Brownfield Assessment Coalition Program
The City of Pinole is a proud member of the Contra Costa County Brownfield Assessment Coalition. Through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Coalition provides free environmental assessments for eligible properties. Contra Costa County serves as the lead agency and administers the program on behalf of the Coalition.
What is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is a property where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.
Brownfield sites include residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties:
- Improves and protects the environment.
- Increases local tax bases.
- Facilitates job growth.
- Makes use of existing infrastructure.
- Takes development pressures off green spaces and working lands.
How the Program Works
The Contra Costa County Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant Program provides FREE Environmental Assessments for qualified properties. Specifically, the program will:
- Identify and establish an inventory of potential brownfield sites.
- Provide FREE environmental assessments for qualified sites.
- If funding is available, Clean-up Plans will be drafted for assessed sites.
- Identify potential cleanup funding for site with Clean-up Plan.
- Provide ongoing education and engagement about Brownfields and the assessment process.
The Contra Costa County Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant Program is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Coalition includes the County, the Cities of Antioch, Martinez, and Pinole, and Sustainable Contra Costa.
What is an Environmental Assessment?
An environmental assessment helps a community understand environmental conditions on the property and whether those conditions could be harmful to residents and workers. Read more about the process in the Environmental Protection Agency Assessment Brownfield Sites Brochure
Benefits of an Environmental Assessment for Pinole Property Owners
- Protects from Environmental Liability
- Supports informed decision making
- Opens access to funding and incentives
- Enhances site marketability
- Ensures regulatory compliance
Environmental Site Assessment Grant Process
- Submit Site Nomination Online
- Application will be reviewed by staff
- Staff will coordinate with property owner to allow environmental professionals onto site
- Conduct Phase 1 assessment
- Additional studies, including Phase 2 Assessment, Clean Up Plan, or Funding Plan may occur based upon findings, consultant recommendation, and funding availability.
Submit a Site Nomination
Property owners interested in free environmental assessment services may submit a nomination through the County’s online portal:
Learn More
For full details, program materials, and contact information, visit the Contra Costa County Brownfield Assessment Coalition webpage:
Questions About Sites in Pinole?
Property in Pinole is eligible for this FREE program. General local inquiries may be directed to the City of Pinole Community Development Department.
For program-specific questions, please contact Contra Costa County Economic Development, which administers the grant.