ACIDA Secures 2024 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant
Assessing and planning for brownfield sites to protect health and boost redevelopment across our community.

The Allegany County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) has been awarded a Brownfields Assessment Grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant will enable the ACIDA to inventory, assess, and plan cleanup of underused or potentially contaminated properties (called brownfields) in our county. It is the first critical step toward transforming these properties into safe, productive spaces.

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), a brownfield site is defined as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant". 

Simply put, brownfields are properties where past use may have left behind pollutants, hazardous substances, or other environmental concerns. These sites might look abandoned or underused. While contamination is not always present, the possibility of it can make redevelopment difficult, risky, and costly.

Latest Updates
- December 17, 2025: Successful Community Meeting held in Wellsville!

• Fifteen community members attended our first public session at the David A. Howe Public Library.
• Watch the Meeting: Video Link
• Highlights: The project team discussed the current inventory of ~200 potential sites, explained the difference between Phase I and Phase II assessments, and addressed community concerns regarding liability and redevelopment for housing and commercial use.

Project Progress

• Site Inventory Status: Currently identifying sites with high economic development potential near existing infrastructure.
• Next Steps: Prioritizing further sites for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).

​The EPA Assessment Grant ​​WILL fund:

• A site inventory to identify potential brownfields in the county.
• ​Phase I assessments to research past uses and evaluate whether contamination may be present.
• Phase II assessments, which involve environmental testing (soil, water, etc.) to determine actual contamination.
• Cleanup planning to lay out how a site might be remediated.
• Community involvement, including public meetings, stakeholder outreach, and opportunities for public input.
• Reuse planning for sites that pass assessment, helping chart what they could become.
• These are all standard components of EPA brownfields assessment grants. For more information CLICK HERE.

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What the Grant will NOT Cover

• This grant does not fund full cleanup or redevelopment/construction of buildings.
• It does not force property owners to do cleanup unless required under law.
• It does not immediately change ownership or zoning — those are separate processes.

​​​​Timeline & Key Milestones

• Site Inventory / Selection    >    Fall 2025 – Winter 2026
• Phase I Assessments    >   Spring 2026 – Summer 2027
• Phase II Detailed Testing   >   Fall 2026 – Fall 2027
• Cleanup & Reuse Planning    >    Spring 2027 - Fall 2027

​Through this grant, ACIDA aims to:

• Improve property values and quality of life.
• Stimulate economic development — new businesses, jobs, and stronger tax base.
• Reduce environmental health risks (exposure to contaminants).
• Remove blight and improve neighborhood safety and pride.
• Increase usable land for housing, parks, or other community amenities.

​Stakeholders the ACIDA is working with:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Local Governments / Municipalities
• HRP - Environmental Consultants
• Community-based Organizations
• Property Owners

Eligibility & Site Selection:

• Sites where redevelopment could create public benefit (housing, parks, community facilities, economic activity).
• Underused or vacant lots that affect the quality of life.
• Sites with suspected or known contamination that pose health or safety concerns.
• Locations that are accessible, with property ownership or access secured.
• The public will be asked to suggest potential sites and weigh in on priorities.

Community Engagement & Participation - we want your input every step of the way.
Ways to participate include:

• Public meetings to learn about candidate sites and assessment results.
• Comment periods where you can provide feedback on proposed cleanup or reuse plans.
• Stakeholder workshops.
• Submitting suggestions for sites you think need assessment.

NEXT ACIDA Brownfields Community Involvement Meeting - TBD
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If you know of a site that seems underused, abandoned, or possibly contaminated, please let us know. Participate in public meetings or send us your ideas — your input is essential to making sure we address the places that matter to you and our communities.

​For more information or to propose a site, please contact:
Melissa Pingitore,
ACIDA Assistant Director
716-307-1580
[email protected]

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​Documents & Resources

• EPA’s Brownfields Assessment Grants — What they are and how they work click here → US EPA
• Fact sheet on Assessment Grants vs Cleanup Grants click here → US EPA+1
• Community Involvement Plan
• Public notices and timelines will be posted here and on the ACIDA home page. COMING SOON

​Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can private property be assessed under this grant?
A: Yes — as long as access is granted and eligibility criteria are met. Assessment does not require ownership by ACIDA.
​
Q: Are private owners required to publicly identify their site?
A: No — The ACIDA will keep confidential the location of a privately owned brownfield at the owner's request.

​Q: Will my property be forced to carry out cleanup if assessed?
A: No — assessment is about gathering information. Cleanup obligations depend on property ownership, law, and who is responsible for contamination. The goal is to inform and plan, not to impose burdens without justification.

Q: How long does the process take?
A: Typically, inventory and Phase I take a few months; Phase II testing also takes some months; cleanup planning after that. Full process varies with site conditions and public input.​