EPA Brownfields 2006 Petroleum Assessment
Grant
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment was
selected to receive a brownfields assessment grant on behalf of Wichita.
Petroleum grant funds are used to conduct Phase I and II environmental
site assessments on properties in Wichita's 9th Street Corridor and
21st Street North Corridor, and community outreach and coordination.
These areas include a significant number of Wichita's older industrial
sites, including a former refinery. Previous inventories have identified
more than 100 parcels in the project areas.
The aircraft manufacturing sector was Wichita's
economic engine until 1998 when manufacturing dramatically slowed.
Between 2001 and 2003, more than 14,000 manufacturing jobs were
lost in the Wichita area. Exiting businesses have left behind vacant
and underused properties. Although environmental conditions on many
sites are unknown, trichloroethene, vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride,
benzene, and other volatile organic compounds are known to be present
on many sites.
After existing contamination is addressed, these
sites will be reused for light industry, a transportation hub, and
open space that supports local cultural activities. Brownfields
redevelopment will remove environmental hazards, promote smart growth,
create greenspace, generate new jobs, and help retain population.
Current Progress
KDHE and EPA have completed prescreening evaluations
of the target areas. These evaluations examine current and historical
uses of the properties in order to determine the potential for petroleum
contamination in these areas.
KDHE and EPA have also completed Phase I Environmental
Site Assessments of the target areas. A Phase I Assessment determines
whether there are past, currently existing, or any threat of future
contaminant releases that present a material risk to human health
or the environment. Phase I Assessments are performed on sites identified
through the prescreening evaluations as potentially contaminated.
More Information About This Grant
More Information About EPA's Brownfields Program
Reports
Portions of these reports have been removed in
order to make them web-ready. To view a complete copy of these reports
including historical records, water well location data, and other technical information,
please contact KDHE's Brownfields coordinator at (785) 296-1938.
- 9th Street Corridor
- 21st Street Corridor: Area 3
- 21st Street Corridor: Area 4
- 21st Street Corridor: Area 5
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