Division of Spill Prevention and Response Contaminated Sites

The deadline for the 2024/2025 DBAC application has passed.

What are DBACs?

DBACs are services and technical support that DEC provides on a project-specific level.  Depending on the needs of a specific project, DBAC services can include anything from environmental site assessments to cleanup planning to some cleanup activities.  Examples of DBAC services include:

• Phase I/Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
• Hazardous Building Materials Surveys
• Cleanup Planning
• Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives
• Community Engagement and Facilitation
• Asbestos Abatement
• Soil/Groundwater Cleanup

To determine which sites are eligible for DBAC funding and assistance, we look for projects that: have well defined reuse or redevelopment plans for the area to be cleaned up, are seeking other funds to support property reuse goals, and projects that demonstrate community commitment and support.  It is important to know that a DBAC is not a grant, but a service that DEC provides.  Unlike a grant, DEC will conduct and manage the project (for example, hiring an environmental contractor and ensuring regulatory compliance), which saves the applicant administrative costs and resources, and will work with the EPA directly to complete necessary paperwork on behalf of the applicant. The DBAC request period typically opens from mid-November to mid-February. However, DEC recommends individuals submit the DBAC application earlier rather than later in the application period.  DEC is also available to answer questions and provide feedback throughout the application period.

What is a Community-Wide Brownfields Inventory?

The DEC Brownfields Program is offering a new service in 2024-2025 to help communities develop a brownfields inventory based on local stakeholder feedback, interviews, desktop research, and a site visit. The resulting inventory can be used by the community to support decision-making, planning, and project prioritization. The application period is open from August 15, 2024 to November 15, 2024.

Who is eligible for DBAC funding?

Eligible parties can be public, quasi-public or non-profit entities such as municipalities, tribal governments, native corporations and community development organizations interested in redeveloping abandoned or underutilized properties.  For assessment and cleanup planning services, so long as the applying party has a vested interest in getting the site cleaned up and reused, the applicant does not necessarily be the site owner.  However, for cleanup activities, the property owner does need to be the applicant.  This distinction is based on EPA eligibility criteria. In partnership with CCLR, DEC has also developed a DBAC Self-Check Eligibility Tool, which is a series of "Yes/No" questions to help identify any potential eligibility issues before filling out a DBAC application.  After completing the DBAC Self-Check Eligibility Tool, contact DEC or CCLR with any eligibility questions.

What is the process for applying?

Generally, the review and awarding of DBACs will follow the following schedule:

• Application period opens in mid-August.  DEC available to answer questions from potential applicants.
• DEC reviews, scores, and ranks applications in November/December.
• Applicants are notified of ranking by DEC in March/April and whether the project is expected to be awarded, pending notification of funding availability from EPA. DEC will begin drafting the project's scope of work in consultation with the applicant.
• In most years, EPA will notify DEC of available funding to use towards providing DBAC services in April or May. Shortly after, DEC will schedule kick-off meetings with communities receiving DBACs and will develop a scope of work for each project. 
• Field work will be performed over the Summer and early Fall
• Reports are developed, finalized, and submitted to DEC over the Fall and Winter months.
• DEC will convene a wrap-up meeting with each community after the report is finalized.

How are applications evaluated?

The number of sites that receive DBAC approval and funding will vary dependent on each fiscal year and the types of services requested.  Further, DBAC applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Project Needs – It is clear what the project needs and requirements are from the information provided. Our efforts will be able to provide a product that will allow the applicant to leverage further funding for site reuse.
• Reuse Plan – A clear vision for how the site will be reused should be described.  The reuse plan will allow the use or reuse of existing infrastructure; or create, preserve or add to a park, greenway, recreational or cultural property. The reuse plan should outline economic or public benefits.
• Viability of Reuse Plan - Plans for overall project success are well thought out and documented. Funding to continue work at this site has been procured or is being sought. The applicant has the resources and/or plan to ensure the project is successful.
• Project Costs – An estimate of potential project costs is preferred, but not required.  However, the scope of the requested work is within our funding capacity.
• Community Support and Benefit – The community has been included in the proposal and support is documented through letters of support. The project would result in a measurable community benefit through identification and possible reduction of threats to human health and the environment as well as an increase in jobs, preservation of a resource, or construction/revitalization of a community facility or structure.
• Bonus points will be awarded for the following:
  • Green building or habitat preservation
  • Historical or cultural significance
  • Use of alternative energy

Can I get help with my application?

Yes! If you have questions regarding brownfields or the DBAC application, please contact our DEC Brownfields staff. We are happy to talk with you—we want to help you submit a successful DBAC application!

• Julie Fix, Environmental Program Specialist
• julie.fix@alaska.gov
• 907-465-5207

How can I submit an application?

A completed application must be received via email at dec.brownfields@alaska.gov on or before the application deadline. Email submittal is preferred.

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
• Contaminated Sites Program
• Juneau, AK 99811-1800
• Phone: 907-465-5250
• Fax: 907-465-5245
• Attention: Julie Fix