St. Louis Brownfield Testing Request for Redevelopment
In St. Louis, Missouri, requesting brownfield site testing is a key early step for safe redevelopment of historically used industrial or commercial parcels. This guide explains who to contact, what tests and reports are commonly required, how to request inspections or technical assistance, and the interplay between city building permits, state cleanup oversight, and federal brownfields grants. Follow the sequence below to secure assessments, protect future buyers or lenders, and align with redevelopment incentives while meeting inspection and permit requirements.
Who is responsible and when to request testing
The City of St. Louis coordinates local permitting and redevelopment assistance while state and federal programs provide technical support and funding for brownfield assessment and cleanup. Contact the city's development or building division early when a site has a history of industrial use, underground storage tanks, or visible contamination. For grant funding and assessment guidance, state and federal brownfields programs offer direct assistance and tools.[1][2]
Typical tests and reports
Redevelopment commonly requires a sequence of environmental assessments and permits before construction or occupancy:
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (records review and site reconnaissance)
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (soil, groundwater, and building material sampling)
- Remedial Action Plan or No Further Action letter if contamination is found
- Permits for demolition, excavation, and building work from the City of St. Louis Building Division
How testing is requested and coordinated
Steps to initiate testing usually include engaging an environmental consultant, notifying relevant city departments, and applying for any available state or federal assessment funds. If you seek EPA or state technical assistance or grants, follow their application timelines and submission instructions.[2][3]
Penalties & Enforcement
Local enforcement, if contamination or improper handling of hazardous materials is discovered, may involve city orders, stop-work notices, or referral to state regulators for required cleanup. Specific monetary fines for failure to report contamination or to obtain required permits are not always listed on municipal brownfield pages and may be governed by state statutes and city code sections referenced by enforcement agencies; where an amount or schedule is not published on the cited page, this guide notes that the exact fine is "not specified on the cited page" and cites the relevant official source.[1][2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges: not specified on the cited page
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, remediation orders, injunctions, and referral to state environmental agencies
- Enforcer: City of St. Louis Building Division or relevant city department for permits; state Department of Natural Resources enforces cleanup requirements
- Inspection and complaint pathways: contact city permit or environmental health offices and the state brownfields contact for reporting
Appeals and review
Appeals of city permit decisions or enforcement orders typically follow administrative review steps in city code or department rules; specific time limits or appeal windows are not specified on the cited brownfields program pages and should be confirmed with the issuing department at the time of notice.[1]
Defences and discretion
Common defences include evidence of acceptable remediation, permits or variances obtained prior to action, or demonstration of due diligence such as completed Phase I/II assessments and compliance plans.
Applications & Forms
The city may require building, demolition, and excavation permits; state or federal brownfield grant or assessment applications are available from each agency. Specific local form names and fees for brownfield-related permits are not consolidated on a single brownfields page and should be requested from the city Building Division or St. Louis development office when initiating work.[1][3]
FAQ
- What is a brownfield?
- A brownfield is a property where the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants complicates redevelopment or reuse.
- Who pays for testing?
- Owners or prospective purchasers usually contract and pay for Phase I/II assessments, though state and federal grants or technical assistance can cover some assessment costs.
- How long does testing take?
- Typical assessment timelines vary from weeks for Phase I to months for Phase II and dependent cleanup actions.
How-To
- Identify the site and collect historical use records to prepare for a Phase I assessment.
- Contact the City of St. Louis development or building office to report the redevelopment plan and ask about local permit interfaces.[1]
- Hire a licensed environmental consultant to complete Phase I and, if indicated, Phase II sampling.
- Apply for state or federal brownfields assessment funding if eligible, following agency application instructions.[2]
- Submit required city permits for demolition, excavation, or building work and attach environmental reports as required by the permit reviewer.
- If enforcement action is proposed, follow the department's appeal process and provide remediation plans or evidence of compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Start environmental assessments before major design or financing commitments.
- Coordinate early with City of St. Louis permitting and with state/federal brownfields contacts.
- Document Phase I/II findings and keep records to reduce future liability.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of St. Louis Building Division
- St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources - Brownfields
- U.S. EPA Brownfields Program