Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” (Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act,” PL 107-118 11 January 2002.) In layman’s terms, a brownfield is a property that is difficult to develop because it is contaminated or believed to be contaminated by certain hazardous substance such as: petroleum products, asbestos, lead paint, mold, chemicals, controlled substances, hazardous materials, other environmental contaminants – or mine-scarred land.

Examples of brownfields may include abandoned, idled or under-utilized property such as:

Brownfields are not just found in big cities. The East Central Indiana region has a rich history in small town and rural manufacturing. Many of these communities have lost their industries and have suffered economically during the past several decades. As a result, many brownfields of various types and conditions are available for redevelopment opportunities.

The Coalition’s brownfield program is an important tool to assist the economic development efforts in the region – and fits with other economic development assistance and resources to address liability protection, reuse incentives, revitalization efforts, and are an important part of a comprehensive economic development program.

Communities should encourage redevelopment of brownfields opportunities as part of their overall economic development strategies and long term sustainability efforts in order to reuse existing infrastructure, encourage adaptive reuse of existing buildings, remove blight, promote neighborhood revitalization, as well as enhance overall community health and welfare. This strategy will also increase tax bases and revenues, create jobs and improve the appearance of the entire community.

EPA Brownfields Assessment Program

The EPA Brownfields Assessment Program involves two levels of assessment activity prior to clean-up work and redevelopment of the property.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

In Phase I, non-intrusive site visits are made to the property by an environmental engineer. With the permission of the owner, the engineer walks over the site and through the buildings, collecting relevant information about the site and its surroundings. Next, extensive information is collected about the site from a variety of sources, including owners – current and past. Previous uses of the site as well as changes to disposition are also noted. Possible contamination and types of hazards likely to be on the site, based on the site visit, site history and subsequent research are noted in preparation for the next step – Phase II.

Phase II Assessment Program

In Phase II, direct intrusion may be made upon the site with the agreement of the owner. For example, soil or building material samples may be collected and analyzed. Deep soil borings may be required and surrounding properties may need to be investigated. Owners must agree to the more intensive intrusion onto their properties. The type, extent and degree of contamination are determined. The environmental engineer prepares possible reuse options that would be compatible with the extent and degree of the contaminants and hazards on site, as well as completing clean-up plans that minimize the hazards for each of the reuse options. The goal is not necessarily removing all contamination, but ensuring that given a specific use, the clean-up manner in which the hazards are addressed will not pose an environmental or health problem. During Phase II it is preferable to have potential reuse options reviewed and a developer identified. The environmental engineer will be required to identify and recommend clean-up options match with reuse possibilities.

Community outreach and involvement efforts should be coordinated with Phase I and Phase II assessments – and focus on the affected community. Property owners, neighborhood associations, developers, financial institutions and community organizations are involved in these and subsequent phases. Following the assessment phases the site enters the Clean-Up Phase which must be aligned to a reuse or redevelopment option. The EPA and other resources may able available, along with private/public sector investment, to assist in the effort – with specific opportunities being based on the proposed redevelopment use of the property.

Benefits of Brownfields Revitalization

1. Assesses and cleans up environmentally contaminated locations
2. Increases the use of existing infrastructure and buildings
3. Reduces rural, suburban and urban sprawl
4. Protects the environment
5. Reduces commercial/industrial blight
6. Increases and reclaims property tax base
7. Increases job creation opportunities
8. Promotes entrepreneurship
9. Provides opportunities for public, private and governmental collaboration
10. Reduces exposure to hazardous materials, possible accidents and injuries
11. Supports cleaner air, water and environment
12. Reduces certain health risks and safety issues
13. Improves quality of life and place
14. Increases tax revenue and spreads out tax burden by putting properties back on tax rolls
15. Complements area beautification efforts
16. Provides a model of success to improve surrounding areas

Keys to Success of a Brownfields Redevelopment Program

1. ”Big Picture” priority project outlook
2. Regional approach with increased collaboration
3. Leveraging existing and new local/regional resources
4. Responsiveness to stakeholders
5. Broad-based team concept
6. Public education and participation
7. Working closely with local, state and federal agencies
8. Strong marketing and communications
9. Willingness to let all participants share in the successes