Community Update

(As of December 2024)

EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant

What Phase Are We In?

• Currently, we are in the assessment and reuse planning phases.
• The Assessment Phase includes identifying and performing environmental assessments on multiple properties in the community and producing data that can lead to redevelopment of properties.
• The Redevelopment and Reuse Planning Phase includes taking proactive steps to effectively prepare for future use of the property through visualization and additional assessment.
• Cleanup Grant and Assessment Grant applications have been submitted with the goal of continuing further assessment in the future and beginning cleanup activities.

What Progress Has Been Made So Far?

• Five community meetings and steering committee meetings have taken place over the lifetime of the grant.
• In our last community meeting, attendees brainstormed how renovations to St. Stephen High School could best serve the community’s needs in the following areas:
  • Education and job training
  • Community resources
  • Recreational activities
  • Event space
  • Health services
  • Walkable greenspace
• Five Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Reports have been completed for the former St. Stephen High School (2 assessments), Turner Mill Site, Former Rail Depot, and 1158 S. Main Street.
• A Phase II Site Assessment has been performed at the former St. Stephen High School and Phase II Site Assessment sampling has been completed at the Turner Mill Site.
• Additional assessments have been performed at the former St. Stephen High School, including:
  • Asbestos and lead paint inspection
  • Mercury sampling
  • Initial structural assessment

Why Is This Grant Important to Me?

• Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) can determine if your property may have any potential environmental concerns. The EPA’s grant program will provide funding to perform these assessments at your property.
• Two additional grant applications have been submitted. If awarded, they will continue to benefit the community through property assessments and making significant progress towards the goal of redeveloping the former St. Stephen High School.

How Can I Get Involved?

• The community can get involved by suggesting properties that may be assessed for redevelopment through our website.
  • Ideal properties are those that may be abandoned for many years and/or may contain environmental hazards. (Examples: former gas stations, automobile repair facilities, former industrial sites, and/or former dry cleaners.)
• Share updates with family and neighbors to make sure they are aware of what’s happening with the project.
• Invite a project representative to your community event to answer questions or share updates.
• Keep a lookout for our next community meeting in late Spring/early Summer 2025, when we will share updates on any newly awarded grants.

Contact:

Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager

Berkeley County Economic Development

📞 843-719-4096 | ✉️ vog.csytnuocyelekrebobfsctd@yralccm.yeroc

For More Information:

🌐 Visit: berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield

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