Tempe Junction Brownfield Cleanup - City Guidance

Tempe Junction, Arizona faces redevelopment opportunities and liabilities at former industrial and commercial parcels. This guide explains how municipal procedures, permitting, and enforcement intersect with state and federal brownfield programs to support cleanup, liability protection, and redevelopment in Tempe Junction.

Overview of the Brownfield Cleanup Process

Brownfield cleanup in Tempe Junction typically involves initial site assessment, coordination with city planning and environmental staff, application for any required permits, remediation work according to approved plans, and final site closure or certificate of completion where available. For municipal regulatory authority and applicable local code provisions, consult the City of Tempe code and enforcement procedures Tempe Municipal Code^[1]. Federal and state brownfields funding, technical assistance, and guidance are provided by the U.S. EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, which can affect project timing and available remedies EPA Brownfields Program^[2] AZDEQ Brownfields^[3].

Key Steps and Responsibilities

1. Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to identify recognized environmental conditions.
2. If contaminants are suspected, complete a Phase II site investigation and prepare a remediation plan for city review.
3. Apply for any required grading, building, health, or stormwater permits from City of Tempe Development Services.
4. Implement remediation per approved methods; keep records of disposal manifests and analytical results.
5. Request inspection and closure documentation from the enforcing city department or from AZDEQ if state oversight applies.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for illegal disposal, unpermitted remediation, or failure to control contamination is handled by municipal code enforcement and environmental compliance units; state and federal agencies may also take enforcement action depending on contamination and jurisdiction.

• Fines: specific monetary penalties for brownfield-related violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page and depend on the violated ordinance; consult the Tempe code or the enforcing department for exact schedules.^[1]
• Escalation: details on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited municipal code page and may be set by ordinance or administrative order.^[1]
• Non-monetary sanctions: city or state actions can include stop-work orders, abatement orders, seizure of contaminated materials, injunctive relief, permit suspensions, or referral for civil or criminal prosecution; specific remedies depend on the enforcing instrument.
• Enforcer and complaints: primary local enforcement and inspections are through City of Tempe Development Services and Code Enforcement; state oversight or enforcement may be through AZDEQ when state cleanup programs or hazardous waste statutes apply.^[1]
• Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the specific ordinance or permit decision; the cited municipal code does not list a universal timeline and applicants should consult the decision notice or the issuing department for appeal deadlines.^[1]

Applications & Forms

The city requires standard development permits (grading, building, stormwater) and may require a remediation plan submittal to Development Services or a designated environmental review office. Specific brownfield cleanup application forms and fees are not consolidated on a single city page; project applicants should contact City of Tempe Development Services and consult AZDEQ for state program applications and grant opportunities.^[1][3]

Common Violations

• Unauthorized discharge or dumping of regulated waste.
• Failure to obtain required remediation or construction permits.
• Inadequate characterization or recordkeeping of contaminated materials.

Action Steps

• Start with a Phase I ESA and consult City of Tempe Development Services early.
• Apply for required permits and submit remediation plans as directed by the city or AZDEQ.
• If eligible, apply for EPA or AZDEQ brownfield grants to offset cleanup costs.
• Report suspected illegal dumping or contamination to City of Tempe Code Enforcement or AZDEQ complaint lines.

FAQ

Who enforces brownfield cleanup rules in Tempe Junction?

The City of Tempe enforces local ordinances; AZDEQ and EPA may have authority for state or federal enforcement depending on contaminants and program involvement.

Are there city-specific brownfield grants or certificates?

City-specific financial incentives vary; state and federal brownfield grant programs are available through AZDEQ and EPA. Contact the city and AZDEQ for current offerings.

How long does review and approval typically take?

Timelines depend on site complexity, permitting, and whether state or federal oversight applies; there is no single published timeline on the cited city code page.

How-To

1. Engage an environmental consultant to complete a Phase I ESA and, if needed, a Phase II investigation.
2. Consult City of Tempe Development Services to determine required permits and submittal requirements.
3. Apply for applicable state or federal brownfield grants through AZDEQ or EPA if eligible.
4. Implement remediation in accordance with approved plans and keep complete records of disposal manifests, lab results, and inspections.
5. Request final inspection and closure documentation from the enforcing authority.

Key Takeaways

• Coordinate early with City of Tempe and AZDEQ to reduce delays.
• Explore federal and state brownfield funding to offset cleanup costs.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Tempe Development Services
• City of Tempe Code Compliance
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality - Brownfields
• U.S. EPA Brownfields Program

1. [1] Tempe Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
2. [2] U.S. EPA - Brownfields Program
3. [3] Arizona Department of Environmental Quality - Brownfields