Ohio EPA Approves Urban Setting Designation for Coshocton Redevelopment Project

Columbus, OH – June 5, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Ohio EPA has approved an Urban Setting Designation for a piece of property in the city of Coshocton. The Urban Setting Designation (USD) covers approximately 21 acres known as the Downtowner Plaza on South Second Street. The property is a multi-tenant retail shopping plaza.

Documentation submitted to the Agency indicates that the property is being assessed through Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP). Under the VAP, contaminated ground water on the property must be treated if it poses a risk to the community or environment. However, if there is no current or anticipated future use of that ground water (i.e., for drinking, bathing or cooking), a USD may be requested.

The granting of this USD allows the ground water to remain untreated for potable purposes, lowering the cost of cleanup and promoting economic redevelopment while still protecting public health and the environment. A state-certified environmental professional verified to Ohio EPA that the USD requirements were met and existing or future ground water uses had been evaluated.

Ohio EPA’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP) allows someone to voluntarily clean up contaminated property in Ohio without the risk of state civil liability. Under the VAP, a certified professional must review the cleanup to verify that it meets VAP standards before Ohio EPA issues a covenant not to sue, releasing the organization from state civil liability. Ohio EPA has access to cleaned-up properties and documents and audits at least one-fourth of the properties to confirm that cleanup standards are met.

In the 13 years since Ohio EPA issued the first covenant under the VAP, more than 4,350 acres of blighted land have been revitalized at more than 225 sites across the state. For more information on the VAP program and the properties cleaned, visit: www.epa.state.oh.us/derr/volunt/volunt.html.

The Agency solicited public comments before making a final decision on this USD, but no comments were submitted by the November 26, 2008, deadline. The Downtowner Plaza USD application and approval documentation is available for review at Ohio EPA’s Southeast District Office (2195 Front Street, Logan) by first calling (740) 385-8501.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Strouse, (614) 644-2160
CITIZEN CONTACT: Jed Thorp, (614) 644-2160