December 18, Environmental Management Support, Inc. Attn: Mr. Don West 8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD Phone

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1 December 18, 2015 Environmental Management Support, Inc. Attn: Mr. Don West 8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD Phone RE: USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals Redevelopment Project Dear Mr. West: New Garden Park, Inc. (NGP), a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Worcester, MA, is requesting $200,000 in USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant funding to support the remediation and redevelopment of the former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex at Harding Street in Worcester, MA. NGP is the 501(c)3, non-profit arm of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC). The WBDC, created by an act of the Massachusetts State Legislature, is a business organization with a public purpose mission to serve as an innovative and leading force in the economic development of the City of Worcester and the region. Since its inception in 1965, the WBDC has become a leader in Brownfields remediation and job creation in Central Massachusetts. The WBDC has focused its efforts on the revitalization efforts within the Canal District area of Worcester. The redevelopment of the former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is a critical to these ongoing efforts. The former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex, located in the heart of Worcester s Canal District, was historically occupied by multiple industrial-type businesses, including a powderedmetal fabricator, a polishing cloth manufacturer, a tin shop and a gas station. In 2002, GKN Sinter consolidated its operations elsewhere and closed its Worcester operations. Since this consolidation, the Presmet/GKN Sinter properties have added to the catalog of vacant and/or underutilized former manufacturing sites within the City of Worcester. The USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant funds would leverage upwards of $17 million in additional funds to revitalize this property, helping to activate a key parcel within the Canal District. The remediation and redevelopment of this complex will protect public health, utilize existing infrastructure, and promote smart growth and sustainability within Worcester s Canal District. Thank you for your consideration and for the EPA s tremendous support of Brownfields redevelopment.

2 a. Applicant: New Garden Park, Inc. (NGP, Inc.), 89 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA b. Applicant DUNS: c. (i) Grant Type: Cleanup Grant (ii) Amount Requested: $200,000 (iii) Contamination: Hazardous Substances d. Location: The property is located in Worcester, MA within Worcester County in Central Massachusetts. The property is located within Worcester s Canal District and is accessible from the major interstates 290, 90, 190, 146 and Route 9. e. Property Name & Address: former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex, Harding Street, Worcester, MA f. (i) Project Director: Julie A. Holstrom, Senior Project Manager 89 Shrewsbury Street, Suite 300 Worcester, MA Ph: (508) Fax: (508) holstrom@worcesterbdc.com (ii) CEO: Craig L. Blais, President New Garden Park, Inc. 89 Shrewsbury Street, Suite 300 Worcester, MA Ph: (508) Fax: (508) Blais@worcesterbdc.com g. Date Submitted: December 18, 2015 h. Project Period: The project will not exceed three (3) years, and is expected to be completed by i. (i) City of Worcester Population: 181,045 (2010 U.S. Census) (ii) Census Tract 7317 Population: 2,761 (2010 U.S. Census) Sincerely, Craig L. Blais President

3 III.C. Threshold Criteria for Cleanup Grants 1. Applicant Eligibility a. Eligible Entity New Garden Park, Inc. (NGP) is the 501(c)3, non-profit arm of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC). The WBDC, created by an act of the Massachusetts State Legislature, is a business organization with a public purpose mission to serve as an innovative and leading force in the economic development of the City of Worcester and the region. As the 501(c)3, non-profit arm of the WBDC, NGP s Board of Directors consists of officials from the WBDC, as well as other business leaders and community minded individuals. The WBDC has focused its efforts on the revitalization efforts within the Canal District area of Worcester. The redevelopment of the former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is a critical to these ongoing efforts. Please see Attachment A for 501(c)3 certification. b. Site Ownership As of XXXX, NGP owns the former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metal complex, including Harding Street, 26 Harding Street and 51Winter Street, in Worcester, MA. NGP will maintain sole ownership of the property until cleanup activities funded by the grant are completed. 2. Letter from the State or Tribal Environmental Authority NGP has requested and received correspondence from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) acknowledging NGP s proposed plans to conduct cleanup activities at Harding Street and is aware that NGP is applying for Federal grant funds to conduct these cleanup activities. Please see Attachment B for a copy of this correspondence. 3. Site Eligibility and Property Ownership Eligibility a. Basic Site Information The former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is comprised of seven buildings on 3.4 acres of land within the Canal District area of Worcester, MA Presmet was a local Worcester company that produced auto parts that were then exported to the Midwest. As the automotive industry continued to evolve, Presmet was sold to GKN Sinter Metals, the world s leading producer of precision powdered metal components. In 2002, GKN Sinter Metals consolidated its operations and closed its Worcester location. Sicne the consolidation, the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex has added to the catalog of vacant and/or underutilized former manufacturing sites in the City, contributing to the neighborhood blight and posing significant public health and public safety concerns for the community. In December, 2015, NGP purchased the complex with plans for remediating and redeveloping the former industrial complex. b. Status and History of Contamination at the Site From the 1950s until 2002, the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals property was occupied by multiple industrial-type businesses including a powdered metal fabricator, a polishing cloth manufacturer, a tin shop and a gas station. These tenants used, stored, and

4 generated significant quantities of oil and hazardous materials as part of the manufacturing activities and are considered to be the source(s) of the contamination detected on the property. Investigation of the site has revealed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the groundwater, soil gas, and indoor air of the complex. Based upon the most recent groundwater analytical data, the current VOC concentrations are limited to the wells within the footprint of the building and have not migrated off-site. The complex is currently unoccupied and there are no complete exposure pathways at this time associated with the VOC impacts to the groundwater, soil gas, or indoor air. c. Sites Ineligible for Funding The site is not listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List, nor is it subject to unilateral administrative orders, court orders, administrative orders on consent, or judicial consent decrees issued to or entered into by parties under CERCLA. The property is not subject to the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the United States government. d. Sites Requiring a Property-Specific Determination The property is not subject to any of the factors requiring a property-specific determination in order to be eligible for funding. e. Environmental Assessment Required for Cleanup Proposals A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigation Report was issued on May 26, 2015 by The Vertex Companies, Inc. The report was prepared in accordance with the general provisions of the E American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) document entitled Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for commercial real estate, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s (USEPA) All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Final Rule of November 1, 2005, as amended December 30, f. CERCLA Section 107 Liability NGP, Inc. is not potentially liable for the contamination at the site under CERCLA 107. NGP is purchasing the property from GKN Sinter Metals of Germantown, Wisconsin and is protected under the bona fide prospective purchaser provision. g. Enforcement or Other Actions The property is not subject to any environmental enforcement or other actions in order to be eligible for funding. h. Information on Liability and Defenses/Protections i. Information on Property Acquisition NGP acquired the property through a negotiated purchase from a private entity, known as GKN Sinter Metals, on December, NGP will have sole ownership of the site through a fee simple purchase. There is no

5 member of the WBDC or NGP that has any familial, contractual, corporate or financial relationship or affiliations with GKN Sinter Metals. ii. Timing and/or Contribution Toward Hazardous Substances Disposal All disposal of hazardous substances at the site occurred prior to NGP acquiring the property. NGP affirms that it has not caused or contributed to any release of hazardous substances at the site. Furthermore, NGP has not, at any time, arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at the site or transported hazardous substances to the site. iii. Pre-Purchase Inquiry NGP contracted with the Vertex Companies, Inc., who provided a Licensed Site Professional (licensed by the Commonwealth of MA to perform such work), to conduct an ASTM Phase I and Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigation of the property. These reports were completed in May, 2015 and the Phase I was updated in December, In addition to the aforementioned, past assessments include: Date Report Title Author Prepared For Immediate Response Acton (IRA) Plan GZA Presmet Corp IRA Status Report GZA GKN Sinter Metals Phase I Initial Site Investigation GZA GKN Sinter Metals Amended IRA Plan GZA GKN Sinter Metals Amended IRA Plan GZA GKN Sinter Metals IRA Status Report GZA GKN Sinter Metals Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment GZA GKN Sinter Metals Phase III Remedial Action Plan Study GZA GKN Sinter Metals Phase IV Remedial Implementation Plan GZA GKN Sinter Metals Remedy Operation Status (ROS) GZA GKN Sinter Metals IRA Completion Report GZA GKN Sinter Metals Final Inspection/Phase IV GZA GKN Sinter Metals Completion Report

6 Monitoring Report Round 1 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 2 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 3 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 4 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 5 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 6 GZA GKN Sinter Metals Monitoring Report Round 7 GZA GKN Sinter Metals ROS Submittal AMEC GKN Sinter Metals ROS Submittal AMEC GKN Sinter Metals Phase V Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Notice of Responsibility MassDEP GKN Sinter Metals Phase V Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Phase V Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Phase V Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Termination of ROS Support Letter Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Tier II Extension Support Letter Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Revised Phase III & Phase IV Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Modification Revised Phase III & Phase IV Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Modification Phase IV & Phase V Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Class C-2 Response Action Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Outcome (RAO) Statement Class C-2 RAO Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals

7 Polychlorinated Biphenyls Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals (PCB) Surveyed Levels Class C-2 RAO Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Building Wide Asbestos & Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Hazardous Materials Evaluation PCB Analytical Data Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Class C-2 RAO Statement Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Status Report Class C-2 RAO Statement Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Status Report Class C-2 RAO Statement Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Status Report Temporary Solution Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Temporary Solution Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals Temporary Solution Status Report Tighe & Bond GKN Sinter Metals iv. Post-Acquisition Uses Upon NGP purchasing the property, the entire complex remains vacant. NGP has taken the proper precautions of securing the site to deter trespassing. The property is expected to remain vacant until remediation and demolition of the properties is underway. v. Continuing Obligations i. Property Ownership Eligibility Petroleum Sites Not Applicable 4. Cleanup Authority and Oversight Structure a. The WBDC employs a full time Licensed Professional Civil Engineer on staff, who will work on this project as an in-kind donation. Also, in accordance with State regulations the consulting firm of Nover Armstrong is presently contracted to provide environmental oversight and regulatory compliance for all soil and subsoil remediation work. Nover Armstrong provides site investigatory work and is a Licensed Site Professional as required by state regulations. The combination of inhouse staff and subcontracted professionals fulfill and exceed all local regulatory

8 requirements. The same staff and resources will be utilized to implement the grant and future remedial work. b. No special access agreements are required. 5. Statutory Cost Share NGP will not be requesting a hardship waiver for the cost share portion of this project. NGP will be an active financial participant in the cleanup of this site. In order to qualify for the grant, NGP is required to donate a $40,000 cost share, 20% of $200,000. NGP will contribute the $40,000 through the in-kind services provided by WBDC staff. 6. Community Notification NGP has hosted one public meeting on December 14, A Public Meeting notice for this public meeting was placed in the Telegram & Gazette, the local newspaper, on December 3, The ad announced meeting times and locations and announced that a draft of the grant was available on the Worcester Business Development Corporation s website ( and New Garden Park s website ( The ad announced that comments would be entertained at the meeting or by at an address setup specifically for this purpose at comments@worcesterbdc.com. The public meeting was held and comments were entertained. A summary of those comments and our responses are attached to the grant application.

9 1.a. Targeted Community & Brownfields Targeted Community Description The City of Worcester, with a population of 181,901 as of the American Community Survey, is the second largest city in New England. Often noted as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, the City of Worcester is a community whose history is grounded in industry and manufacturing. A key component for this designation was the construction of the Blackstone Canal in The Blackstone Canal was the waterway linking Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. The construction and operation of the canal was viewed as an innovative approach to transportation allowing goods to be transported via water and opening once-landlocked communities to various entrepreneurial opportunities such as shipping, trading, and product development. The proposed redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals site is located in an area known today as the Canal District. The area was given this distinction because it is the site where the original Blackstone Canal once surged. As Worcester saw the end of the Industrial Revolution, many of its successes slowly began to disappear. The canal was closed and buried beneath the street grid in As with most American industrial cities over time, the City of Worcester became victim to the decline of manufacturing and was unable to rebound since the manufacturing base vacated the city in the mid to late 20 th century. As industrial companies continued to withdraw from the city, many of the manufacturing plants were abandoned, leaving large manufacturing complexes vacant, blighted, and contaminated. The high prevalence of environmentally contaminated parcels has stifled growth and limited property values within the city, further inhibiting economic growth and development. Demographic Information 7325 Census Tract Worcester Massachusetts National Population* 1, ,901 6,605, ,536,594 Unemployment** 21.0%* 5.6% 4.6% 5.3% Poverty Rate* 35.4% 17% 8.1% 11.3% Percent Minority 18.4% 26.3% 19.5% 36.7% Median Household $24,926 $45,932 $66,866 $53,046 Income* Foreign Born* 156 9, ,338 4,357,546 Speak Language 65.1% 35.5% 22.2% 20.9% Other Than English* Sources: *Data form American Community Survey U.S. Census **Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Description of Brownfields The Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is comprised of seven buildings on three acres of land within the heart of Worcester s Canal District. The oldest building is the complex located at Harding Street, of which is the subject of this grant application. Constructed in 1910, this building was the original home of the Worcester Muslin Underwear Company. Since that time, the complex has had a plethora of uses ranging from underwear manufacturing to a turbine company. From 1956 until 2012, the building was primarily used for storage and

10 other industrial uses such as a powdered metal fabricator, a polishing cloth manufacturer, a structural steel parts manufacturer, a tin shop, and a gas station. Presmet was a local Worcester company that produced auto parts that were then exported to the Midwest. As the automotive industry continued to change, Presmet was sold to GKN Sinter Metals, the world s leading producer of precision powdered metal components. In 2002, GKN Sinter consolidated its operations elsewhere and closed its Worcester location. Since this consolidation, the Presmet/GKN Sinter properties have added to the catalog of vacant and/or underutilized former manufacturing sites in the City of Worcester. Cumulative Environmental Issues 1.b. Impacts on Targeted Community In July 2000, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in groundwater samples collected from on-site groundwater monitoring wells at concentrations that exceeded applicable Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MC)) Reportable Concentration (RC) standards, constituting a 120-day reportable condition to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). During follow-up field work, light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) was detected in an on-site groundwater monitoring well at a thickness greater than one-half inch this triggered a 72-hour reporting condition. MassDEP was notified of both release conditions on August 9, 2000 and the site was issued a Release Tracking Number. Based upon these conditions, GKN Sinter Metals conducted some remediation activities on the site, including soil excavation, site demolition, the installation of a Automatic product (LNAPL) recovery system, injections of Anaerobic Biochem with Zero Valent Iron (ABC+), and continuous site and groundwater monitoring. When the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals consolidated their operations and closed the facility in 2002, the building was vacated and minimal environmental monitoring continued; however, it became cost prohibitive for GKN Metals to continue to do an extensive remediation of the complex without the potential of an end user for the site. Given the history of such heavy industrial uses, the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals has added to the catalog of vacant, blighted, and contaminated sites throughout the City. These vacant, blighted manufacturing complexes pose a serious safety and environmental health concern for city residents. As a community whose major employment sector was once manufacturing, Worcester has been unable to rebound from its loss. According to data from the US Census American Community Survey (ACS), the unemployment rate for the 7325 Census Tract, of which the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is located, was 21.0%, approximately 15.4% higher than the City of Worcester s unemployment rate (5.6%) and 15.7% higher than the National unemployment rate (5.3%), based upon figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. While unemployment rates continue to escalate in Worcester and the Commonwealth, the median household figures continue to reflect the economic effect of this loss in workforce. According to the ACS data, the median household income in the 7325 Census Tract was $24,926, compared to the City of Worcester s of $45,932, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts $66,866, and the national figure of $53, % of those living within the 7325 Census Tract are below the poverty rate, compared to 17% in the City of Worcester and 11.3% nationally.

11 With the decline of industry in Worcester s urban center, not only has the City experienced significant job losses, it has also been burdened with the building and environmental remnants left behind from this industry. The abandonment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals properties has led to blight in the neighborhood, posing serious safety and environmental health concerns for city residents. The high prevalence of environmentally contaminated parcels has stifled growth and limited property values, further inhibiting growth and development. The proposed project area is also located within a designated Environmental Justice (EJ) area for having both a sensitive minority and income population. The Massachusetts EJ policy was founded on the principle that all populations should be protected from environmental pollution and lives within a clean and healthy environment. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has developed an EJ policy that seeks to assist populations located within high minority, non-english speaking, and low-income neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth. To qualify as an EJ population, EEA has developed a set of four criteria households earning 65% or less of the statewide household median income, 25% or more of the residents are minority, 25% or more of the residents are foreign-born, 25% or more of the residents are lacking English language proficiency. Based upon 2000 US Census Block data, the defined project area qualifies as an EJ population, meeting two of the EJ population criteria. Based upon demographic information, these sensitive populations are uneremployed, living in poverty, and are at a higher risk of being impacted by the harmful effects of Brownfields within this area. The proposed remediation and redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter properties will take this blighted, contaminated complex and place it back into an active use within the community. The proposed redevelopment will help to strengthen connections with this sensitive population, providing opportunity for both employment and enjoyment in their neighborhood. 1c.i. Economic Conditions To date, there are over 1200 documented Brownfields sites throughout the City of Worcester. The costs associated with remediating these environmental hazards has proven to be cost prohibitive to private companies and investors, leaving these former manufacturing facilities vacant and placing a safety concern to area residents and a significant burden on the city s economy. Based upon the assessments done to date on the Presmet/GKN Sinter complex, the estimated remediation costs for the site are expected to be approximately $2.6 million. NGP, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, does not have the financial capacity to undertake a cleanup of this magnitude without funds from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). 1c.ii. Economic Effects of Brownfields The Canal District has seen significant investment within the past number of years. From the restoration of Union Station, the redevelopment of the former Chevalier Furniture into the new Canal Lofts, and the individual restaurants and businesses that have populated the area, the Canal District has become a unique, flourishing commercial destination. While there has been some private investment throughout the area, there are a number of properties, similar to the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals pcomplex, that are vacant and/or underutilized remnants of the District s industrial past. The Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is located on three acres of land that sit between a new housing development, the intermodal transportation, and the bustling commercial area. Given its strategic location in the

12 middle of the Canal District, this blighted complex divides the bustling commercial areas of Green Street and Water Street, creating a barrier for pedestrians. This barrier has created public health and safety concerns to the area residents and businesses, has discouraged new residents from locating to the area, and has resulted in the reassessment of property values. Furthermore, the presence of this type of barrier has had a stifling impact on new commercial growth in the surrounding areas with many private investors unwilling to invest in properties that within close proximity to a vacant contaminated site. As these properties remain vacant, the City is unable to realize the full assessment and employment potential of this area. 2.a.i. Existing Conditions The Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals properties are comprised of seven buildings located on over three acres of land within the Canal District area of Worcester. The oldest building is this complex is located at Harding Street. Constructed in 1910, was the original home of the Worcester Muslin Underwear Company. Since that time, this complex has had a plethora of uses ranging from underwear manufacturing to a turbine company. From 1956 until 2012, the building was primarily used for storage and other industrial uses such as a powdered metal fabricator, a polishing cloth manufacturer, a structural steel parts manufacturer, a tin shop, and a gas station. Presmet was a local Worcester company that produced auto parts that were then exported to the Midwest. As the automotive industry continued to change, Presmet was sold to GKN Sinter Metals, the world s leading producer of precision powdered metal components. In 2002, GKN Sinter consolidated its operations elsewhere and closed its Worcester location. Since this consolidation, the Presmet/GKN Sinter properties have added to the catalog of vacant and/or underutilized former manufacturing sites in the City of Worcester. Worcester s Canal District has seen significant investment within the past number of years. From the restoration of Union Station, the redevelopment of the former Chevalier Furniture into the new Canal Lofts, and the individual restaurants and businesses that have populated the area, the Canal District has become a unique, flourishing commercial destination for Worcester residents and visitors alike. The proposed redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex would convert an abandoned, blighted industrial complex into a destination for the local colleges and the general public. The construction of a new skating facility would not only serve the skating population of the greater Worcester area but would also support the local bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers within the immediate area. Additionally, the creation of a new recreational destination will create and strengthen pedestrian connections throughout the Canal District, increase property values over the long term, and encourage additional private investment in and around the neighborhood. The proposed rink complex location would also complement the needs of the Canal District by creating new retail space along Harding Street. This infusion of jobs, investment, and direct and indirect economic impact will strengthen and support the local businesses within the Canal District and will further encourage additional private investment in the area. 2.a.ii. Proposed Cleanup Plan Some remediation has already occurred within the complex, including partial building demolition to facilitate the removal of LNAPL and impacted soil, in-situ ground water treatment of VOC-impacted ground water, and bi-weekly manual recovery of LNAPL. These previous

13 remediation activities aided in the site achieving a Temporary Solution (formerly known as a Class C-2 RAO) in February As part of future redevelopment, additional remedial and assessment response actions will be required and will include: 1. Complete buildings demolition and disposal to support subsurface remediation and assessment response actions (and future redevelopment). 2. Potential excavation and off-site disposal / recycling of petroleum- and VOCcontaminated soils in conjunction with building demolition. 3. Dewatering in conjunction with soil excavation and buildings demolition. 4. Potential in-situ ground water treatment. 5. Removal and off-site disposal of roofing materials containing asbestos. 6. Excavation and off-site disposal of PCB-contaminated building materials (concrete). 7. Potential off-site disposal of PCB-contaminated soils. Due to the PCB concentrations detected in building materials, these materials must be managed in accordance with EPA TSCA regulations. There are significant costs and timeframe implications associated the various management / disposal options under TSCA. For the remediation of the PCB-contaminated soils and building materials (CMU walls and concrete floor), four different options were evaluated. Based upon these options, it was determined that a Performance-Based Plan would be implemented. Additionally, all concrete slabs will be disposed of as TSCA PCB remediation waste. In addition to remedial response actions listed above, additional assessment response actions will be required (in accordance with the most revised Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) 310 CMR , effective June 2014) and are anticipated to include: - post excavation media sampling and analysis (ground water, soil, soil gas and indoor air), - potential ground water monitoring, - Method 3 risk characterization, - preparation of a Permanent Solution Statement with Conditions Reports (for 112 Harding Street & Pond Street), - potential implementation of Activity and Use Limitation (AUL), - LSP oversight 2.b. Task Descriptions and Budget Table Budget Categories Project Tasks (programmatic costs only) Total Personnel Fringe Benefits Travel Equipment Supplies Contractual* $200,000 Other Grant Total $200,000 Cost Share $40,000 $40,000 TOTAL BUDGET $240,000 *Explain what this is? The $200,000 EPA grant will assist in covering the costs of abatement

14 and disposal and the remaining will be covered through funds leveraged from other sources. 2.c. Ability to Leverage As with most NGP projects, the successful redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex rests in the use of leveraging funds. NGP has proven successful in this regard on several projects, including the Phoenix Award-winning Gateway Park Brownfields redevelopment project. NGP is working on the local, state, and Federal level to secure financing and grants required to fund this redevelopment. NGP estimates the remediation of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex to be approximately $2.6 million. NGP intends to fund the environmental work with the $200,000 grant from the EPA, a $550,000 grant from the City of Worcester Brownfield s Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund, and $1.9 million of a forgivable loan from MassDevelopment, a quasipublic financing organization in the Commonwealth. NGP also anticipates in pursuing Massachusetts Brownfields Tax Credits to cover over $375,000 in tax credits, based upon eligible expenses with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. These financing commitments meet the project goal of $2.6 million in remediation costs, assuming the $200,000 award from EPA. Upon completion of the proposed remediation, NGP will execute a 50-year ground lease with a private entity to redevelop the site for the purposes of constructing a twin ice skating rink. The construction of this facility is expected to cost approximately $17 million, of which will be privately financed by the entity that enters into the 50-year ground lease for the properties. 3.a. Plan for Involving Targeted Community & Other Stakeholders; and Communicating Project Progress Throughout the remediation and redevelopment process, NGP will maintain strong lines of communication within the Canal District community. NGP will reach out to the Canal District Alliance to request attending at least one of their monthly meetings to provide periodic updates on remediation and redevelopment efforts to the meeting attendees. Members of the Canal District Alliance include various businesses and residents working and living around the proposed project area. The Canal District is growing as a destination for college students and young professionals. Studies have shown that this younger demographic is more likely to obtain information and news from online sources including web and mobile apps. NGP will be expanding our community outreach to digital formats which includes our soon-to-be revamped website as well as our multiple social media channels. This new medium provides NGP the opportunity to reach a broader audience who may not be aware of Worcester s various redevelopment initiatives. NGP s Social Media goals are the following: Show the process of a cleanup and redevelopment project. Provide information and resources to educate the general public. Encourage conversation related to the environmental issues and economic development in the City of Worcester.

15 Currently, the WBDC utilizes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Of these accounts, NGP will focus its efforts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube which can easily be linked to each other and to the WBDC website. NGP has begun following pertinent Canal District organizations and businesses. In addition, NGP will tag stakeholders in posts as a way to share pertinent information. During the cleanup process, efforts will be taken to evaluate the success of the community involvement and adjust the reach out techniques accordingly. 3.b. Partnerships with Government Agencies NGP and the City of Worcester have worked closely on a number of economic initiatives, including the revitalization of Worcester s downtown and the redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex in the Canal District. Representatives from the City and NGP meet bi-weekly to discuss updates on various projects and to coordinate on future projects and planning. These meetings have been extremely productive and have developed an excellent working partnership. In addition to this partnership, NGP is an active member of the City of Worcester Mayor s Brownfields Roundtable. This group meets once a month to discuss issues directly related to Brownfields and green technology including legislative and technological updates. Representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), MassDevelopment Finance Agency, the City of Worcester, environmental lawyers, Licensed Site Professionals, and other related groups regularly attend these meetings. NGP also participates on the Brownfields Steering Committee for the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. This group oversees regional Brownfields planning and assessment grants. NGP shares office space with the Worcester office of the MassDevelopment Financing Agency (MassDevelopment) and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD). NGP has partnered with MassDevelopment on several loans for Brownfields projects, including the redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex. MOBD regularly connects NGP with resources and contacts when possible. 3.c. Partnerships with Community Organizations NGP, Inc is successful in large part due to its community partnership, big and small. The Canal District Alliance, represents over 36 businesses in the Canal District, is partnering with NGP to report on progress to business members and the broader community at meeting, on their website and in their newsletter. Also, the Alliance would enjoy hosting a community/member meeting and tour at the property, once completed, to showcase the project. The Crompton Collective, located nearby at 138 Green Street, has been engaged in the development plans and has agreed to donate meeting space and Worcester tote bags as a way to contribute to the project s success. NGP also developed partnerships with Birch Tree Bread Company and the Compass Tavern. The Birch Tree Bread Company agreed to provide hockey rink patrons discounts and incentives on coffee. The Compass Tavern intends to host post game/practice meet ups for players but also provide discounts on food purchases and parking during their off hours. The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, will post project progress reports on their website and in their newsletter. Also, the Chamber will serve as a business point of contact for the project and would enjoy hosting a Business After Hours session at the property, once

16 completed, to showcase the renovated building. The Chamber Business After Hours program is a networking event for local business people to meet and form lasting connections. 4.a.i. Health and/or Welfare Benefits The successful cleanup and redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex will provide a significantly positive impact on the Canal District neighborhood, specifically for the area's sensitive populations. During the remediation, continuous efforts will be made to protect neighboring businesses and residents from harm. All lead and asbestos materials will be contained on the site until removed by truck following the appropriate Massachusetts Contingency Plan guidelines, including: chain of custody, bill of lading, and hazardous waste manifests. Appropriate dust suppression techniques will be utilized along with negative air suppression technology during the lead and asbestos remediation. Appropriate signage will be posted around the site alerting passerby about the project and safety guidelines. The proposed asbestos and lead remediation throughout the complex will create significant health benefits by eliminating the risk of exposure to local residents, thereby reducing the threat of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure. It will reduce the risk of the nearby residents and businesses being exposed to hazardous contaminants, including lead and asbestos. These efforts, in our experience, have been more than adequate to protect the nearby residents and sensitive populations. From a social welfare perspective, the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex has been vacant since 2002, attracting vandals, the homeless population, and other crime-related incidents. The overall complex has been vandalized on multiple occasions and poses a significant public safety concern to the area residents and businesses. With the proposed remediation and redevelopment of this former industrial complex, the neighborhood, and the City as a whole, will benefit from the large, vacant complex being demolished and the property being placed back into a functional, productive use that will contribute to the overall vitality of the surrounding community, reactivate the streets, support the local economy and significantly reduce public safety concerns and crime within the vicinity. As area residents and businesses alike make note of the revitalization of their neighborhood, the area population will have a renewed sense of community and pride, seeking to maintain a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment. 4.a.ii. Environmental Benefits 4.b.i. Policies, Planning & Other Tools 4.b.ii. Integrating Equiatable Development or Livability Principles The remediation, demolition, and redevelopment of the former Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex will embody numerous infrastructure and sustainable reuse strategies, providing yet another stepping stone for the City of Worcester in its continuing efforts to encourage environmentally-sustainable development through smart growth principles. Having been previously occupied complex, the building was fully served with existing infrastructure, including all major utilities.

17 In collaboration with the City of Worcester, NGP is seeking to rehabilitate and renovate an existing building, seeking to create more efficient space for businesses to locate. The proposed redevelopment plans incorporate several LEED certified elements and also seek to preserve some of the original materials, renovating portions of the interior with modern green elements. During the reconstruction phase, the EPA initiatives of construction and demolition recycling will be utilized. All masonry debris will be recycled as aggregate. Any wood recovered will be used as a fuel source. The development team has also discussed utilizing a stormwater retention system through permeable pavers within the building s exterior alleyways. In addition to the increase in building efficiency, the overall project area lends itself to become a prime example of smart growth development - utilizing the area's access to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail, local and inter-city bus services, and pedestrian-friendly roadway networks. Through smart "city building", NGP believes that this project further strengthens the City of Worcester's position as a leader in environmentallysustainable development. 4.c.i. Economic or Other Benefits The proposed project would convert the abandoned, blighted industrial complex into a destination for the local colleges and the general public. The construction of a new skating facility would not only serve the skating population of the greater Worcester area but it would also support the local bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers within the immediate area. Additionally, the creation of a new recreational destination will create and strengthen pedestrian connections throughout the Canal District, increase property values over the long term, and encourage additional private investment in and around the neighborhood. A rink complex location would also complement the needs of the Canal District by creating retail space along Harding Street. Upon completion of the remediation, NGP anticipates to continue its work with a consortium of local colleges that have expressed interest in developing an ice hockey rink to support their on-campus programs, as well as the community s demand for additional ice time. This new destination is expected to create approximately 76 full-time jobs for the design and construction of the facility, including the manufacturing and installation of the rink, equipment, fixtures and furnishings. Utilizing average industry wages and labor percentages, this construction work will generate approximately $5.2 million in salaries and more than $200,000 in state income tax revenues. As the new facility becomes operational, it is anticipated that the facility will generate approximately $3.6 million in direct economic impact, supporting the equivalent of 15 full-time jobs within the Canal District area, generating approximately $519,739 in wages and salaries for Worcester residents. This infusion of jobs, investment, and direct and indirect economic impact will strengthen and support the local businesses within the area and will further encourage additional private investment. Game attendance alone to support the local schools utilizing the rinks will reach 28,000 during the hockey season. Multiple day tournaments at the rink will draw 20,000 people annually and support hotel stays, restaurant use, and retail offerings. 4.c.ii. Job Creation Potential

18 The WBDC s public purpose mission is to serve as an innovative and leading force in the economic development of the City of Worcester and the region, resulting in job creation and tax base expansion. Similarly, NGP, the WBDC s 501(c)3, is charged with the mission to revitalize struggling areas of Worcester, MA through collaborative redevelopment projects with a focus on leveraging and promoting the local creative and innovative economy. In accordance with these mission statements, the focus on job creation at the local level for this project is of the utmost importance. The redevelopment of the Presmet/GKN Sinter Metals complex is expected to support approximately 76 full-time jobs. While there are no Brownfields job training grantees in the Worcester area, NGP is committed to utilizing local companies and area residents as part of the assessment, cleanup, and during the redevelopment of the site. To ensure outreach to the local community, NGP will incorporate provisions in our Requests for Qualifications to attract local expertise by giving special consideration to contractors who are Worcester County based companies or who have employees that live in the local area. Additionally, we will work with the City of Worcester s Workforce Development Center to bring awareness of potential employment opportunities through construction to the opening of the proposed facility. 5.a. Programmatic Capability NGP is the 501(c)3 non-profit arm of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC). The WBDC is a business organization with a public purpose mission to serve as an innovative and leading force in the economic development of the City of Worcester and the region. Since its inception in 1965, the WBDC has played a significant role in strengthening the Worcester region s position as a leader in industry and innovation. The Board of Directors for NGP consists of officials from the WBDC, as well as other community leaders and activists. The WBDC shares its experienced staff with NGP, Inc. The staff includes President & CEO, Craig L. Blais, Vice President of Projects, Roberta L. Brien, Consultant, Marylou Armstrong, LSP, Senior Project Manager, Julie A. Holstrom, Director of Construction, William P. Carkin, P.E., and Finance Director, Joyce Stewart. The team has decades of experience in real estate development and Brownfields remediation. The primary team for this project includes Craig Blais, the President & CEO, who is responsible for overseeing the $10 million non-profit corporation as well as managing the dayto-day operations of the corporation. Mr. Blais brings 30 years of experience in the public sector and the economic development industry, maintaining his strong commitment to economic development of the City of Worcester and the region. Roberta Brien, the Vice President of Projects has over 18 years of experience in real estate, community development and planning, bringing a comprehensive awareness of project management to the corporation. In her capacity as Vice President of Projects, Mrs. Brien oversees all of the corporation s economic development projects, including the various financing strategies for these projects. William Carkin, the Director of Construction and Facilities, is responsible for bid document review and contract administration for the corporation s construction and environmental remediation projects. Mr. Carkin s extensive experience in inspectional and oversight services for environmental remediation projects will be an invaluable asset to the proposed remediation project. Joyce Stewart, the Director of Finance, Lending & Property Management, is responsible for the financial reporting, personnel and office policies for the corporation, creating and communicating the financial statements, budgets, and office procedures to the employees, management, officers, and Board members. Ms. Stewart will be responsible for the processing of payments for the proposed project, as well as oversight of the general financial policies and

19 procedures. Marylou Armstrong, is the President of Nover Armstrong Associates and is serving as a Consultant and Licensed Site Professional (LSP) for this project. Ms. Armstrong has managed numerous hazardous waste site evaluations and clean-up projects under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), and has extensive experience in working with federal, state and local funding sources on complicated cleanup projects. Julie Holstrom, Senior Project Manager has overseen over $3 million in grants from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and over $700,000 in both EPA Cleanup funds and the City of Worcester s BCRLF funds. As the lead Project Manager for this project, Ms. Holstrom will assume the administration of the EPA grant, if awarded, with assistance from the NGP/WBDC team. NGP does have the capacity to acquire additional expertise 5.b. Audit Findings NGP has never received any adverse audit findings. In November, 2013, NGP was randomly selected for a limited scope desk review of the administrative and financial practices of the organization. This was not a formal audit and EPA had not identified NGP as an organization that had past administrative or financial problems. Upon completion of the review, the EPA did disclose a number of minor compliance issues that required action in order to be in compliance with EPA grant requirements and the terms and conditions of the EPA s Assistance Agreement. In April, 2014, NGP provided EPA with an updated draft to its Policies and Procedures. Based upon feedback from EPA, NGP submitted its final Policies and Procedures to EPA in September, These final Policies and Procedures have been formally implemented by NGP. 5.c.i. Past Performance and Accomplishments NGP has received and administered various Federal, State, and Local grants including four Brownfield s Cleanup Grants and five Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund Grants through the City of Worcester. In utilizing these grant funds, NGP has been diligent in complying with the proposed work plan, schedule, and terms and conditions for each grant award. For each project, NGP prepared and presented its quarterly reports in a timely fashion, assisting in tracking the progress of the work plan and the schedule. NGP has also utilized the ACRES database to track our property data and keep it updated as NGP accomplishes its short-term milestones and long-term goals of remediation, redevelopment, reuse, and jobs created. NGP received $200,000 from the City of Worcester s Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund to help with the remediation of 31 Garden Street, a severely contaminated parcel at the Phoenix Award winning Gateway Park project in Worcester. The $200,000 grant helped excavate contaminated soil around one of the City s largest underground drainage culverts and allowed for the construction of an $11 million parking garage and $42 million Biotechnology and Life Science Center housing a Massachusetts Biotechnology Incubator and biotechnology research for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, one of the nation s first schools for engineering. NGP has also utilized US EPA funds for the partial demolition and environmental remediation of the former Worcester Vocational High School for the purposes of creating urban housing in the city s North Main Street area. This remediation work utilized two $200,000 US EPA Brownfield s Cleanup grant for the purposes of asbestos abatement, demolition, and subsequent environmental cleanup of the complex. In addition to this work, two underground storage tanks leaked oil beneath sections of the building contaminating over 1,000 tons of soil.