Minnesota Brownfields

Each year Minnesota Brownfields' members work to clean up and restore contaminated land as a means of generating economic growth, strengthening communities and enabling sustainable land use and development. We are proud to bring these professionals together through research, education and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders in the industry. Our efforts would not be possible without the support of our members and donors. Please consider partnering with us and make a donation at: https://buff.ly/3WoY1Is

The deadline to submit ReScape Projects is quickly approaching, friends! Eligible projects must have been completed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. Learn more about which category your project falls under at: https://buff.ly/3Bh0Nsb

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! The deadline is quickly approaching to submit those ReScape projects! Make your submissions by Tuesday, January 31. Projects must have been completed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Learn more about which category your project meets and submit your project at:

Don't forget to register for our networking event at Forgotten Star Brewery! Meet us there on January 23, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm for a casual networking event with other redevelopment professionals like you! And, bring a friend to learn more about Minnesota Brownfields and our mission. See you there!

Save the date! In partnership with Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Minnesota Brownfields co-manages and administers two grant programs aimed at assisting nonprofits, local governments and emerging developers in the Metropolitan Region to redevelop contaminated sites. Join Minnesota Brownfields for a joint luncheon event with EDAM on February 28 to learn more about these programs including, eligibility and how to apply. Learn more and register at: https://buff.ly/4gT4R1e EDAM | Economic Development Association of Minnesota

We are currently accepting applications for Mac Hyde scholarships! If you or someone you know is an undergraduate in good standing at a Minnesota University pursuing a degree related to brownfields redevelopment (like engineering, earth/environmental sciences, government/public policy or economic development) and intend to build a career in a similar field, please apply! Don't miss out on this opportunity to earn $2,000 towards your school tuition! Learn more and apply at: https://buff.ly/3WSjQAX

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Illi to the Minnesota Brownfields Board of Directors! Sarah is the Director of Development for the Saint Paul Port Authority. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Washington University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota. Sarah has a 20-year background in consulting and environmental project management, having served a diverse portfolio of clients and projects in the areas of environmental due diligence, investigation, remediation, and compliance. In her current role, Sarah leads brownfield redevelopment projects that support the Port’s strategic goals of increasing jobs and tax base through sustainable and equitable development. She manages multi-disciplinary project teams, navigates technical and regulatory matters, secures funding sources, and enjoys engaging with a variety of stakeholders to advance successful outcomes. Welcome, Sarah Illi

Please join us in welcoming Derek Schilling to the Minnesota Brownfields Board of Directors! Derek is a Director and Principal Scientist in Braun Intertec's environmental consulting group and is a geologist with more than 23 years of environmental consulting experience. His role includes business development, strategic client growth and management, and technical project management and review/support. Derek has managed projects involving environmental remediation of Brownfields sites to facilitate redevelopment including both historic rehabilitation and new construction. He has extensive experience with environmental consulting for affordable housing projects across the country. Derek was also a Senior Environmental Representative at Target Corporation where he managed the completion of asbestos inspections and abatement projects throughout the United States and Canada, and managed an asbestos awareness program for the corporation. Welcome, Derek Schilling, PG, CHMM

The deadline is fast approaching to submit those ReScape projects! Make your submissions by Tuesday, January 31. Projects must have been completed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Learn more about which category your project meets and submit your project at: https://buff.ly/4gjIeCQ

Please join us in welcoming Sean Leary to the Minnesota Brownfields Board of Directors! Sean is an Associate Principal and VP of Transaction Risk Management at GZA GeoEnvironmental. He is also GZA’s District Office Manager for their Minneapolis office. Sean is an Environmental Professional with 18-years of environmental due diligence and remediation consulting experience with degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. He also serves as a national instructor and content developer for ASTM International, where he teaches Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment courses to a diverse profile of industry professionals, including State and Federal agencies and the US EPA. Sean's environmental due diligence experience is extensive, including oversight of thousands of Phase I ESAs and hundreds of Phase II ESAs across the nation. He is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for ASTM and assisted in development of the ASTM Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) exam and test preparation training courses. His due diligence consulting expertise also includes review and management of over a thousand Property Condition Assessments (PCAs) nationwide. In 2024 Sean received the President’s Award from the Environmental Bankers Association following a five-year term on the association’s Board of Governors. Welcome, Sean Leary