Brownfields Redevelopment
Reimagine. Redevelop. Revitalize.
What is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is a property with a presence, or potential presence, of one or more hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, of which may complicate the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of the site. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 contaminated sites in the United States.
1. Reimagine
Cleaning up and reinvesting in contaminated properties has several benefits:
• Increases in local tax base.
• Facilitates job growth.
• Utilization of existing infrastructure.
• Lessens pressure to develop undeveloped sites and open land.
• Improves and protects the environment.
Engaging the community and bringing awareness to contaminated site redevelopment increases the chance for successful site reuse by sparking new economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, businesses and job training.
Federal grants do require specific community engagement activities, including open houses, surveys and design workshops. Through the use of design renderings and conceptual use cases, design workshops provide an interactive platform for community members to engage in the process and ensure their voice is heard.
2. Redevelop
There are several federal and state funding programs available to assist with brownfields redevelopment, and many states offer programs to incentivize communities. A prominent funding program is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Land Revitalization Program. The EPA can offer community grants for assessing and cleaning up contaminated areas, as well as financial assistance for area-wide redevelopment planning and individual property reuse planning.
3. Revitalize
An old dilapidated auto dealership was listed as a brownfield due to petroleum in the soil and groundwater. The area was revitalized into a regional bus transit facility.
Before it was a vacant lot, the land pictured below housed a heavy iron manufacturing facility. It was listed as a brownfield due to a variety of heavy metals, petroleum and other chemicals in both the soil and groundwater. It was revitalized into an apartment complex.
