Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization, administers the Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) Program with funding support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program is designed to assist communities in transforming underused, vacant, or potentially contaminated properties—commonly referred to as brownfields—into productive community assets. Services are provided at no cost to eligible applicants, reflecting the agency’s commitment to supporting environmental justice, public health, and economic revitalization in Ohio communities. The TBA Program offers a range of environmental site assessment services, including Phase I and Limited Phase II assessments, asbestos and lead-based paint surveys, and associated planning activities. These services help reduce uncertainties about site contamination and support subsequent cleanup, redevelopment, or property transfers. By providing these services, Ohio EPA helps communities understand environmental risks and positions properties for additional funding, development partnerships, or public reuse. Applicants eligible for the program include local governments, quasi-governmental entities, county land banks, port authorities, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must not be potentially responsible parties under CERCLA and do not need to own the property, though they must secure property access via signed consent from the owner. Properties must meet brownfield criteria, including prior industrial, commercial, institutional, or multifamily residential use with at least four housing units. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing communities to apply when ready without being restricted by an annual deadline. Interested parties must complete the TBA application form, which includes sections on eligibility, property information, redevelopment plans, and required exhibits such as access agreements and prior assessments. A signed cover letter and detailed property information are also required. Applications must be submitted by email to the Brownfields Program at BrownfieldFunding@epa.ohio.gov. Upon submission, the Ohio EPA will review the application for completeness and eligibility. If approved, the agency may convene a kickoff meeting with stakeholders such as the property owner, environmental consultants, or developers to define goals and timelines. Once accepted into the program, a written confirmation of the services to be provided is issued, and contracted specialists conduct the assessment work. Final reports are delivered to applicants and can support future redevelopment or funding opportunities. The TBA Program operates continuously with no fixed end date and is intended to serve communities across Ohio. There is no cost share or match requirement. The program does not have a formal deadline or recurring application cycle, offering flexibility for applicants based on project readiness.

Secure a signed access agreement from the property owner before submitting; noncompliance results in ineligibility. Ensure the property meets the brownfield criteria and does not fall under federal exclusion rules such as CERCLA or NPL.