Three Utah groups receive nearly $6 million for environmental cleanup

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that three Utah organizations will receive nearly $6 million for environmental cleanup projects. 

According to the EPA, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality will receive $1,320,845 under the EPA Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant for States and Tribes program.

Additionally, the City of Green River will receive $500,000 under the EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant program. Lastly, Salt Lake County (on behalf of the Wasatch Coalition) will receive $3.9 million in supplemental funding under the EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Coalition program. 

“With this funding, communities across the State of Utah will benefit from environmental cleanups and the economic and job benefits that they bring,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. 

How will Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front Brownfields Coalition use the funding?

Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front Brownfields Coalition plan to use the funding to provide low-interest loans. These low-interest loans will support the environmental cleanup and redevelopment of cities. These cities include Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Murray. 

An industrial yard, a former steel fabrication plant, and a former dry-cleaning site are the priority cleanup sites. According to Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front Brownfields, they plan to develop medium-density housing. Also, they plan to develop high-density housing from the cleanup of these sites. 

“This award will set up Salt Lake County to further environmental justice in our underserved communities for years to come. All our neighborhoods deserve to live in healthy environments with the promise of an equitable economic future,” said County Mayor Jenny Wilson. 

What is a Brownfields Program?

According to the EPA, a brownfield is a property for which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

“Redevelopment made possible through the program includes everything from grocery stores and affordable housing to health centers, museums, greenways, and solar farms,” said EPA. 

Related Stories: 

• 12 million+ global deaths associated with environmental risks every year
• May 7 declared as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Utah