Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Evans Property Initiative?
The Evans Property Initiative (EPI) is a City of Evans program that helps identify, assess, and redevelop commercial and industrial properties along the U.S. Highway 85 corridor. It particularly focuses on properties where environmental contamination may be present. This can include properties with asbestos containing building materials, lead-based paint, or petroleum impacts, among other issues.
What assistance is available?
Through a U.S. EPA Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant, the City can provide commercial and industrial property owners with FREE:
Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)
Cleanup and redevelopment planning
Market analysis
Conceptual site planning
Strategic guidance
To apply, visit the Apply for Assistance page.
Is there a cost for me to participate?
No, there is no cost for property owners to participate. The City’s grant funds cover the cost of the assistance.
What is the difference between the EPI and state programs?
The EPI focuses specifically on commercial and industrial sites along the US-85 Corridor in Evans.
There are state programs that also support brownfield property assessment and revitalization, including:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) offers technical assistance and cleanup loans for brownfields across the state. The CDPHE Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP) offers tax credits and provides liability relief to property owners who enter the program and complete any necessary cleanup. The program is voluntary and once accepted into the program, there are no penalties or enforcement actions for withdrawing.
The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) focuses on petroleum brownfields, including abandoned gas stations, and offers funding for tank removal and assessment.
Who is eligible for assistance?
Eligible commercial and industrial sites must:
Be impacted by petroleum or hazardous substances
Be underutilized or vacant
Show potential for redevelopment or community benefit
NOT be listed on the EPA National Priorities List or under active state/federal enforcement
What are brownfields?
Brownfields are properties where redevelopment may be complicated by known or suspected environmental contamination. Examples include:
Former gas stations, dry cleaners, or auto repair shops
Vacant lots or old industrial sites
Sites with potential asbestos, petroleum, or lead-based paint contamination
How are brownfields assessed and cleaned up?
Assessment involves reviewing property history and may include testing for contamination. If contamination is found cleanup methods may include:
Excavation
Capping
Treatment
Lead/asbestos abatement
The City’s grant can pay for assessment and cleanup planning, and other resources are available to help eligible property owners with cleanup costs.
How does brownfields redevelopment benefit the community?
Revitalizing brownfields can:
Improve public health
Support climate resilience
Boost property values
Create jobs and stimulate investment
Promote greenspace, affordable housing, and improved infrastructure
How does the Evans Property Initiative benefit property owners & developers?
By entering their property into the program, eligible property owners and developers can:
Clarify site conditions to ease sales, financing, or projects
Help avoid regulatory penalties and cleanup costs
Receive tax incentives for cleanup and reuse
Increase property value and marketability
Improve community safety, health, and economic growth
What are common contaminants found at brownfields?
Asbestos
Lead
Petroleum and hydrocarbons
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)