Brownfield

Definition of Brownfield

A brownfield is a real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. These sites often require environmental remediation before they can be safely redeveloped or reused.

Examples include:

Discontinued manufacturing facilities
Shut-down military bases
Abandoned gasoline stations

Federal and state programs in the United States aim to assess, clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields, promoting environmental health and economic growth. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers significant brownfield remediation programs and offers grants for cleanup and redevelopment projects.

Examples of Brownfield Sites

Manufacturing Facilities: Abandoned factories that once processed or treated hazardous materials.
Military Bases: Decommissioned military sites where ordnance or pollutants were once handled.
Gasoline Stations: Abandoned filling stations with underground storage tanks that may have leaked fuel into the soil.
Rail Yards: Old rail-related facilities where chemical spills and leaks might have occurred.
Old Warehouses: Buildings used for toxic chemical storage or manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the legal significance of a site being designated as a brownfield?

A site designated as a brownfield is recognized to have environmental contamination issues that need to be addressed. This designation opens up avenues for various federal, state, and local funding and assistance programs for remediation and redevelopment.

How are brownfield sites cleaned up?

Brownfield cleanup usually involves removing hazardous substances, demolishing or rehabilitating unsafe structures, and safely disposing of contaminated materials. Methods include soil remediation, capping landfills, and treating groundwater contamination.

Who is responsible for cleaning up brownfields?

Responsibility can fall on multiple stakeholders, including property owners, local and state governments, and sometimes federal agencies like the EPA. Often, federal and state funding assists private owners and local municipalities in remediation efforts.

Are there incentives for redeveloping brownfields?

Yes, there are often tax incentives, grants, and loan programs available to help fund the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields. The aim is to mitigate health risks and stimulate economic growth by making these sites attractive for new use.

Can brownfields be redeveloped for residential use?

Yes, once a brownfield site is adequately cleaned and deemed safe by relevant authorities, it can be redeveloped for residential use, commercial activities, or public facilities such as parks.

How is a site assessed as a brownfield?

An environmental site assessment (ESA) typically identifies the presence of contamination. Phase I ESAs include historical reviews, while Phase II ESAs involve soil, water, and air sampling to identify potential contaminants.

Superfund: A federal program established to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) governs this program and aims to remediate and redevelop highly contaminated sites.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Property” by Todd S. Davis
“Environmental Law and Policy” by Richard L. Revesz and Michael A. Livermore
“Brownfields Redevelopment: Programs and Strategies for Rehabilitating Contaminated Real Estate” by Joaquin Jay Gonzalez III and Roger L. Kemp

Fundamentals of Brownfield: Urban Planning and Environmental Management Basics Quiz

### What is a brownfield site? - [x] A site whose former use involved hazardous materials. - [ ] A site that has always been used for residential purposes. - [ ] A piece of undeveloped land in an urban area. - [ ] An agricultural field that has not been used for more than five years. > **Explanation:** A brownfield site is recognized for its historical use involving hazardous materials or contaminants. ### What federal agency administers significant brownfield remediation programs and grants in the United States? - [ ] Department of Transportation - [x] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - [ ] Department of Energy - [ ] Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) > **Explanation:** The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees brownfield remediation and offers grants to support the cleanup and redevelopment of these sites. ### Which of the following is an example of a brownfield site? - [ ] A newly established park - [x] An abandoned gasoline station - [ ] A residential neighborhood under construction - [ ] A new office building > **Explanation:** An abandoned gasoline station is a typical example of a brownfield site due to the potential presence of hazardous substances like underground storage tank leaks. ### What are the primary purposes of federal brownfield programs? - [ ] To halt urban development - [ ] To increase agricultural productivity - [x] To clean up hazardous sites and promote redevelopment - [ ] To develop new natural parks > **Explanation:** Federal brownfield programs aim to address environmental contamination to pave the way for safe redevelopment and economic growth. ### Which legislation governs the Superfund program that deals with heavily contaminated sites? - [ ] The Clean Water Act (CWA) - [x] Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) - [ ] National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - [ ] Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) > **Explanation:** The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) governs the Superfund program dedicated to cleaning heavily polluted sites. ### Can brownfields be redeveloped for residential use after cleanup? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Once properly cleaned and deemed safe, brownfields can be redeveloped for residential, commercial, or other uses. ### What is typically involved in a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)? - [ ] Only historical review of land - [ ] Building code compliance inspection - [x] Soil, water, and air sampling to identify contaminants - [ ] Zoning verification > **Explanation:** A Phase II ESA involves soil, water, and air sampling to identify the presence and levels of contaminants at a site. ### Why are tax incentives often offered for brownfield redevelopment? - [x] To encourage clean-up and redevelopment by making it more financially feasible - [ ] To discourage industrial activity - [ ] To prevent residential development - [ ] To lower business licensing costs > **Explanation:** Tax incentives help make the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields more financially feasible, encouraging such activities by reducing economic barriers. ### What types of contamination are commonly found in brownfields? - [x] Hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants - [ ] Organic fertilizer - [ ] Naturally occurring minerals - [ ] Clean building materials > **Explanation:** Brownfields often have hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants due to prior industrial or commercial use. ### Who usually conducts the environmental site assessments for brownfields? - [ ] Local fire departments - [x] Environmental consultants and professionals - [ ] Retail companies - [ ] Housing agencies > **Explanation:** Environmental consultants and professionals typically conduct site assessments (ESAs) to evaluate contamination levels and plan for remediation.

Thank you for exploring the essential aspects of brownfields and participating in our detailed quiz to enhance your understanding! Keep expanding your knowledge in urban planning and environmental management.