Under the NYC Brownfield law and the NYC BCP, citizens are entitled and encouraged to review and comment on Remedial Action Work Plans (cleanup plans) for all NYC cleanup projects. However, these plans can oft en be highly technical and difficult for citizens to understand. As a result, community representatives have expressed the need for assistance in understanding and evaluating these cleanup plans.

To address this need, members of the Partnership that are environmental consultants are available to provide pro-bono counseling services. If a community requests such assistance, an environmental consultant in the Partnership with no conflict of interest on the specific project will be provided with a copy of the cleanup plan, will initiate a review and will reach out to the community. This process is intended to be confidential. The environmental consultant will provide timely document review and communication including a candid, impartial assessment and consultation on the cleanup plan. Member organizations of the Partnership provide these services free of charge and independent of New York City government.

For more information on the Pro-Bono Community Counseling Program, visit the Partnership website at www.brownfieldnyc.org. If you are a community member and would like counseling on a cleanup plan, email the Partnership at info@brownfieldnyc.org . If the project is enrolled in the NYC Brownfield Cleanup Program, you may also contact OER at brownfields@cityhall.nyc.gov.