Phase I, contact Live Oak Development Manager George Curtis at 386-362-2276. The application is available online at clobrownfields.org.