FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 15, 2004)- A regulation expected to revitalize and promote development in Kentucky’s cities and counties was filed today by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC). The regulation, filed with the Legislative Research Commission, provide a framework under the Voluntary Environmental Remediation Program (VERP) for cleanup of contaminated sites and redevelopment of abandoned, underdeveloped and underused properties commonly referred to as brownfields.

"As Governor, I said I will do all I can to promote the revitalization of brownfield sites throughout the Commonwealth. As with Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, brownfield sites have the potential to be transformed into flourishing economic machines that pour money back into the community and create hundreds of jobs," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "I know that Secretary Wilcher will do an outstanding job working on this important issue with me throughout the coming years."

"The cabinet will implement this regulation as soon as the legislative review process has been completed," EPPC Secretary LaJuana S. Wilcher said. "Every city or county in the state has properties that, once cleaned up, could lead to new business and industrial development and the creation of new jobs."

The regulation should encourage redevelopment and cleanup of properties that are contaminated, or perceived to be contaminated, by providing standards for remediation and goals for cleanup. The regulation was developed in consultation with many individuals and groups including: the Kentucky League of Cities, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Kentucky, Kentucky Resources Council, Greater Louisville Inc., Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, Louisville Metro Government, and the engineering, banking and consulting community.

"Perhaps what is most noteworthy about this regulation is that it resulted from a collaborative effort among all interested parties," said Andy Meko, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Kentucky . "Although no one group got everything it desired, this regulation will serve as a major stepping stone toward certainty and reason in the remediation process and the redevelopment of brownfields."

"The regulation is the product of many months of effort on the part of industrial interests, municipal interests and environmental advocates," said Tom FitzGerald, of the Kentucky Resources Council. "This offers a process that will help facilitate the redevelopment of brownfields and the remediation of abandoned, contaminated properties with a responsible set of standards that are protective of human health and the environment."

The newly introduced regulation allows for using risk assessment and risk management in the cleanup of Kentucky’s brownfields. It also establishes a process to enter into the program and sets performance requirements for characterization and cleanup of sites. In addition, the regulation helps create an endpoint to achieve closure status.

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