The City of Millen recieved an EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant in September 2006. The City and partners at the Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission (CSRA RC) hired environmental consultant Hart & Hickman to manage daily grant activities.
Phase I
Since then, the City has had five Phase I Environmental Site Assessments completed. The properties assessed included the former SOC Station (now known as Aycock Corner), former Millen High School, Repair Shop on Highway 25, and a vacant parking lot along Cotton Avenue.
Phase II and Regulatory Requirements
Soil and ground water sampling, known as a Phase II Site assessment, was completed at Aycock Corner.
The Phase II indicated soil and ground water impacts due to underground gasoline tanks. Also, lead impacted soil was identified south of the former repair facility. Since these impacts were identified, the property owners have decided to donate the property to the City, in lieu of tax payments.
The City entered the property into the State Brownfield Program, which provides liability protection for future owners. The State will now supervise the clean-up of Aycock Corner.
Redevelopment Planning
Grant funds also allow for redevelopment planning. A community meeting was held at the end of February to discuss the potential redevelopment options for Aycock Corner, once the City takes ownership. Several ideas were discussed and conceptual site plans and artists renderings have been completed for Aycock Corner. The overhead view of the inital plans for Aycock Corner are displayed below.
Assessment Grant Closeout
Althought EPA grant funds are only available in intervals of 3 years and the Petroleum Assessment Grant just ended on September 30, 2009. The City has completed the required close-out reporting requirements.
Cleanup Funds
The City has applied for EPA Brownfield Cleanup Funds to complete remediation at the Aycock Corner property. The awards will be announced in the Spring of 2010.
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