Derelict Building Grant Program Funds Iowa Property Cleanup

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Financial and Business Assistance (FABA) Program has created the Derelict Building Grant Program. The program was established to assist small communities and rural counties in improving the attractiveness and appearance of their jurisdictions by providing them financial assistance to address derelict buildings. In accordance with the statutory requirement on how these funds are to be used the emphasis will be on landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials.

The eligibility requirements will entail the derelict building be located in a town or unincorporated county area of 5,000 residents or less and require the building to be owned or in the process of being owned by the town or county. The program will provide the following:

100% reimbursement for a certified Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) inspection.
100% reimbursement, not to exceed $5,000, for removing ACM. A 50% cost share is required for those costs exceeding $5,000.
100% reimbursement not to exceed $3,000 for conducting a Phase I Environmental Audit. Applicant is responsible for all costs exceeding $3,000.
50% reimbursement not to exceed $5,000 for conducting a Phase II Environmental Audit.
Building Renovation: If the building is going to be renovated, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $25,000 is available for offsetting costs related to removing materials for reuse, either at the site or offsite, or for recycling. The grant also compensates for the purchase and installation of reused or recycled materials that will be incorporated into the project.
Deconstruction: If the building is going to be deconstructed, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $50,000 is available for offsetting costs related to deconstruction. It is a goal of all deconstruction projects that 30% of the structure by weight be diverted from landfill disposal.
For every additional 10% of landfill diversion by weight above 30% that is documented upon completion of the project, Applicant cost share is reduced by 5% and grant award will increase accordingly. The maximum grant award for deconstruction projects shall not exceed $75,000.

The program is funded by the DNR’s Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) for the next three years. DNR is partnering with Keep Iowa Beautiful in the application and review process.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Lender Liability Training - SBA Environmental Requirements

Seminar: Understanding Lender Environmental Liabilities and Environmental Review Requirements
Minnetonka, Minnesota
January 19, 2011

The session begins with an overview of relevant Federal and state environmental laws that impose financial obligations on Lenders and Borrowers, and potentially impact property value. The seminar then will discuss the use and limitations of the typical assessment tools, such as transaction screens, Phase 1 environmental site assessments, and the use of Reliance Letters. Next, the seminar will provide an overview of environmental review procedures and requirements of SBA. During the final session, case studies will be presented to emphasize the key concepts of Lender Environmental Liabilities.

Agenda

1. Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Lender Environmental Liability
2. Lender Liability Protection and Due Diligence Tools
3. Overview of SBA Environmental Policies and Procedures
4. Case Studies
   

For further information go to:
Understanding Lender Environmental Liabilities and Environmental Review Requirements

This half day training seminar is being provided for individuals who have responsibilities for managing liabilities associated with commercial lending, and those needing to meet environmental due diligence requirements prescribed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).


Sponsored by Caltha LLP, a leading provider of environmental due diligence services in Iowa

www.calthacompany.com

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment vs Property Condition Assessment

In 2008 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published a standard practice for conducting Property Condition Assessment (PCA) at commercial properties, referenced as ASTM E2018 – 08. Some organizations have been left wondering if they should be requesting a Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) or a PCA.

Although both standard practices are completed in conformance with an ASTM standard practice, the issues each practice is intended to address is very different.

In summary, a Phase I ESA conducted using ASTM E 1527-05 is intended to identify “Recognized Environmental Conditions” (or RECs) associated with a property. Recognized Environmental Conditions are defined as “the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a [future] release”. In short – a Phase I ESA addresses releases hazardous substances and petroleum products; it does not address other environmental issues which may be of interest, such as compliance with regulations and permits. It does not address the condition of equipment or structures, unless the equipment or structures are associated with hazardous substances or petroleum products, and that the condition contributed to a release or the threat of future release.

A Property Condition Assessment conducted using ASTM E 2018-08 is a different type of due diligence, pre-purchase, pre-lease, or post-lease inspection. The goal of the PCA is to identify and communicate physical deficiencies to a User. The term physical deficiencies means the presence of conspicuous defects or material deferred maintenance of a property's material systems, components, or equipment as observed during the field observer's walk-through survey. Although a PCA can report on potential environmental contaminants, this type of assessment does not have the same regulatory benefits of a Phase I ESA. Most importantly, a PCA does not constitute “all appropriate inquiry” that is required for CERCLA liability protections. Therefore, prospective purchasers of real estate that wish to retain their Landowner Liability Protections (LLP) under CERCLA need to conduct a Phase I ESA. They may decide to also conduct a PCA to access the property, structures and equipment for defects.

Caltha LLP conducts PCAs and Environmental Site Assessments on commercial and industrial properties across the Upper Midwest. To request a quote, go to Caltha website.

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/