DeWine announces 61 new Brownfield Remediation projects

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced $58.2 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 61 hazardous brownfield sites in 33 counties. Among those counties include Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation for the former Vesuvius Property which is to receive $606,000 for cleanup/remediation. The project involves soil and sediment remediation at a former refractory manufacturing facility. Planned activities include the removal of contaminated soil and sediment, preparing the site for mixed-use redevelopment by the village of Bettsville. The project will retain 12 jobs and create 10 new positions in the community. In addition, Sandusky County Land Reutilization Corporation project of the former lumber yard is to receive $400,230 for cleanup/remediation. The project will demolish six vacant structures and remediate groundwater contamination. Located at a former lumber yard with potential residential redevelopment plans, this project aims to eliminate environmental hazards, making the site safe for future use and attractive for new investment. Also in Sandusky County, the project is for a former junkyard to receive $482,890 for cleanup/remediation This project involves the excavation and offsite disposal of lead, impacted soils and other volatile compounds. Remediation will align with Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA standards, allowing the current tenant to continue operations without environmental concerns and ful-filling regulatory obligations. Then for Wood County for a former gasoline station to receive $136,000. Assessment of this project will include phase I and II assessments, asbestos surveys and a property condition assessment on a former gasoline station now owned by Jackson Township. The assessment will guide the township's plans to potentially expand the neighboring fire station, enhancing public safety infrastructure. The Ohio Department of Development is awarding the funding through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in 2021. Today's announcement includes approximately $55.9 million for 46 cleanup/remediation projects and nearly $2.4 million for 15 assessment projects. Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded more than $560 million to support 550 projects in 86 counties. Funds awarded today will help assess and clean up industrial, commercial, and institutional brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. Following site remediation, properties can be redeveloped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new economic development. The Ohio General Assembly is funding the program through the current operating budget. Ohio's 88 counties were each eligible for at least $1 million in funding, with the remaining funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.