News and Updates

Low Interest Loans Available from OER for Brownfields Cleanup

The Office of Environmental Remediation is offering low-interest loans to eligible local governments, nonprofits, and private sector businesses to clean up properties contaminated with petroleum or hazardous substances. The loan fund was capitalized by an $820,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2016, and an additional RLF Supplemental Grant was awarded in 2023 in the amount of $1,000,000.

The Brownfields Revolving Fund is designed to fill redevelopment funding gaps and provide incentives to clean up brownfield sites with favorable borrowing and repayment terms. Repayment terms of up to 10 years can be negotiated. Borrowers must enroll the site in the WV Voluntary Remediation Program to complete the cleanup work, unless the remediation is limited to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement.

Funds under the loan program can be used to perform a broad range of cleanup activities that include excavating and removing contaminants, treating contaminated soil and groundwater, demolishing contaminated structures, managing storm water run-off, and installing security measures to prevent trespassing. Funds can also be used to pay environmental consultants who oversee and certify the cleanup, and fees for WVDEP review and approval of the work. Funds cannot be used to perform environmental site assessments, such as Phase I or Phase II ESAs, prior to cleanup.

Interested parties should visit the Brownfields Revolving Fund webpage to download information or contact OER through email at DEPBrownfieldsRevolvingFund@wv.gov. Eligible borrowers will need to complete a loan application to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan and to provide the necessary collateral.


Recently Completed Remediation Projects

Former Foundry Site Key to City's Revitalization Plans

 
The Kidde - City of Ranson project (VRP #13079) in Jefferson County, WV, received its Certificate of Completion in June 2023

2024 Voluntary Remediation Program Certificates of Completion

  1. Blue Ridge CTC, Martinsburg, Berkeley County


Next Scheduled LRS Examination

Below are the details for the next scheduled Licensed Remediation Specialist Examination. The deadline for submitting the completed application and payment for this examination is September 13, 2023.

Date: March 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:

WVDEP Charleston Office
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the development of the De Minimis Standards or how to use them, please contact the OER Environmental Toxicologist.

Dr. Ross Brittain, Environmental Toxicologist
WVDEP Office of Environmental Remediation
2031 Pleasant Valley Road
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: (304) 926-0499 x30202
Email: Ross.A.Brittain@wv.gov