Source: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4372.html
Timestamp: 2014-11-01 05:29:41
Document Index: 658597396

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 375', 'art 375', '§375', 'art 375', '§375', '§375', '§375', '§375', '§375', 'art 375', '§375', '§375', 'art 375', 'art 375', 'art 375', 'art 375', 'art 375', '§375', '§375', '§375', 'arts 617', '§375']

Subpart 375-3: Brownfield Cleanup Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Home » Regulations and Enforcement » Regulations » Chapter IV- Quality Services » Subpart 375-3: Brownfield Cleanup Program
375-3.1 Purpose; Applicability.
375-3.5 Brownfield Site Cleanup Agreements.
375-3.6 Work Plans and Reports.
375-3.12 Reserved.
§375-3.1 Purpose; Applicability.
This subpart applies to the development and implementation of remedial programs for brownfield sites pursuant to ECL 27-1401, et seq. This subpart addresses requirements in addition to those requirements identified in subpart 375-1.
§375-3.2 Definitions.
(a) "Alternatives analysis" means a study undertaken to develop and evaluate options for remedial action in accordance with this subpart.
(b) "Applicant" means a person whose request to participate in the brownfield cleanup program has been accepted by the Department:
(1) "Participant" means an applicant who either:
(i) was the owner of the site at the time of the disposal or discharge of contaminants; or
(2) "Volunteer" means an applicant other than a participant, including without limitation a person whose liability arises solely as a result of such person`s ownership or operation of or involvement with the site subsequent to the disposal or discharge of contaminants, provided however, such person exercises appropriate care with respect to contamination found at the facility by taking reasonable steps to:
(c) "Brownfield site cleanup agreement" means an agreement executed in accordance with ECL 27-1409 by an applicant and the Department for the purpose of completing a brownfield site remedial program.
(d) "Change of use" means the transfer of title to all or part of such brownfield site, the erection of any structure on such site, the creation of a park or other public or private recreational facility on such site, or any activity that is likely to disrupt or expose contamination or to increase direct human exposure; or any other conduct that will or may tend to significantly interfere with an ongoing or completed remedial program at such site and the continued ability to implement the engineering and institutional controls associated with such site.
(e) "Indirect ownership" means an ownership interest in an entity that has an ownership interest in an entity.
(f) "Newspaper notice" means the placement of a prominently located, paid newspaper advertisement in the community bulletin section or similar local section of a newspaper of general circulation in the vicinity of the brownfield site which is the subject of the notice. Such notice shall be in English and in any other language spoken by significant numbers of people within the community.
(g) "Ownership" means the possession of equity in the capital, the stock or the profits of an entity.
(h) "Permanent cleanup" or "permanent remedy" means a cleanup or remedy that would allow a site to be used for any purpose without restriction and without reliance on the long-term employment of institutional or engineering controls.
(i) "Requestor" means a person who has submitted an application to participate in the brownfield cleanup program whose eligibility has not yet been determined by the Department.
(j) "Substantial Interest" means ownership or indirect ownership of ten per centum or more.
§375-3.3 Eligibility.
(a) Eligible sites. Any real property that meets the requirements of a brownfield site as defined in ECL article 27, title 14.
(1) A brownfield site has two elements:
(2) In determining eligibility, the Department shall consider only contamination from on-site sources.
(3) In determining eligibility, the Department shall not consider:
(ii) material not constituting a "contaminant"as defined in subdivision 375-1.2(g) (e.g. construction and demolition debris, abandoned consumer goods or other solid waste present on the site).
(4) In determining eligibility, the Department may:
(i) determine that contiguous properties or parcels, or only a portion of any proposed site, meets the statutory definition of "brownfield site," and may approve contiguous properties or parcels or only a portion of a site for participation in the brownfield cleanup program;
(ii) request performance of a subsurface investigation (commonly referred to as a Phase II) in accordance with current applicable industry standards and guidance if the Department is unable to determine whether the site is a "brownfield site" based upon the information contained in the application.
(b) Ineligible sites. Any real property, which is:
(2) Listed on the national priorities list established under the authority of 42 USC. section 9605;
(5) Subject to any other on-going State or federal environmental enforcement action related to contamination at or emanating from the site.
(c) Ineligible parties. A person is ineligible for participation in the brownfield cleanup program if subject to:
§375-3.4 Applications.
(i) newspaper notice of the application and any associated work plans or reports submitted with the application, as set forth in subdivision 375-3.2(f); and
(ii) place a notice in the environmental notice bulletin of the complete application
(c) Application approval. The Department shall use all best efforts to expeditiously notify the requestor if the application is accepted or rejected.
(1) For an application, or an application which includes a remedial investigation work plan. The Department will use all best efforts to reply within 45 days after receipt of an application, or 5 days after the close of the public comment period, whichever is later.
(2) For an application which includes a final investigation report or a draft remedial work plan. The Department will use all best efforts to reply within 60 days after receipt of an application, or 5 days after the close of the public comment period, whichever is later.
(d) Public interest consideration. The Department may reject a request to participate in the brownfield cleanup program, even if the real property meets the definition of "brownfield site," upon a determination that the public interest would not be served by granting such request. In making this determination, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the criteria set forth in ECL 27-1407(9).
§375-3.5 Brownfield Site Cleanup Agreements.
(a) In addition to such further terms and conditions as the Department may require in the brownfield site cleanup agreement, the brownfield site cleanup agreement shall include the description of the site boundaries and be deemed to include, and the applicant shall comply with, all of the provisions set forth in subdivision 375-1.5(b) and the following:
(b) Termination of the agreement by the applicant. The applicant may terminate a brownfield site cleanup agreement at any time and for any reason, provided that:
(c) Termination of the agreement by the Department. The Department may terminate the brownfield site cleanup agreement for cause, including, but not limited to, if the applicant fails to substantially comply with the agreement's terms and conditions, including, without limitation, the failure to initiate, proceed with, or complete the remedial program in accordance with its schedule.
(ii) provide the applicant with a reasonable opportunity of not less than 30 days to correct deficiencies; and
(2) The brownfield site cleanup agreement shall be terminated 31 days after the effective date, as set forth in subdivision 375-1.11(e), of the Department's notice, unless the remedial party:
(ii) cures the deficiency within the 30 day period after the effective date of the notice.
(3) Nothing herein shall preclude the Department from terminating an agreement in less than 30 days notice if the Department determines that information provided or certifications made by the applicant are materially inaccurate or incomplete. Prior to terminating an agreement pursuant to this paragraph, the Department shall give the applicant written notice, indicating the reason for the termination, and an opportunity to demonstrate that such information or certifications were materially accurate and complete.
(d) Termination by either the applicant or the Department does not affect the applicant's obligations to pay State costs and provide indemnification pursuant to subdivision 375-3.5(a)(1) until and including the date of termination.
§375-3.6 Work Plans and Reports.
(a) The provisions set forth in subpart 375-1.6 shall apply to remedial programs implemented under this subpart.
(b) The Department shall use all best efforts to expeditiously approve, modify, or reject a proposed work plan within 45 days from its receipt or within 15 days of the close of the comment period, whichever is later.
(c) The first work plan shall be submitted no later than 30 days after the effective date of the brownfield site cleanup agreement.
§375-3.7 Significant Threat and Registry Determinations.
(2) In evaluating whether the presence of contamination at a site constitutes a significant threat, the Department shall consider the criteria outlined in subdivision 375-2.7(a). In considering the criteria, the Department shall evaluate the threat posed by both hazardous waste and petroleum at the site.
(3) Notice of the Department's determination shall be published by the applicant, as a fact sheet issued to the site contact list in accordance with section 375-3.10. Sites that have been determined by the Department to constitute a significant threat:
(i) may be the subject of a technical assistance grant in accordance with subdivision 375-3.10(c); and
(1) The Department will, upon approval of an application as set forth in subdivision 375-3.4(c), defer its assessment or reassessment of a brownfield site's classification in the Registry in accordance with subdivision 375-2.7(c).
(ii) if it has been determined that hazardous waste disposal constitutes a significant threat, the site will be classified on the Registry as set forth in subdivision 375-2.7(b).
§375-3.8 Remedial Program.
(i) for remedies developed in accordance with paragraph(e)(4) below, with a cleanup level which exceeds the parameters in paragraph (3) above, the remedial party must demonstrate that such level would be protective of public health and the environment. This demonstration must be included in the alternatives analysis developed in accordance with subdivision (f) below; and
(ii) a cleanup level which exceeds the parameters in paragraph (3) above, may be approved by the Department under paragraph(e)(4) below, without requiring the use of institutional or engineering controls to eliminate exposure only upon a site-specific finding by the Commissioner, in consultation with the State commissioner of health, that such level shall be protective of public health and the environment.
(b) Scope of investigation. Remedial investigations and final investigation reports must be completed in accordance with ECL 27-1411(1); ECL 27-1415(2) and this part.
(3) The final remedial investigation report must demonstrate whether conditions at the site meet the applicable unrestricted use soil cleanup objectives set forth in Table 375-6.8(a) without remediation.
(4) Where the applicable unrestricted use soil cleanup objectives set forth in Table 375-6.8(a) will not be achieved, any determination that the requirements of the brownfield cleanup program have been met without the need for remediation must be supported by an alternatives analysis.
(3) The Department will select, or approve, a remedy for a site after consideration of an alternatives analysis, including an evaluation consistent with subdivision 375-1.8(f), presented in, or made part of, a site specific remedial work plan in accordance with ECL section 27-1413(2).
(1) General. The Department may approve a remedial program that utilizes different tracks and soil cleanup objectives for different uses between different areas of a site, provided such areas can be defined and described in the environmental easement and the necessary institutional and engineering controls can be effectively imposed, implemented, operated, monitored and maintained in accordance with the Department approved site management plan.
(2) Cleanup objectives for other media. The exposure to public health and the environment resulting from contamination in all other environmental media shall be evaluated and cleanup objectives to eliminate or mitigate the exposure shall be proposed by the remedial party and any cleanup objectives approved by the Department for other media will be included in the alternatives analysis to ensure that the remedial program meets the requirements of this subdivision and subdivision 375-1.8.
(e) Cleanup tracks. For sites or portions of sites where the Department has determined that remediation is needed to meet the remedial program requirements, each remedial alternative that is developed and evaluated shall, in addition to all other requirements in this section and section 375-1.8(c), conform to the requirements of one of the following cleanup tracks.
(i) the remedial program shall achieve a cleanup level that will allow the site to be used for any purpose without any restrictions on the use of the site as described in subparagraph 375-1.8(g)(1)(i);
(ii) the soil component of the remedial program shall achieve the unrestricted soil cleanup objectives as set forth in Table 375-6.8(a) for all soils above bedrock.
(a) the remedial program includes an active treatment system, either ex-situ or in-situ, which will operate for, or require, no more than 5 years to meet the applicable contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives or remedial goals established for other contaminated media;
(v) the Department may require the Applicant, or the Applicant may request, to develop a soil cleanup objective for a contaminant not included in Table 375-6.8(a) as set forth in section 375-6.9.
(i) the remedial program may provide for the restriction of the use of the site as described in subparagraph 375-1.8(g)(2)(i);
(ii) the soil component of the remedial program shall achieve the lowest of the three applicable contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives for all soils above bedrock, as set forth in sections 375-6.4, 375-6.5 and 375-6.6, except as provided in subparagraph (iii) below;
(iii) the requirement to achieve contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives as set forth in Table 375-6.8(2) for all soils above bedrock shall not apply to soils at a depth greater than 15 feet below ground surface, provided that:
(a) the remedial program includes an active treatment system, either ex-situ or in-situ, which will operate for, or require, no more than 5 years to meet the applicable contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives or remedial goals established;
(vi) the Department may require the remedial party, or the remedial party may request, to develop a soil cleanup objective for a contaminant not included in Table 375-6.8(b) as set forth in section 375-6.9.
(3) Track 3: Restricted use with modified soil cleanup objectives. The remedial program for a site being addressed pursuant to Track 3 shall satisfy the provisions for a Track 2 remedial program; provided, however, the Department may approve the modification of one or more of the contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives set forth in Table 375-6.8(b) based upon site-specific data. Any such modification shall be performed in accordance with section 375-6.9.
(a) use the soil cleanup objectives, as set forth in subpart 375-6;
(b) develop or modify site specific soil cleanup objectives, as set forth at section 375-6.9; or
(1) the top two feet of all exposed surface soils which exceed the site background values for contaminants of concern and are not otherwise covered by the components of the development of the site (e.g. buildings, pavement), shall not exceed the applicable contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives as set forth in subparagraph (2)(ii) above; and
(2) where it is necessary to utilize off-site soil to achieve this requirement, the soil brought to the site will satisfy the requirements of subdivision 375-6.7(d);
(1) the top one foot of all exposed surface soils which exceed the site background values for contaminants of concern and are not otherwise covered by the components of the development of the site (e.g. buildings, pavement), shall not exceed the applicable contaminant-specific soil cleanup objectives as set forth in subparagraph (2)(ii) above; and
(5) All Tracks. For remedial programs under all Tracks, the threat to public health and the environment resulting from contamination in environmental media other than soil shall be evaluated in the development of remedial alternatives and addressed in the alternatives analysis to ensure that the remedial program meets the requirements of ECL 27-1415(1), subdivisions 375-3.8(a) and (f), and section 375-6.7.
(f) Alternatives analysis. An alternatives analysis evaluates each remedial alternative developed for a brownfield site, using the selection factors set forth in subdivision 375-1.8(f).
(i) the Department has selected a remedy for the site in a record of decision under subpart 375-2 or subpart 375-4 prior to the approval of the application for participation;
(ii) the remedy proposed meets the requirements of Track 1; or,
(iii) the Department has approved the use of a presumptive remedy proposed from a Department approved list of presumptive remedies.
(iii) an analysis of each alternative against the remedy selection factors set forth in subdivision 375-1.8(f) followed by a comparison of this evaluation to any other alternatives under consideration;
(iv) an evaluation of the reliability and viability of the long-term implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and enforcement of any proposed institutional or engineering controls set forth in subdivision 375-1.8(h) required by ECL 27-1415(7)(a);
(v) if applicable, an evaluation of feasible remedial alternatives that can achieve groundwater plume stabilization in accordance with subdivision 375-1.8(d);
(i) pursuant to Track 1, shall develop and evaluate at least one remedial alternative capable of achieving the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) above; or
(a) at least one unrestricted alternative that meets the requirements of Track 1 as set forth in paragraph (e)(1) above, unless a presumptive remedy is selected from a Department approved list;
(d) for sites determined by the Department not to constitute a significant threat, the Department may require a Track 2 evaluation if one has not already been considered pursuant to subparagraph (i) or clauses (ii)(2)-(4) after considering the following factors:
(4) Plume stabilization. In developing remedies for a site where plume stabilization in accordance with subdivision 375-1.8(d) is a necessary component of the remedy where such plume is emanating from an on-site source.
(ii) A volunteer shall address, to the extent feasible, the on-site plume and prevent the further migration of any plume off-site at the site boundary. This requirement includes such actions to maintain and monitor any stabilization of the plume
(1) The Department will issue a decision document describing the remedy for a site, unless it has previously issued a record of decision under subpart 375-2 or subpart 375-4 prior to the approval of an application to this program. The remedial work plan shall implement the decision document or record of decision.
(2) A remedial work plan must be prepared in accordance with ECL 27-1411 and 27-1415 and must provide for the development and implementation of the remedy, selected as set forth in paragraph 375- 3.8(c)(4), for:
(iv) identification of the cleanup track to be used for remediation of the site as described in subdivision (e) above;
(v) identification and evaluation of any and all institutional or engineering controls to be employed as part of the site remedy as required pursuant to subdivision 375-1.8(h), if applicable, and subparagraph (f)(2)(iv) above;
(vi) an alternatives analysis as set forth in subdivision (f) above; and
(1) Institutional and engineering controls can be included as part of a remedial work plan provided there is compliance with subdivision 375-1.8(h) and they are evaluated in the alternatives analysis.
(i) certify that no new information has come to the owner's attention, including groundwater monitoring data from wells located at the site boundary, if any, to indicate that the assumptions made in the qualitative exposure assessment of offsite contamination are no longer valid;
§375-3.9 Certificate of Completion.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions for issuance of a certificate of completion set forth in section 375-1.9, the Department shall not issue a certificate if the applicant is identified as subject to an outstanding claim by the New York environmental protection and spill compensation fund under article 12 of the navigation law for the brownfield site, as set forth at subparagraph 375-3.4(b)(4)(ii).
(b) Liability limitation. Subsequent to the issuance of a certificate of completion, the applicant shall be entitled to the liability limitation protections set forth at ECL 27-1421, subject to the terms and conditions stated therein.
(1) If the Department seeks to exercise its rights reserved pursuant to ECL 27-1421(2), it shall provide notice to the certificate holder, as set forth in subdivision 375-1.9(e).
(2) The certificate holder shall have 30 days after the effective date of the notice within which to cure the deficiency or seek dispute resolution. If the certificate holder or current title owner does not cure the deficiency or seek dispute resolution within such 30-day period, the liability protections shall be deemed modified or vacated 31 days after effective date of the Department=s notice.
(1) If the Department seeks to modify or revoke the certificate of completion, it shall provide notice to the certificate holder as set forth in subdivision 375-1.9(e).
(2) The certificate holder shall have 30 days after the effective date of the notice within which to cure the deficiency or seek a hearing. If the certificate holder or current title owner does not cure the deficiency or seek a hearing within such 30 day period, the liability protections shall be modified or vacated 31 days after the effective date of the Department's notice.
(e) Tax credits. The certificate of completion entitles the applicant to file for brownfield tax credits under articles 21, 22 and 23 of the tax law. Only those costs incurred on or after the effective date of the brownfield site cleanup agreement are eligible for consideration for credits.
§375-3.10 Citizen Participation.
(1) Applicants shall prepare a site-specific citizen participation plan in accordance with ECL 27-1417(2) and section 375-1.10. This plan shall include provision for all notices, fact sheets and comment periods for remedial program milestones required by ECL 27-1417(3) and section 375-1.10. The citizen participation plan must be submitted to the Department for approval. The remedial investigation work plan will not be approved until such time as the citizen participation plan has been approved.
(i) Department approved notices and fact sheets shall be distributed by the applicant to all parties on the brownfield site contact list.
(ii) Within 5 days of mailing such notices and fact sheets the applicant shall provide proof of compliance with the notice requirements on a form approved by the Department.
(v) demonstrate that its membership resides in the community and represents the interests of the community affected by such site. In determining this criterion, the Department may consider any evidence that its members= health, economic well-being or enjoyment of the environment are potentially affected by such site.
(6) A technical assistance grant shall be made by the Department pursuant to a State assistance contract between the Department and the grant recipient as set forth in subdivision 375-2.5(c). The State assistance contract shall contain such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may deem to be appropriate. All such grants are recoverable State costs subject to recovery from responsible parties.
(7) The Department may require a responsible party, as defined in subdivision 375-2.2(i), to provide a technical assistance grant directly to a qualifying community group. Such responsible party shall provide for a grant consistent with the requirements of this section within a time frame directed by the Department.
§375-3.11 Miscellaneous.
(a) Prohibitions. No person to whom a request has been made pursuant to ECL 27-1431 shall fail to comply therewith.
(3) The exemption set forth in this subdivision is in addition to, and not in place of, other exemptions to that apply pursuant to Parts 617 or 618 of this title (e.g. the enforcement exemption).
(2) All State costs incurred pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) above may be recovered from any person responsible according to applicable principles of statutory or common law liability other than the volunteer.
§375-3.12 Reserved.