July 26, 2005

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced recently that the Hoff Industries site, a former industrial metal plating and finishing facility in Grand Rapids, will undergo a brownfield cleanup and redevelopment in an effort to return the site to productive use. In addition to improving environmental quality, the $250,000 project will provide jobs for the community, increase the city’s tax base, and boost property values for neighboring residents.

“It is imperative for the state to partner with local communities to redevelop our central cities,” said Governor Granholm. “Projects like these allow us to create a real investment in Michigan’s environmental and economic future.”

The Department of Environmental Quality has already performed a full site assessment to determine the levels of contaminants and what cleanup would be necessary at the site, and has been working closely with local neighborhood associations to discuss the application process and the proposed cleanup. The city of Grand Rapids has been actively marketing the site to potential developers for use once the cleanup is completed.

The two-acre property is adjacent to houses on two sides and within a mile of 12 schools. Potential contaminants at the site include heavy metals, degreasers, solvents, and volatile organic compounds. Illegal dumping also has occurred at the site.

The U.S. EPA approved a $200,000 cleanup grant for this site, and the DEQ is matching these funds with $50,000 from the Clean Michigan Initiative.

“Returning brownfields to productive use is essential to Michigan’s environmental, economic, and land use strategies,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “This project demonstrates our commitment to developing cooperative partnerships with local units of government in order to support reinvestment at contaminated properties and restore the environment for Michigan’s residents.”

This project is part of Governor Granholm’s Jobs Today Initiative announced earlier this year that will put thousands of Michigan residents to work by speeding up state and local construction and infrastructure improvement projects.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 26, 2005 by Pat Watson