DECD Brownfield Liability Relief Programs

Overview

The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment (DECD/OBRD) offers two liability relief programs: 

  • Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup (ABC) and
  • Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization (BRRP).

The DECD works in close coordination with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to review and process applications.   

These programs are intended to attract developers to acquire and invest in redevelopment of brownfield sites that typically have limited market interest.  The programs are also available to Municipalities, CT Brownfields Land Banks, and Economic Development Agencies who are exploring and creating a path for redevelopment of brownfield sites.  The main benefits include:

  • No obligation to investigate/remediate off-site pollution;
  • Investigation and remediation limited to site boundaries;
  • Liability relief from State and third parties;
  • Exemption from the Property Transfer Act Program.

Program Testimonials: 

“Honeycomb has successfully utilized the DECD Liability Relief Programs, and they have proven to be immensely powerful tools that have been instrumental in preserving the viability of multiple developments.  The program has not only given our financial partners, lenders and other state agencies confidence in the remediation efforts we are undertaking; it has also mitigated the risk profile both during and after remediation of these challenging Brownfields.  DECD has made application and enrollment in these programs straightforward and collaborative, always willing to answer questions and discuss program options that best serve the individual site.  Without the Liability Relief Programs that DECD has created the hurdles and risk associated with these contaminated sites would likely be too great for Developer’s to take on.” – Steve Caprio and Lewis Brown, Honeycomb Partners

“We are deeply grateful for the support provided by the Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup (ABC) program, which was instrumental in the successful development of Oxoboxo Lofts. The funding and liability protections offered through the program allowed us to move forward with a project that would have otherwise been too challenging to undertake. As a result, we have been able to transform a once-abandoned site into 72 units of quality housing, contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. The program’s resources and protections were crucial in helping us remediate the property and turn it into a thriving community asset.” – Roberto Arista and Jeremy Vieira, Dakota Partners

“Cedar Village Minerva Square, a 90-unit residential building at 67-71 Minerva Street in Derby, CT, would not have become a reality without the state's Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program. The state grant provided funding to remediate the blighted property, and the liability relief provided to us as the new owners gave us the confidence to pursue and achieve our vision.” – Gino LaVerghetta, Cedar Village Partners

 

Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup Program

Please visit the Abandoned Brownfield Cleanup Program webpage for the eligibility criteria, how to apply, fees, program requirements, DEEP audit and closure and other information. The Application Material can also be accessed on this webpage.

 

Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program

Please visit the Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization Program webpage for the eligibility criteria, how to apply, fees, state-wide portfolio factors, program schedule, requirements and milestones, DEEP audit and closure and other information. The Application Material can also be accessed on this webpage.

 

DEEP Liability Relief and Other Brownfield Programs

The DEEP offers other liability relief programs.  Follow the weblink to view information on these additional resources including the Municipal Brownfield Liability Relief Program and the Covenants Not to Sue Program 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please consult the FAQ page for any questions you may have.

 

DECD Contacts

Please send applications, meeting requests, or other requests to decd.liabilityreliefprogram@ct.gov.  DECD-OBRD staff will respond at their earliest convenience.