New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Awarded EPA Brownfield Grant

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for cleanup of the former Hinton Ice House, located at 508 Commercial Avenue in Hinton, WV. The EPA awarded 155 grants to communities across the country totaling over $65 million. We submitted the grant back in November 2019, and we’re thrilled that we get to move forward with this project.

The Hinton Ice House has had environmental assessment activities performed in the past, including a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. Assessment results indicate the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in surface and subsurface soils. These environmental impacts require remediation prior to site redevelopment and reuse.

Site History – The three-story building was originally constructed in the 1920’s and was historically used as an ice storage/cold storage facility, and has been closed for several years. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority recently took ownership of the property, which had been owned by the City of Hinton.

Cleanup Plan – Cleanup of the site will occur in two phases. The first phase will include excavation of some contaminated soils, which will be removed from the site and disposed at a permitted landfill facility. The second phase will include work required to enter the site into the WV Voluntary Remediation Program. This strategy will enable the site to be safely re-used while limiting cleanup costs. The grant program is for a three-year timeframe. Project start date of October 1, 2020, if this grant is awarded.

Site Reuse Plans – The City of Hinton has designed a multi-use redevelopment plan for the area that includes this property. The area would include an updated water park, stores and shops, playground area, and associated recreational facilities. Specific to this property, conceptual plans have been designed for construction of an amphitheater on the vacant part of the property, and refurbishing the existing building to house support services, including public restrooms, concessions, and future potential for a seasonal restaurant and/or café.

For more information about the Hinton Ice House project, please contact Joseph Brouse, NRGRDA Executive Director, at 304-254-8115, or Chris Meadows, Hinton City Manager, at 304-466-3255. For more information about the EPA Brownfield Grants, visit the EPA website.