Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers two key funding programs to support environmental remediation and petroleum contamination response efforts within the state. These funding mechanisms are designed to facilitate cleanup of contaminated sites, particularly Brownfields and sites impacted by leaking underground storage tanks. The Illinois EPA operates under the authority of the State of Illinois, providing regulatory oversight and financial assistance to promote environmental quality and public health. The Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund is a state-supported financial assistance program intended to support the cleanup of municipally owned Brownfields that have already undergone contamination assessment. These sites must be part of the Illinois EPA’s Site Remediation Program (SRP) and have an approved Remedial Action Plan. Through this program, eligible municipalities can access no-interest or low-interest loans specifically earmarked for cleanup activities. Eligible uses of funds include environmental cleanup of hazardous substance releases and petroleum contamination, along with costs associated with environmental consultant oversight. Importantly, the fund cannot be used for site investigation activities, ensuring that only sites with known remediation plans are supported. A critical condition for eligibility is that applicants must be enrolled in the SRP and are required to conduct Community Relations activities. These activities are essential to keep the public informed and involved in the environmental remediation process. While the exact amount of funding available under this program is variable and not fixed, applicants must work within the funding terms established by the Illinois EPA. The second program, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (UST) Fund, assists UST owners and operators in covering the costs associated with the cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground tanks. To qualify, tank owners must have officially reported a petroleum release and ensured that their tanks are registered with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The fund supports a range of remediation services, including site investigation, site cleanup, laboratory services, and engineering oversight. However, it explicitly excludes expenses such as planned tank removal, legal fees, upgrades to tanks, or any work performed before the petroleum release was reported. Funding under the UST Fund is capped at a maximum of $1,500,000 per occurrence. A deductible amount, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on registration and reporting timelines, is subtracted from the total reimbursable amount. Eligibility determinations for this fund are made by the OSFM, and only those deemed eligible may receive assistance. Both programs are currently active and accept applications. There is no indication of specific application deadlines, suggesting they may be available on a rolling basis. Applicants are advised to coordinate with Illinois EPA and OSFM for specific submission instructions, eligibility documentation, and community relations requirements. Contact information for general inquiries includes the Illinois EPA headquarters located at 2520 W Iles Avenue, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276, with the main telephone line listed as (217) 782-3397. Applicants should use this contact point for further details regarding submission processes and program requirements.