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Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized industrial and commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. Montgomery County is a participant in the Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup and Revitalization Program.

EPA's Brownfields Definition

http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/glossary.htm#brow
The United States, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Brownfields as abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

EPA's Brownfields Program

http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/mission.htm
EPA's Brownfields Initiative is to empower States, communities, and other stakeholders in economic development to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields.

EPA’s Pilot Program

http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/pilot.htm
Since fiscal year 1995, EPA has provided funding to states, cities, towns, counties, and tribes for Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilots. These Pilots, each funded at up to $200,000 over two years, have been used to generate interest by bringing together community groups, investors, lenders, developers, and other affected parties to address the issues of cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous substances and returning them to appropriate, productive use.

Maryland’s Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program

The Maryland’s Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program, established by the 1997 Maryland General Assembly, streamlines the process for cleaning up certain properties that are contaminated, or perceived to be contaminated.

The following summarizes the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) process:

The applicant must submit an application to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Voluntary Cleanup Program which includes and environmental site assessment, all known environmental data and reports, a description of the proposed voluntary cleanup project, and any other information required by MDE together with an application fee.
MDE may make the determination that it has no further requirements for the site or require additional requirements such as a Response Action Plan. This Response Action Plan details steps needed to clean up the property.
If a Response Action Plan is required, the applicant must file a performance bond with MDE within 10 days of MDE’s approval of the Response Action Plan. The applicant must then perform required contamination delineation and remediation.

MDE issues a Certificate of Completion or letter of No Further Requirements. The applicant is released from further liability and is not subject to a contribution action. This certificate is transferable with the property.

Maryland’s Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program

The Maryland Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program, established by the 1997 Maryland General Assembly, provides financial incentives for the redevelopment of underutilized properties that are contaminated or perceived to be contaminated-so called "Brownfield properties." The financial incentives include low interest loans and grants to remediate contaminated sites and to encourage redevelopment.

The following summarizes the process to be eligible for economic incentives under the Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program:

The applicant must submit a completed Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program application to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). If the property is contaminated by oil, the applicant must submit an MDE Oil Control Program approved plan.
The applicant must submit to DBED a General Financing application.
DBED will determine eligibility within 30 days of completed applications.

Montgomery County’s Brownfields Program

Montgomery County adopted legislation in December 1998 that allows Montgomery County to participate in the Maryland’s Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup and Revitalization programs; provides a property tax credit for the redevelopment of certain brownfields properties; and, generally provides for a Brownfields property tax credit as authorized by State law.

By participating in the State Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program and the State Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program, Montgomery County will further its goals to prevent urban sprawl, maximize the use of existing infrastructure, encourage revitalization of designated areas, expand employment opportunities, and cleanup contaminated sites, thus ensuring a clean and healthy environment for its residents.

Montgomery County's Brownfields Propety Tax Credit

The Montgomery County’s Brownfields Property Tax Credit provides property tax credits for participants in the State Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program, of 50% against the increased property tax liability on a qualified Brownfields site for 5 years. It favors properties within the Enterprise Zone (such as Silver Spring and Wheaton) by granting an additional tax credit of 20% against the increased property tax liability extended from 5 to 10 years.

Montgomery County Brownfields Property Tax Credit Legislation

Bill 32-98 enables the County to participate in the state Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup and Revitalization Program; provides a property tax credit for the redevelopment of certain brownfields properties, and generally provides for a brownfields property tax credit as authorized by State law.

Montgomery County Tax Credit Eligibility

Briefly summarizes the process for obtaining a Montgomery County Brownfields Property Tax Credit.

For More Information, contact

Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program.
Montgomery County, Department of Finance at 240-777-8860.
Montgomery County, Department Environmental Protection, Division of Environmental Policy and Compliance 240-777-7770 or email DEP.

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