County staff recommend Terracon for $500,000 EPA Brownfields grant consulting work

County planning and grant staff recommended that the full board approve Terracon as the environmental consultant for the $500,000 U.S. EPA Brownfields grant at the March 12 committee meeting.

Becky Tobin and Erin Marshall explained the RFQ (not solely price-based) had five bidders, with Terracon receiving the highest grading under the selection metrics. The scope presented to the committee includes Phase I and II environmental site assessments for two primary properties (the former St. Joe’s Hospital site and a Garden Prairie parcel), ten additional Phase I evaluations around the county, five Phase II evaluations, three analyses of brownfield cleanup alternatives, and creation of a brownfield revitalization plan. The consultant will also organize community input sessions focused on equitable development outcomes.

Staff noted that if testing finds contamination requiring remediation, the county would pursue additional funding rounds to perform cleanup work; Phase I/II work itself does not include remediation. The committee did not take a final contract award vote at the meeting but was told staff will recommend Terracon to the county board for approval next week.