All News Releases By Date

First Federal Facility "Ready for Reuse" Certificate Announced

Release Date: 10/25/2002
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued a "ready for reuse" certificate to the U.S. Air Force for Brooks City-Base (formerly Brooks Air Force Base) in San Antonio, Texas.  The certificate is the first of its kind to be issued in Texas, and the first for a federal facility nationally.  

      The state of Texas and EPA agree that the Air Force has successfully completed its cleanup of the base.  The "ready for reuse" certificate verifies that environmental conditions on this property are protective of its current use and anticipated future use as a technology and business park.

      EPA Division Director Carl Edlund said, "Today's announcement highlights our newest initiative to promote the reuse of formerly used industrial properties.  We are building on our experience using the enormously successful Brownfields program.  Our 'ready for reuse' certificates clear the way by providing necessary assurances to help encourage developers to reuse these valuable natural resources."  

      The certificate provides specific information about contamination, work performed at the site and the status of each real estate parcel that has been cleaned up to meet state and federal requirements.

      Dr. Ata-Ur-Rhaman, TCEQ Corrective Action Section Manager, said, "The successful cleanup of this site means it can now be a valuable asset to the community. We are pleased to certify this property as safe for human health and the environment."

      Brooks City-Base is located 6 miles southeast of downtown San Antonio, Texas, and encompasses more than 1,300 acres.  Brooks Air Force Base was initially established in 1917 as a flight instructor training facility.  By the late 1950's, the facility had transitioned to function as a medical research, development and educational facility.  

      On July 22, 2002, Brooks Air Force Base was officially transferred to the Brooks Development Authority as part of the Brooks City-Base Project and formally renamed.  Prior to the transfer, the U.S. Air Force completed a comprehensive environmental assessment of the property and performed restoration work to certify that the conditions on the property do not pose a risk to public health or the environment based on the current or anticipated future uses for the property.
     
      More information about the Brooks ready for reuse determination is available at https://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ready4reuse.