Sustainability has become a buzz word in our society. As a former pollution prevention specialist, I can see the connection between brownfields and sustainability immediately. For me, sustainability means doing everything within one’s power to ensure the way we live enhances the health of the Earth, empowers humanity, reduces human health risk, and encourages responsibility for our actions taken in both business and personal life. These actions protect and ensure a viable future.

So how are brownfields and sustainability connected? This connection is demonstrated through our grant project entitled Route 66 Central Corridor. As we view case studies of the participants in this project, the individuals stand out as living sustainability and acting as leaders and role models in our community.

In October 2006, the City of Flagstaff Brownfield Land Recycling Program was awarded a $200,000 community-wide Petroleum Assess-ment from the Environmental Protection Agency. This grant was designed to help property owners to assess historic petroleum-related contamination by funding Phase I and II environmental site assessment (ESA) activities within the grant project area.

The first business and property owner to come forward and participate was Agassiz Landscaping, LLC. They are located on commercial property on a historic Flagstaff Route 66 alignment. This former gas station was in operation from about 1965-1985. The owners were concerned with historic contamination on their property and how this would reduce the value of their property. The Phase I ESA unearthed inconsistencies within records kept by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) regarding the status of underground storage tanks at the property.

One department thought that the service station was still pumping gas, while another had a letter of closure for the site. After a few phone calls and many questions, the site was closed by ADEQ. The property owners were relieved to have a letter of no further action. They have been responsible in their decision to follow up on their suspicion of historical contamination. Researching and eliminating the potential for human health risk at their site is a good example of a sustainable contribution to their community.

After seeing our ad in a city publication, two graduate students from Northern Arizona University approached the city’s Brownfield Land Recycling Program. They were concerned about their newly purchased residential property that borders the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines. When they purchased their home, the words “potential brownfield” appeared on their Seller’s Disclosure Statement. The potential for soil contamination concerned them because they have children, pets, and wanted to grow a garden. They were also concerned about their home’s value. The couple decided to volunteer for a Phase I ESA, demonstrating ownership and responsibility for their land and valuing their health over any fear of what might be found on their property.

After EPA’s approval to use Phase I ESA money on a residential site, the final report cleared the new homeowners of any reason to believe that their property was contaminated. They will use this report to prove the past Seller’s Disclosure Statement null and void.

Our third volunteer is the owner of Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed which is a landscape and retail nursery business. They signed up for our Route 66 Central Corridor project after hearing of it for the first time in a melreaeting to secure a biodiesel fueling station at their property. This property is zoned industrial, is located near an active rail spur and was previously owned by two railroad companies. Ady a sustainable-minded individual and responsible business owner, our volunteer wanted to make sure his property did not have any historic contamination from the railroad or other industrial uses. The Phase I ESA report came back with a suggestion for a Phase II ESA, so again he volunteered. To date, we are making progress toward completing the Phase II ESA.

With sustainability on so many minds today, many of our participants in the case studies above called us because they are good stewards of the environment. This grant has allowed property owners within city limits to explore past contamination that might have existed before they purchased the property. Funds are used as a redevelopment tool and to rule out potential contamination where appropriate. We continue to seek property owners for more assessments, and use case studies as incentive for others to participate.

April Arroyo is the City of Flagstaff’s Brownfield Specialist