Brownfields

In past years the Brownfields program included Job Training and a Revolving Loan Fund. Currently the city's fund is allocated and there is no available funding.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to read success stories.

Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment. For more information on Brownfields, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website. www.epa.gov/brownfields/about.htm

Job Training

The goals of the Job Training Program were to prepare trainees for future employment in the environmental field and facilitate cleanup of brownfield sites contaminated with hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and petroleum. The city's program has partnered with Forsyth Tech and they are continuing the program in this specific trade.

Revolving Loan Fund

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund provides loans to clean up brownfields. For more information, contact the Development Office at (336) 747-7474.

Brownfields Eligibility Criteria

1. A contaminated or potentially contaminated site targeted for redevelopment but in need of environmental assessment and, if necessary, cleanup.
   
2. A site where there is release, or threat of release, of a toxic or hazardous substance (as defined by the EPA), or, a site where there is a reason to believe that a release has occurred or is about to occur (e.g. based on past historical uses).
   
3. A site that is NOT listed (or proposed to be listed) on the Superfund National Priorities List or currently undergoing cleanup under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).
   
4. A site that is NOT contaminated by petroleum products, unless the petroleum products are believed to be mixed with a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant (e.g., used oil).
   
5. A site that does NOT solely address or plan for the cleanup of products that are part of the structure of residential buildings or business or community structures (e.g., interior lead-based paint or asbestos which results in indoor exposure).
   
6. A site where the person or business applying for support from the Winston-Salem Brownfields program has not caused the contamination.  

Success Stories

Current Project - Piedmont Triad Research Park, Asbestos/Tank Removal

Reinvestment requires vision. Where many saw abandoned buildings Reynolds/American saw an opportunity to renew community pride along Patterson Avenue.  Reynolds has partnered with the Piedmont Triad Research Park (PTRP) to revitalize this area of the city. Instead of leveling old buildings Reynolds has given a number of buildings to PTRP and they have developed a master plan to utilize these buildings and other property to build a research park that will one day employ up to 20,000 workers. One of the first steps is taking place right now along Patterson Avenue. PTRP has utilized the city's Brownfields Loan Fund to abate asbestos and tanks in the old Power House property on Patterson Avenue.  When completed, the property will house both retail and green space. This project is a constant reminder of community renewal and how cooperation between public/private partners can sustain continued growth and vitality in this important neighborhood.