Summer 2021 Issue

Summer 2021
PCRF
by Michelle Howard
Page 39
It feels like the wheels have fallen off the train of momentum for the Petroleum Clean-up
and Redevelopment Fund. As we all know, much has happened since the spring of
2020. Substantial monies in the PCRF were contributed to the Colorado General Fund to
support pandemic supplies and recovery. We were able to keep some money in the
balance to help pay for the new COSTIS-IA project and finish working on some of our
open sites. We have also been able to help a few citizens look for tanks on their
properties and conduct environmental assessments.
Not only has the PCRF undergone financial changes, but also personnel changes. Tim
Kelley decided in June of 2020 to enjoy his full retirement and we all know his knowledge
will be missed. Jennifer Strauss also left us for another career opportunity with
Commerce City. Thankfully, Jane Bral is still helping oversee the cleanup on our
remaining sites.
The remaining sites are in Grand Junction, Minturn, and Fruita and all are in the Level III
cleanup phase. The two sites we were able to help with tank removals during the
pandemic are both in Denver. A total of 11 tanks were removed from these two
properties.
Besides the PCRF work, we also have been working with Towns, Cities, Urban Renewal
Authorities, and EPA to help support Petroleum Brownfields and clean-up at sites across
our state. We are always looking and hoping for more funding to be able to help more
property owners in our state and enrich our communities.