NYC VCP Details

The New York City Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP),  the first such municipal program in the nation, was established recently by New York City Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) “to ensure that sites with light to moderate levels of contamination” (known as brownfields) “can be cleaned up and redeveloped in a manner that protects public health and the environment.”

The VCP is subject to the same procedures, standards and regulations as the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP). 

In general, OER review process under the VCP is similar to its review of sites with an E-Designation for Hazardous Materials.  As such, VCP sites typically require a Phase I ESA, a Phase II WP, a Phase II Investigation (or Remedial Investigation), a Remedial Investigation (RI) Report, a RAWP, RA and a Remedial Action Report.  The investigative and remedial components of the process must address potential and actual contamination in soil, groundwater and soil vapor.  Sites in the VCP must include Citizen Participation consisting of Document Repositories, Public Notice and Public Comment.

Upon satisfactory completion of the Remedial Action and OER’s approval of the Remedial Action Report, OER issues the volunteer a Notice of Completion.  Upon receipt of the Notice of Completion, volunteer receives from OER liability protection from government enforcement and a New York City Green Property Certification for the site.

Under the VCP, the volunteer may be entitled to incentive grants via the NYC Brownfield Incentive Grant (BIG) Program and additional financial incentives by participating in New York City Clean Soil Bank and receiving 198(a) Federal Tax Incentives* (*subject to Congress renewal).