Last Updated: October 17, 2023

Round 2 of Equitable Community Revitalization Grant
Receives Nearly 50 Applications!

Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce that the application period for Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) closed with about fifty applications from tribes, nonprofits, municipalities and government agencies requesting over $90,000,000 in funding for assessments, investigations and cleanups. Decision announcements are expected in Winter 2024.

Last Updated: October 13, 2023

Office of Brownfields Supporting USEPA Brownfield Grants: Request Letters of Acknowledgement for U.S. EPA Brownfields (MARC) Grant by October 27th

The Office of Brownfields is pleased to support Californian communities who are seeking USEPA funding for brownfield Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) grants. Applications for this funding is due by November 13, 2023. If you would like to request a Letter of Acknowledgement from DTSC for your application, send us a request by October 27th.

Last updated: October 9, 2023

ECRG Deadline Extended to October 11^th, 11:59 pm PT

In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day, the ECRG Round 2 Application deadline will be extended to Wednesday, October 11th at 11:59 p.m. PT. Although the deadline has been extended, we highly recommend that you submit as soon as your application is complete.

ATTENTION ECRG APPLICANTS!!!
ECRG Application Material Update

The Office of Brownfields has developed helpful resources to help you apply. Navigate to the New Applicant Resources page (no longer available, effective October 2024) to get started. The following documents have had updates since their release on August 14, 2023:

• Round 2 ECRGuidelines – Updated August 28, 2023
• Round 2 Fluxx User Guide – Added to the New Applicant Resources Page September 12, 2023
• Round 2 Eligibility Self-Check Tool – Updated September 13, 2023
• FAQs (webpage no longer available, effective October 2024) – new questions and answers added October 5, 2023

To guarantee you have the most up to date documents, we highly recommend you clear your cache before downloading any document.

We EnCouRaGe you to apply by Monday October 9, 2023. Wednesday October 11th 11:59pm PT

Last updated: September 11, 2023

Deadline to Apply for Oversight Quickly Approaching
EXTENDED FOR DTSC OVERSIGHT!

Environmental regulatory oversight is a requirement for Site-specific Investigations and Site-specific Cleanup grants. Oversight can be provided by DTSC, a Regional Water Quality Control Board, or a Local Oversight Agency.

If the site is not currently under environmental regulatory oversight, you may also apply for oversight with DTSC or a Regional Water Quality Control Board by submitting a Request for Lead Agency Oversight Application in Fluxx.

Upcoming Oversight Deadlines:

• September 11th September 22nd Deadline to apply with DTSC for Oversight
• For Regional Water Quality Control Board Oversight, contact the agency directly to assess their availability now that the September 11th deadline has passed.
• For Local Oversight Agency applications, contact the agency directly to determine their process.

Last updated: August 22, 2023

Listening and Learning: How ECRGathering and ECRGrowing Feedback Influenced the ECRG Round 2 Approach

In April 2023, the draft version of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Round 2 guidelines was made available for broad review. We held four “ECRGathering” open meetings, solicited dialogue through our ECRGathering form, and convened one-on-one ECRGrowing conversations to learn how this extraordinary funding can be used to transform and uplift the people of California. We are indebted to everyone who took the time to share ideas, issues, and feedback on ECRG. The input we received was used to make enhancements to the draft. A summary of how your feedback influenced our approach for the final version, launched on August 14, 2023, is included in our ECRGathering & ECRGrowing Feedback Report and Call to Action for Round 3.

Your thoughts, ideas, and entreaties remain under consideration as we continue to develop our approach for ECRG Round 3, which is currently the last round for which we have funding. We hope that you will take the time to share the thoughts, ideas, and the aspirations you have for your community. We will keep the ECRGathering form open through the end of October and continue to solicit feedback for ECRG Round 3. 

Last updated: August 14, 2023

ECRG News: Round 2 NOW OPEN!

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) is NOW OPEN and will close on October 9, 2023! An estimated $85 million is available to fund the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of sites in California communities for beneficial reuse.

We highly recommend that all prospective applicants and their teams navigate to the ECRG New Applicant Resources page (no longer available, effective October 2024) and get familiar with all of our resources before starting your application.

Last updated: August 10, 2023

ECRG News: Round 2 Opening Next Week!

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) will open on August 14th, 2023. An estimated $85 million is available to fund the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of sites in California communities for beneficial reuse.

Here are the steps we recommend for our prospective applicants:

Step 1: Use the Eligibility Self Check Tool
Step 2: Read the Round 2 Guidelines and Application Questions when they are released next week
Step 3: View the ECRGenius recorded webinars
Step 4: Make an appointment for application assistance
Step 5: Read the Fluxx guide
Step 6: Start your application on Fluxx
Step 7: Make an appointment for an application pre-submittal review session either virtually or in person at the California Land Recycling Conference
Step 8: Submit your application
Step 9: Respond to the DocuSign email and complete your application
Step 10: Wait for decision email early next year

We highly recommend that all prospective applicants and their teams attend our ECRGenius Webinar 4: FLUXX and Application Walkthrough on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 10:00-11:30 AM. This last and ultimate ECRGenius webinar, will run through the major questions of the ECRG application directly on the Fluxx application portal. Join us for this one-time, step-by-step rundown and get pointers for successful application completion.

Find all the information you will need to apply for the ECRG at the ECRG New Applicant Resources Page (no longer available, effective October 2024).

Last updated: July 20, 2023

California Land Recycling Conference Registration Now Open!

The California Land Recycling Conference (CALRC) will bring together a multidisciplinary audience of land revitalization stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and support for land recycling in California communities.

Hosted by U.S. EPA Region 9, Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) Office of Brownfields, and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), CALRC is the premiere event for professionals working on land cleanup and reuse. In-person attendees will hear about the wide array of funding, resources, and peer learning opportunities that are available to support them on their land recycling journey. If you need to build your community’s capacity for land reuse or want to prepare for the influx of funding that is available to support your goals, CALRC is the event of the year!

Join us on September 26-29, 2023 in Carson, California, as we converge people and partnerships for progress. Register Now!

June 22, 2023

Round 2 Application and Webinar Dates Announced

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) will open on August 14th, 2023. An estimated $85 million will be available to fund the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of sites in California communities for beneficial reuse.  Check our website for updates and review the Eligibility Self-Check Tool  to help determine site eligibility. 

To help you prepare for success, DTSC office of Brownfields and its Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider, the Center for Creative Land Recycling, will host several webinars in July and August designed to provide you with the information you need to apply with confidence. Additionally, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with CCLR to discuss eligibility and any questions you may have about the grant.

ECRG Round 2 Timeline

• Application Opens: Monday August 14, 2023
• Application Closes: Monday October 9, 2023

ECRGenius Webinar Series:

• ECRGenius Webinar 1: Round 2 Overview
  Tuesday, July 25, 2023 10:00-11:00 AM
  Join the Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Brownfields for an introduction to ECRG Round 2. You’ll get a sneak-peek at the new guidelines which are going to be released on August 14 2023. The session will have a particular emphasis on eligibility, application requirements, funding allocations, the ECRG ethos, and how ECRG aims to advance environmental justice goals. Webinar participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and set-up appointments for follow-up. We EnCouRaGe you to get ready to apply.
  
• ECRGenius Webinar 2: Eligibility, Ownership and Access
  Tuesday, August 1, 2023 10:00-11:00 AM
  Join the Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Brownfields for a demystification of the ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool, CERCLA Liability defense, the All Appropriate Inquiry process, and site access requirements and documentation. The session will present real-life scenarios to demonstrate the application of these requirements. Webinar participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and set-up appointments for follow-up. We EnCouRaGe you to get ready to apply.
  
• ECRGenius Webinar 3: Engagement and Reuse
  Tuesday, August 8, 2023 10:00-11:00 AM
  Join the Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Brownfields for a synopsis of the ECRG engagement approach, community benefit commitments, equitable reuse, and contract requirements. The session will convey how vital it is to involve the community in cleanup and reuse for successful and equitable outcomes of ECRG projects. We are pleased to welcome the University of California at Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute as a special guest for this ECRGenius webinar. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and set-up appointments for follow-up. We EnCouRaGe you to get ready to apply.
  
• ECRGenius Webinar 4: FLUXX and Application Walkthrough
  Tuesday, August 15, 2023 10:00-11:30 AM
  For the last and ultimate ECRGenius webinar, the Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Brownfields will run through the major questions of the ECRG application directly on the Fluxx application portal. Join us for this one-time, step-by-step rundown and get pointers for successful application completion. Webinar participants will have the opportunity to ask general questions and set-up appointments for follow-up. We EnCouRaGe you to apply.
  

Your Next Steps:

• View the ECRGathering recordings and slides for more information on Round 2 and how to provide feedback
• Schedule for application assistance
• Visit the ECRG website for the most current program information
• Subscribe to the ECRG newsletter to receive future updates

We EnCouRaGe prospective applicants — local government entities, Tribes, and nonprofits to take advantage of these resources!

May 31, 2023

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Draft Guidelines (ECRGuidelines) Now Available – Provide Feedback by June 9, 2023!

The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC’s) Office of Brownfields is pleased to share the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Draft Guidelines (ECRGuidelines) for your review and feedback.

Feedback from brownfield practitioners, future applicants, and community advocates is particularly vital to us. Our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how we can maximize the benefit that ECRG can provide to your community, and we invite your suggestions.

Use this form to have your feedback considered for ECRG Round 2 by June 9, 2023.

We EnCouRaGe your participation in our process, and look forward to receiving your ideas and thoughts. 

Last updated: April 26, 2023

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Draft Guidelines (ECRGuidelines) Now Available – Provide Feedback!

The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC’s) Office of Brownfields proudly presents the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Draft Guidelines (ECRGuidelines) for your review and feedback. The ECRGuidelines include hyperlinks to the latest version of the Eligibility Self-Check Tool, Project Suitability Letter requirements for sites managed by the Water Boards or a Local Agency, and an early draft version of the ECRG application questions. Your feedback will influence the final guidelines and applications for ECRG Round 2 and Round 3, which are scheduled to be released in August 2023 and summer 2024, respectively.

Please join us at one, or all, of our upcoming gatherings to learn about ECRG. “ECRGatherings” are a forum for us to better understand your concerns and aspirations, and consider how we can reflect them in ECRG. Join us at an ECRGathering to learn more.

• May 2, 2023; 10:00am-12:00 pm: Virtual meeting with a focus on Applicants
• May 9, 2023: 5:30-7:30 pm: Virtual meeting with a focus on Environmental Justice Advocacy groups
• May 11, 2023: 6:00-8:00 pm: In-person meeting at the Fontana Community Senior Center
• May 16, 2023: 6:00-8:00 pm: In-person meeting at the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Fresno

DTSC’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider, the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) is available to support your efforts to access ECRG funding. Sign up for a free assistance session. We are looking forward hearing from you and seeing you at an ECRGathering. Thank you 

Latest Brownfields News

April 11, 2023

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Update

The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC’s) Office of Brownfields wants to hear your thoughts on the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG). We would like to learn how the ECRG assessment, investigation, and cleanup grants can better serve your community. Your feedback will influence our approach for ECRG Round 2 and/or Round 3 guidelines and applications, approximately planned to be released in summer 2023 and summer 2024, respectively.

• May 2, 2023; 10:00am-12:00pm: Virtual meeting with a focus on Applicants
• May 9, 2023: 5:30-7:30pm: Virtual meeting with a focus on Environmental Justice Advocacy groups
• May 11, 2023: 6:00-8:00pm: In-person meeting at the Fontana Community Senior Center
• May 16, 2023: 6:00-8:00pm: In-person meeting at the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Fresno

Visit the ECRGatherings webpage to sign up.

Project Suitability Letter

ECRG requires oversight of environmental investigations and cleanups by a regulatory agency. Regulatory oversight ensures environmental investigations and cleanups comply with federal, state, and local requirements and provides a higher level of certainty that a property is safe for the use or proposed reuse for human and/or ecological receptors. Oversight can be provided by DTSC, a Regional Water Quality Control Board, and certain Local Agencies. If the site is not under regulatory oversight, the applicant can apply for voluntary oversight from DTSC, the Regional Board, or a self-certified Local Oversight Agency. Applicants must submit a Project Suitability Letter completed by the regulatory oversight agency for all non-DTSC lead sites.

Eligibility Self-Check Tool

The Eligibility Self-Check Tool helps applicants determine if they are eligible for the ECRG, and prepares them to submit an ECRG application. The Eligibility Self-Check Tool will also provide direction on the documents needed for the ECRG Application. The information on this form may generally be used as foundation for the ECRG Application when it is released in summer 2023. We highly recommend the use of the Eligibility Self-Check Tool for anyone who is seriously considering applying for this funding.

In addition to the ECRGatherings, we are pleased to announce that:

• The Eligibility Self-Check Tool has been updated. We very highly recommend the use of this tool for applicants to determine whether or not they are eligible for the ECRG
• Projects that are being overseen by the Regional Water Quality Control Board or a Local Agency are required to obtain a Project Suitability Letter from their regulatory project manager
• DTSC’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider, the Center for Creative Land Recycling is available to support your efforts to access ECRG funding. Sign up for a free assistance session.

February 9, 2023

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Update

Over the past few months, DTSC’s Office of Brownfields has been coordinating and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) in an effort to provide the highest and best service to the vulnerable communities that we serve. As we continue to deepen our Environmental Justice lens, we are planning an ECRG feedback period, which will be followed by the release of the Round 2 ECRG application in the summer. Based on our anticipated schedule, we expect to award ECRGrants in late 2023 or early 2024.

Informational ECRGenius webinars will be available once our schedule is established. Subscribe to this ECRG newsletter to receive future updates or check the ECRG website periodically. In the meanwhile, our Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider (B-TAP) is able to provide early support on eligibility (see the Eligibility Self-Check Tool), regulatory oversight requirements and other broad ECRG application planning. Along the topic of eligibility, please note that the USEPA has updated their All Appropriate Inquiries information. To learn more, please visit the ECRG New Applicant Resources website (no longer available, effective October 2024) for a summary and links.

If you are interested in having us host a listening session focused on the ECRG pause, please sign up here. Based on the level of interest, we will be happy to set up a session to ensure the continued transparency of our ECRG process.

February 1, 2023

Updated Due Diligence Requirements from USEPA

On December 15, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its final rule to amend the Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries.  The final rule, effective on February 13, 2023, allows the use of ASTM E1527-21 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” to satisfy requirements for conducting all appropriate inquiries to obtain protection from potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) as an innocent landowner, a contiguous property owner, or a bona fide prospective purchaser.  The rule also clarified that the previous version of the standard, ASTM E1527-13, will no longer be recognized as compliant with AAI requirements after February 13, 2024.

The final rule clarifies, “Any party who wants to claim protection from liability under one of CERCLA’s landowner liability protections may follow the regulatory requirements of the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule at 40 CFR part 312, use the ASTM E1527–13 ‘‘Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments’’ for up to one year after this rule becomes effective, use the ASTM E2247–16 ‘‘Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property,’’ or use the standard recognized in this final rule, the ASTM E1527–21 standard, to comply with the all appropriate inquiries provision of CERCLA.”

Information on Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries, A Rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on 12/15/2022 is available.

December 22, 2022

ECRG Round 2 Update

Over the past few months, DTSC has been working with Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) stakeholders to find creative and innovative approaches to provide the highest and best service to the vulnerable communities that we serve, maximize the success of our selected grants, and expand the positive impact of our funding to environmentally burdened communities. In order to fully evaluate the feedback received, we are going to pause the release of ECRG Round 2. During this time, we will continue to engage with advocates and stakeholders. The date for the ECRG Round 2 application will be provided shortly.

We fully recognize that a significant number of our public entity, nonprofit, and Tribal stakeholders have been planning to apply for ECRG funding based on the publicized January 2023 schedule. We are deeply regretful for the inconvenience this decision may cause, but we believe that taking the time to gain additional insight will better serve our shared goal of creating safer communities throughout California.

If you have general or specific questions, or if you would like to share your thoughts on this decision, please contact ECRGInfo@dtsc.ca.gov. DTSC’s Office of Brownfields will be hosting a listening session in the new year.

Check the ECRG main page for updates.

October 31, 2022

ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool Now Available

To help with early planning, the Office of Brownfields has launched the ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool. The ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool will walk you through eligibility criteria and required documentation. Completing it will increase your chance of success in the Round 2 application for ECRG.

View our ECRGenius webinar on the Eligibility Self-Check Tool. Topics include how to use this tool, anticipated general eligibility, including site owner and non-owner applicants, and documentation needs. Set up a free follow-up appointment for application assistance with DTSC’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider, the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR). We EnCouRaGe you to increase your chances for ECRGreatness.

October 26, 2022

ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool and ECRGenius Webinar

Are you a public entity, Tribe or nonprofit who needs free funding for the assessment, investigation or cleanup of a brownfield? If yes, you should get ready to apply for Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant when it opens in January 2023. To help with early planning, the Office of Brownfields is launching the ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool. The ECRG Eligibility Self-Check Tool will walk you through eligibility criteria and required documentation. Completing it will increase your chance of success in the Round 2 application for ECRG. 

Join us tomorrow at 10 AM for our ECRGenius webinar on the Eligibility Self-Check Tool. Topics will include how to use this tool, anticipated general eligibility, site owner and non-owner applicants, and documentation needs. We will be available for questions after the session, and DTSC’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider, the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) will be ready to set up free follow-up appointments for application assistance to help you. This ECRGenius webinar will provide tangible steps to prepare for your application ahead of time. We EnCouRaGe you to join us and increase your chances for ECRG success.

October 18, 2022

ECRGenius Webinars

DTSC’s Office on Brownfields Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) will be providing approximately $100 million in funding to speed up the cleanup and reuse of idled and contaminated land, with preference given to historically vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. ECRG Round 2 will issue grants ranging from $80,000 to $7 million for environmentally-impacted sites ranging from preliminary environmental assessments to cleanup. Now is the time to determine whether you have a project that is eligible for this transformative funding that will have lasting benefits to your community! We will be hosting a series of free ECRGenius webinars on a vast number of topics that will help you build a better ECRG application – see our ECRG New Applicant page (no longer available, effective October 2024) for PDFs and recordings.

September 20, 2022

Information on ECRG Round 2 Now Available – ECRGenius on September 29th

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce our upcoming ECRGenius webinar providing an overview of Round 2 of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG). Round 2 will offer public entities, non-profits and Tribes the opportunity to apply for funds to conduct community-wide assessments, environmental investigation and environmental cleanups. During the webinar we will share information on our current grantees, the schedule for ECRG Round 2, and how to best prepare to apply for this unprecedented opportunity. Please join us to learn more about ECRG Round 2, how to access free application assistance, and download our Round 2 Guide.

August 17, 2022

NEW: Local Agency Resources Page

AB 304/Health and Safety Code Section 101480, effective since January 1st 2022, requires compliance with specific criteria when Local Agencies enter into remedial action oversight agreements. The requirements include annually reporting their staffing expertise to DTSC and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and providing notification of cleanup completion. To date, DTSC and the Water Board have received self-certification packages for more than ten local agencies. We are pleased to announce that the DTSC Office of Brownfields has launched its Local Agency Resources page. This page is intended as a resource hub for Local Agencies. This page will also provide proponents and practitioners a list of “certified” Local Agencies that are in compliance with AB 304 requirements and are authorized to provide oversight for environmental investigations and cleanup.

Dr. William’s Keynote Address Transcript

Last updated: June 22, 2022

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG)
Application Decisions Out Now!

DTSC’s Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce the approval of over $70 million in funding in the first year of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program. ECRG is a catalyst for California’s historically vulnerable and disadvantaged communities to expedite the cleanup and beneficial reuse of contaminated properties. We are excited to support the dynamic reuse of underutilized properties that for too long have burdened communities with unaddressed environmental impacts. However, we recognize that our work is just beginning and there is much more ahead as we seek to sow the seeds of revitalization throughout California.

DTSC, with the support of our Brownfields Technical Assistance Provider, the nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), is actively promoting the ECRG across California through a variety of outreach methods, including our goal of meeting 100 Communities in 300 Days. Our objective for subsequent rounds is to expand our focus on communities with heavy environmental burdens as determined by high Cal EnviroScreen scores. This will include those in dense urban centers as well as areas like the Central Valley, Inland Empire and rural communities. Recognizing that the inaugural cohort of ECRG grantees drew more heavily from northern and southern California urban centers with active revitalization projects, our particular focus will be to encourage participation from a broader geographic base. DTSC, in collaboration with CCLR, will promote and implement educational “ECRGenius” sessions on brownfield related topics and provide one-on-one technical assistance to support applications for this transformative funding. 

Approximately $200 million in ECRG funding remains available for subsequent grants (subject to change based on legislative approval). The second round is slated to open in the late 2022 or early 2023 timeframe. DTSC is eager to support projects that address historic environmental injustices and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits for the people of California. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the many visionary projects that ECRG funding will support. Please visit the ECRG website for updates.

Last updated: June 10, 2022

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG)
Application Decisions Coming Soon

DTSC’s Office of Brownfields has completed the process of reviewing the first batch of applications. Individual applicants have been notified of the decisions and grant agreements are being finalized. More detailed announcements on the inaugural cohort of ECRG grantees will follow shortly.

We would like to thank every single one of the applicants who participated in this process, as well as all the public entities, nonprofits and the community organizations whose feedback and insights helped us build this program.

June 6, 2022

California Land Recycling Conference (CALRC): DTSC-led Session Highlight

While at the Conference, make sure you don’t miss these informative DTSC-led sessions:

Cleaning Up Without Being Cleaned Out: Navigating Dry-Cleaning Sites Through the Environmental Process
Wednesday, June 22 | 10:15 am –11:00 am

Learn more about California’s nearly 7,500 active or inactive dry-cleaning facilities, many of which have caused significant soil, air, and groundwater contamination. This informative panel discussion will cover the scale of the dry-cleaning challenge, share viable options to fund streamlined investigations and clean-ups, explore technical considerations and unveil pathways to reuse these sites to foster economic growth in underprivileged communities.  

Industry experts Rafat Abbasi, Department of Toxic Substances Control; Attorney Murray M. Sinclair, Murray M. Sinclair & Associates; and Noemi Emeric-Ford, EPA Region 9, leading this dynamic and informative conversation and will be moderated by Peter Scaramella, GSI Environmental Inc.

To see all the sessions that will be held at the conference, see the official CALRC agenda.

March 22, 2022

California Land Recycling Conference Registration Now Open!

The California Land Recycling Conference  will bring together a multidisciplinary audience of land revitalization stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and support for land recycling in California communities.

Hosted by the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), U.S. EPA Region 9, and the CA Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) Office of Brownfields, the California Land Recycling Conference is the premiere event for professionals working on land reuse. In-person attendees will hear about the wide array of funding, resources, and peer learning opportunities that are available to support them on their land reuse journey. If you are looking to build your community’s capacity for land reuse or want to prepare for the influx of funding, CALRC is the event of the year!

Come reuse, rebuild, and revitalize on June 21-23, 2022 in Carson, CA. Register now!

April 28, 2022

ECRG: Final Version of ECRG Agreement Uploaded

The final version of the ECRG Agreement has now been uploaded. No action is required for applicants, other than reviewing the final version of the sample agreement, and ensuring that all the terms and conditions of the agreement will be accepted if the application is approved for funding. Please visit the ECRG website to view specific modifications. 

April 11, 2022

Fantastic Response to ECRG – $100 Million-Plus in Applications!

The first round of applications for the California Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) closed Monday (April 4, 2022), and the response clearly demonstrated the demand statewide for the cleanup and beneficial reuse of idled properties. The applications are being evaluated and awards will be made in early summer. For more information about the first round application statistics and the ECRG program, please visit the ECRG webpage.

April 6, 2022

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Application Period CLOSED

The ECRG application period closed at 11:59 PM PT on Monday April 4, 2022 and we are no longer accepting applications. Thank you to all who have applied to be a part of this historic program. Applications are being reviewed and we expect to have results in a few months. 

March 29, 2022

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG)
Application Closes in 6 Days on Monday April 4th

We do not expect to extend the deadline so don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this historic cleanup program. Apply today! Grants up to $7 million per application are available. If you still have questions, or need help filling out the application, sign up for a one on one session with our Brownfield-Technical Assistance Provider: Center for Creative Land Recycling. (Limited time slots available)

March 15, 2022

Exposure Parameters for Lead Updated

DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office has released LeadSpread-9, an updated version of LeadSpread 8, which can be used for evaluating residential and industrial brownfield scenarios.  The scenarios in LeadSpread 9 include exposure to a residential child, an adult residential exposure, and adult industrial exposure. Both adult scenarios are based on the need to protect the fetus carried by an exposed adult female such that the incremental increase in blood lead of the fetus does not exceed 1 µg/dL (microgram per deciliter). For more information, go to the HERO LeadSpread-9 webpage. If you have questions, please feel free to email LeadSpread9.Questions@dtsc.ca.gov.

March 8, 2022

Local Agency Oversight Update

There is just a little less than one month until the close of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) application period on April 4, 2022. If you need a voluntary regulatory oversight agreement to qualify for your site-specific investigation or cleanup grant, now is the time to submit your application to DTSC, your local Regional Water Quality Control Board, or your local agency. DTSC will continue processing requests for oversight as capacity allows, so submit yours today!

So far, the following counties have submitted their staffing self-certifications to DTSC and their Regional Water Quality Control Board:

• Alameda County Local Oversight Program
• Los Angeles County Fire Department
• Orange County Health Care Agency
• San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality
• San Mateo County Groundwater Protection Program
• Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
• Santa Clara County
• San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Hazardous Materials Section (CUPA)
• Santa Cruz County Environmental Health

DTSC is continuing to work with Local Agencies across the California to ensure compliance with the new requirements passed in Assembly Bill 304.

March 3, 2022

Important Deadline for Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Applicants that need New Oversight Agreements – March 7, 2022

If you are applying for a site-specific investigation or clean-up grant, you will be required to have regulatory oversight. In order to obtain DTSC oversight for your ECRG application, the deadline to submit a request is Monday, March 7, 2022. The Request for Agency Oversight application can be also found in DTSC’s Fluxx Application Portal. Contact DTSC’s Brownfield Coordinator, Gregory Shaffer, at if you have questions regarding DTSC oversight agreements. If you are applying for Water Board or Local Agency oversight, check with your regulator that their agency is compliant with AB 304, and to ensure they can finalize your oversight agreement and budget before before the ECRG application April 4th deadline.

February 16, 2022

Local Agency Oversight – New Compliance Requirements

Assembly Bill 304 (AB 304), which became effective on January 1^st 2022, supplements existing legislation authorizing various parties to enter into agreements with local agencies for oversight of environmental activities under the authority of the Public Health Officer. In order to maintain their authority, AB 304 requires additional criteria from local agencies before and after entering into an agreement for oversight. DTSC and the State Water Resources Control Board have developed a Local Agency Notification Process Quick Reference Guide which details AB 304.

Importantly, local agencies must report their staffing expertise to DTSC and their Regional Water Quality Control Board to continue performing oversight for oversight agreements that are active after January 1, 2022 and prior to entering into new oversight agreements. Sample staffing notifications and site notifications are provided in the Local Agency Notification Process Quick Reference Guide. Local agencies may contact Gregory Shaffer at gregory.shaffer@dtsc.ca.gov to submit their staffing notice or to ask questions regarding AB 304 requirements.

As of February 15, 2022 only Orange County Health Care Agency, San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, and Alameda County Department of Environmental Health are authorized to enter into new oversight agreements. For more information on AB 304, please contact gregory.shaffer@dtsc.ca.gov. Several other local agencies are working with DTSC and the Water Board on their AB 304 compliance packages.

January 31, 2022 (updated February 16, 2022)

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG): Launching Today!

View the first two webinars in our ECRGenius Webinar Series below

The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Office of Brownfields’ ECRG launches today! The ECRG Program will provide grants to incentivize clean up and investment in disadvantaged areas of California and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits, such as recreational uses (parks and other green spaces), commercial enterprises, and housing. Grants up to $7 million per application are available.

View the two-part webinar series on the ECRG to hear about:

• Funding and timeline
• Eligibility
• How to apply using the Fluxx Portal
• Required information
• Eligible expenses
• Scoring
• Free technical support for the application

January 7, 2021

Immediate Assistance Needed to Support Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG): Test the Full Application

To support the initial launch of the Full ECRG application – anticipated for the week of January 31, 2022 – DTSC is requesting assistance with testing the application portal. Testers will get practice using the portal for the ECRG Full Application and support the goals of this historic investment (note: the draft application is available upon request).  Testing will start as early as next week, with a quick turn-around.

To test, just contact ecrg@cclr.org with your name and email. DTSC will then create and provide access to a test application so you can get to work. You will be notified to start. If you have not yet registered for DTSC’s online portal, Fluxx, go here and create a new account.

Testers will complete a Google form providing feedback on the flow and clarity of the questions, degree of difficulty, and issues with the testing process. Please note:

• Testing is open to all ECRG potential applicants.
• Based on input, the final Full Application may have new questions or differently phrased questions than the test application.
• Information input into the online portal (Fluxx) during this test will be wiped from the system at the end of the testing period. However, any information submitted during the pre-qualifying application phase will remain. We recommend you record your test answers in a separate location so that you have them when the application opens.
• Testing volunteers will not have any preference or scoring advantages over those applicants who did not participate.

We appreciate your assistance in launching this unprecedented investment to create healthier, more economically viable and inclusive communities in California.

December 16, 2021

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Optional Pre-Qualifying Application Closed – Moving on to Full Application in January 2022

The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Office of Brownfields is pleased to announce that the optional Pre-Qualifying Application for the new Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) was a tremendous success. Over 80 applications were received with an ask of over $140M.  The information provided by the applicants, and through other community engagement, has been enlightening and educational and is being used to finalize the guidelines and application for the full-application which is planned for release in January 2022. The full-application will be available to all eligible applicants, regardless of whether or not they participated in the optional Pre-Qualifying Application.

December 7, 2021

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) 

Pre-Qualifying Application DEADLINE EXTENDED to 11:59PM (Pacific) Thursday December 9, 2021 (due to Fluxx application portal outage)

California’s new, $200+ million Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program gives communities an unprecedented opportunity to address historic environmental injustices and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits. Public agencies, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in California are eligible to apply for this new funding. Don’t miss out on this historic opportunity!

The Pre-Qualifying Application Round will close on Thursday December 9, 2021 at 11:59PM (Pacific).

Pre-Qualifying Application^NEW!

December 3, 2021

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) 

4 Days left to submit Pre-Qualifying Applications!

California’s new, $200+ million Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program gives communities an unprecedented opportunity to address historic environmental injustices and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits. Public agencies, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in California are eligible to apply for this new funding. 

The Pre-Qualifying Application Round will close on December 7, 2021. Pre-Qualifying Application^NEW!

November 10, 2021

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Now Accepting Pre-Qualifying Applications!

California’s new, $200+ million Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program gives communities an unprecedented opportunity to address historic environmental injustices and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits. Public agencies, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in California are eligible to apply for this new funding. 

The Pre-Qualifying Application Round will close on December 7, 2021. Pre-Qualifying Application Here^NEW!

October 26, 2021

New! CA Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Opening Monday, November 1st!

California’s new, $200+ million Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program gives communities an unprecedented opportunity to address historic environmental injustices and set a new path for land use that will have immediate and lasting benefits. Public agencies, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in California are eligible to apply for this new funding. 

The Pre-Qualifying Application Round opens November 1st and will close on December 7, 2021.

Pre-Qualifying Application Here^NEW!

Watch for the initial launch of the Full Application in early January, which will be open for about 8 weeks. Both the Pre-Qualifying Application and the Full Application are open to all and we encourage you to learn about the program and apply! DTSC has a dedicated project team that is committed to the success of the ECRG program and its participants, because success means cleaner, healthier California communities.

The ECRG program:

• Has a streamlined application process.
• Makes grants for eligible expenses up to $7 million.
• Does not necessarily require property ownership to participate.
• Focuses in environmental justice areas.
• Supports applicants with free technical assistance and other expert guidance.

September 30, 2021

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) – Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider Ready to EnCouRaGe Cleanup

Given our focus on California’s most vulnerable communities, DTSC recognizes that the soon-to-be available ECRG funding is only one of the many tools needed to transition a brownfield from cleanup to buildup. In an effort to provide broad support to our applicants, the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) has been selected as DTSC’s Brownfield Technical Assistance Provider (B-TAP). In this role, CCLR will work with public agencies, nonprofits, and tribes interested in learning about the grant program in the following ways:

• Free webinars covering qualifying criteria, the application process, and scoring
• Application assistance through one-on-one calls and in-person and virtual meetings
• Support for site reuse planning
• Referral to other grant, loan and technical assistance programs

CCLR is the only national nonprofit solely focused on the beneficial reuse of environmentally-impacted and underutilized properties. Based in California, and with 23 years of experience in brownfield and infill redevelopment, CCLR also serves as U.S. EPA’s Technical Assistance to Brownfield communities provider for EPA Region 9, including California. CCLR has trained thousands of land reuse practitioners and brought millions of dollars of funding into communities across the state and is looking forward to expanding support for vulnerable communities through this historic program.

There are many upcoming opportunities to learn more about the ECRG program! To hear about webinars, application deadlines, and important resources, sign up for the:

ECRG Mailing List

APPLY HERE (coming soon)

For questions on the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, please contact ECRG@cclr.org 

September 10, 2021

August 3, 2021

Proposal for Vulnerable Communities – Funding Approved

Senate Bill 158 was recently signed into law, which appropriates $500 million for DTSC to investigate and clean up more contaminated properties and revitalize environmental justice communities. Specifically, Senate Bill 158 provides the funds DTSC needs to address brownfields and contamination in vulnerable communities to recycle land and make it available for productive reuse.

More than 100 years of industrial development in California has left a legacy of contamination that needs to be cleaned up. A history of discriminatory siting of polluting facilities means communities of color are especially at risk from contamination caused by industrial facilities. Nearly 50 percent of the sites that DTSC currently works on are located in environmental justice communities, defined as communities in the highest 25 percent CalEnviroScreen score areas. The $500 million appropriation will provide not only important public health and environmental benefits, but also community revitalization and economic growth. Cleaning up property is the first step towards putting land back into productive reuse for communities.

A 2007 Center for Creative Land Recycling study indicates that California has approximately 150,000 to 200,000 brownfields—properties where the presence of, or potential presence of, hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants may complicate expansion, redevelopment, or reuse. In addition, DTSC prepared a policy analysis report that estimates that there are approximately 7,500 operational or former dry-cleaning facilities in California. The policy analysis report estimates 3 million people statewide could be exposed to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) vapors off gassing from soil and groundwater contaminated by these dry-cleaning facilities. Dry-cleaning contamination can affect people living in communities burdened by disproportionate shares of environmental pollution, while also facing socioeconomic and health challenges. 

Absent a well-funded enforcement program, several decades of stagnant funding left DTSC without resources to take vital actions to enforce regulations, and advance environmental justice for disadvantaged communities that host these brownfields and dry-cleaning sites. To aid these communities and address properties that need investigation, assessment, and cleanup, DTSC is proposing to use the $500 million for:

• The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Program (ECRG) to provide grants to investigate and clean up brownfields;
• The Discovery and Enforcement Program to investigate and clean up properties in environmental justice communities; and,
• A Workforce Development and Job Training Program to engage residents in cleaning up and revitalizing their communities by providing training that promotes hiring community members on cleanups.

Additional initiatives to support environmental justice communities with this funding are currently in development.

Equitable Community Revitalization Grant – Prequalification Process and Application Coming Soon!

DTSC’s Office of Brownfields Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) will provide about $200+ million in grants through a competitive process for:

1. Community-wide assessments
2. Environmental investigations
3. Environmental cleanups

ECRG general information:

• Eligible applicants include municipalities, public agencies or units of government, nonprofit entities, and tribes
• Eligible entities may apply for grants for properties they own or control, which are in high poverty areas with the highest pollution burdens (CalEnviroScreen score of 75%+) and are slated for reuse
• Eligible sites meet the definition of a brownfield – properties where the presence of, or potential presence of, hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants may complicate expansion, redevelopment, or reuse
• DTSC will also accept applications outside of the CalEnviroScreen score of 75%+ areas if the proposed reuse provides significant community benefit
• ECRG provides funds by reimbursing the grantee invoices that document the grantees allowable and approved costs

DTSC is developing the application, guidelines, and ECRG process. The next steps are as follows:

• Several information and public engagement sessions will be scheduled – check back here for schedules and updates
• A pre-qualification application round will begin around August/September
• DTSC will conduct an initial launch of the ECRG application around October, with the application period open between 6 and 8 weeks
• DTSC will announce initial launch awarded applications around late December 2021 or January 2022
• DTSC will use information from the public, the pre-qualification and the initial launch to enhance our ability to help communities 
• DTSC plans to launch the full ECRG application in Spring 2022
• Future application periods for the ECRG will be scheduled after Spring 2022. Check back on this page for updates.

DTSC held listening sessions in late April. To access the presentations for these sessions, please check our DTSC listening sessions page.

For questions on the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, please contact ECRGinfo@dtsc.ca.gov.

 May 18, 2021

Presentations Available: DTSC Listening Session on the Governor’s Clean-Up Proposal for Vulnerable Communities

The California budget has proposed a $300 million allocation for DTSC to accelerate progress toward the cleanup of contaminated properties and the revitalization of environmental justice communities.  If approved, DTSC is proposing to use the $300 million for:

• The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant to provide grants for investigations and cleanups of brownfields;
• The Cleaning-up Vulnerable Communities Initiative for DTSC to conduct cleanups and investigations of properties; and,
• A Workforce Development and Job Training Program to engage residents in the cleanup and revitalization of their communities by providing training that promotes the hiring of community members on cleanups.

DTSC activities under the proposed $300 million are focused on funding work in disadvantaged communities with significant housing needs, to protect public health and provide opportunities for community revitalization.

Listening sessions were held in late April. To access the presentations for these sessions, please check our DTSC listening sessions page.

For questions on the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, please contact Maryam.Tasnif-Abbasi@dtsc.ca.gov.

For the Latest Brownfield News Archives, click the Archived Brownfields News box below.

April 15, 2021

DTSC Listening Session on the Governor’s Clean-Up Proposal for Vulnerable Communities

The California budget has proposed a $300 million allocation for DTSC to accelerate progress toward the cleanup of contaminated properties and the revitalization of environmental justice communities.  If approved, DTSC is proposing to use the $300 million for:

• The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant to provide grants for investigations and cleanups of brownfields;
• The Cleaning-up Vulnerable Communities Initiative for DTSC to conduct cleanups and investigations of properties; and,
• A Workforce Development and Job Training Program to engage residents in the cleanup and revitalization of their communities by providing training that promotes the hiring of community members on cleanups.

DTSC activities under the proposed $300 million are focused on funding work in disadvantaged communities with significant housing needs, to protect public health and provide opportunities for community revitalization.

Register for a Listening Session

To participate, register in advance for your preferred session below. Each listening session will include the same brief overview of DTSC’s proposed actions followed by time for questions and consultation with webinar participants.

Tuesday 4/27/2021 – 10AM to 12PM – Local Government, Labor, & Industry Focus

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3vYEUpN

Wednesday 4/28/2021 – 5PM to 7PM – Community & Environmental Justice Focus

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/399v8Yg

Please join us to learn more and share your perspectives with us on how we can partner to make our communities and environment safer. For questions about these listening sessions, please contact: VCI.Questions@dtsc.ca.gov

March 2, 2021

New Interactive DTSC Regional Map!

Have you ever wondered about which DTSC office your next project will end up at? Our new ARCGIS based map takes away all that guess work. Go to our Contact Us page to access the map.

February 22, 2021

Attention Redevelopers: Below-Market Environmental Cleanup Funding Available

Register today for upcoming webinars!

Government, nonprofit, and private developers may qualify for below-market funding for cleanup activities that support redevelopment. Act quickly: DTSC Revolving Loan Fund Program is only accepting applications until March 2021. With $3.3 million to lend, you’ll get the funding over a five-year period for soil, groundwater, and infrastructure investigations; hazardous materials assessments and surveys; site cleanup; hazardous material or waste disposal; engineering and institutional controls; and eligible response costs. Join DTSC and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) at our upcoming webinars to learn about: The Revolving Loan Fund program (RLF), loan terms, site and applicant eligibility, oversight and other benefits.

January 14, 2021

We are currently soliciting INNOVATIVE IDEAS and APPLICATIONS for the TSI+ Program

Since 2004, the TSI Program has provided environmental services to local governments, school districts, and nonprofits to facilitate the return of brownfields to safe and productive uses. DTSC has provided assessment, investigation, and cleanup planning services to over 100 projects, in 68 cities, and 30 counties, throughout the State of California. Take a look at our short video, Using Loose Change for Big Changes for Brownfields in California (link opens new window) for highlights of our TSI work. Building on the success of the TSI Program, DTSC envisions an enhanced TSI+ Program to better facilitate development of brownfields to support disadvantaged California communities. DTSC is looking to align brownfield redevelopment efforts with California’s priorities of “tackling our state’s affordability crisis, creating inclusive economic grown and opportunity for every child, and standing up for California values – from civil rights, to immigration, environmental protection, access to quality schools at all levels, and justice” (see Governor Newsom’s website (link opens new window)). DTSC will explore and experiment with different approaches to focus on brownfields with proposed redevelopment intended to support communities that are disadvantaged, have environmental justice issues, or are disproportionately burdened by and vulnerable to multiple sources of pollution. To learn more, visit our Loans and Grants page. For more detailed discussion and to obtain a copy of the TSI+ application, contact Triss.Chesney@dtsc.ca.gov

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This document is intended to be guidance only and it does not supersede or implement laws or regulations. The information in this advisory is intended solely as guidance and as educational reference material and should not be considered enforceable or regulatory in nature.