Brownfield

Overview

A brownfield is a property whose redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. These sites often present a challenge for redevelopment but also provide an opportunity for environmental cleanup and economic revitalization.

Examples

Brownfields can take various forms, including but not limited to:

Discontinued Manufacturing Facilities: Factories and plants that have ceased operations, leaving behind contaminants.
Shut-down Military Bases: Decommissioned military sites that require cleanup before being repurposed.
Abandoned Gasoline Stations: Sites where underground storage tanks may have leaked, contaminating the soil and groundwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges of redeveloping brownfield sites?

Challenges include environmental cleanup, regulatory compliance, financial costs and liability concerns. Developers must ensure proper remediation to meet federal and state standards.

Are there any incentives for redeveloping brownfield sites?

Yes, there are various federal and state programs that offer financial incentives, tax breaks, grants, and technical assistance to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields.

How does the Superfund program relate to brownfield sites?

The Superfund program, managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helps clean up the nation’s most contaminated hazardous waste sites through cleanup efforts and holds the parties responsible for contamination accountable.

Superfund: A federal program that funds the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. It aims to remediate severely contaminated sites known as National Priorities List (NPL) sites.

Reference: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Environmental Remediation: The process of cleaning up contaminated sites to remove pollutants or hazardous substances from the environment to protect human health and restore the environment.

Reference: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): An assessment conducted to evaluate environmental conditions of a property and identify potential contamination risks.

Reference: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Brownfield Redevelopment: The process of cleaning up and repurposing brownfield sites for new development, often involving mixed-use projects and community revitalization efforts.

Reference: EPA Brownfields Program
Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP): Programs sponsored by states that encourage voluntary cleanup efforts by providing a legal framework for remediation.

Reference: Various state environmental protection agencies

Online Resources

References

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
EPA Brownfields Program guidelines
ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Property” by Todd S. Davis
“Environmental Law Handbook” by Christopher L. Bell & Judith Gordon
“Brownfield Sites: Assessment, Rehabilitation and Legal Tools” by Ute Collier
“Remediation of Hazardous Waste Contaminated Soils” edited by Donald L. Wise and Debra J. Trantolo

Real Estate Basics: Brownfield Fundamentals Quiz

### What is a brownfield? - [ ] A new industrial site - [x] A property potentially contaminated by hazardous substances - [ ] A residential housing development - [ ] Any vacant land > **Explanation:** A brownfield is a property complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. ### What federal program helps in the cleanup of severely contaminated hazardous waste sites? - [x] Superfund - [ ] SAFE Act - [ ] Clean Water Act - [ ] Greenfields Program > **Explanation:** The Superfund program, managed by the EPA, helps in cleaning up the nation's most contaminated hazardous waste sites. ### Which entity usually provides financial incentives for brownfield redevelopment? - [ ] Local real estate brokerages - [ ] Independent contractors - [x] Federal and state programs - [ ] Municipal utilities > **Explanation:** Various federal and state programs offer financial incentives, tax breaks, grants, and technical assistance to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields. ### How are Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) related to brownfields? - [ ] They measure soil fertility. - [ ] They determine market value. - [x] They evaluate environmental conditions and identify potential contamination. - [ ] They assess property tax status. > **Explanation:** Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are conducted to evaluate environmental conditions of a property and identify potential contamination risks. ### What environmental process is initiated to remove pollutants from a brownfield? - [ ] Landscaping - [x] Environmental Remediation - [ ] Architectural Planning - [ ] Market Analysis > **Explanation:** Environmental Remediation is the process of cleaning up contaminated sites to remove pollutants or hazardous substances from the environment. ### Which type of brownfield property is specifically mentioned as a common example? - [ ] Public parks - [x] Abandoned gasoline stations - [ ] Fully operational factories - [ ] Completed residential areas > **Explanation:** One common example of a brownfield is an abandoned gasoline station, where underground storage tanks may have leaked and contaminated the soil and groundwater. ### Who is primarily responsible for ensuring the cleanup of brownfield sites? - [ ] The local community - [x] The parties responsible for contamination - [ ] Foreign investors - [ ] Tourism boards > **Explanation:** The parties responsible for contamination are primarily held accountable for ensuring the cleanup of brownfield sites. ### What is the potential benefit of redeveloping brownfield sites? - [ ] Decreased property values - [ ] Less stringent zoning laws - [ ] Higher insurance premiums - [x] Economic revitalization and environmental cleanup > **Explanation:** Redeveloping brownfield sites can lead to economic revitalization and environmental cleanup, making these areas viable for new uses. ### What is the main goal of the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)? - [ ] Raising property taxes - [x] Encouraging voluntary cleanup efforts - [ ] Promoting industrial activities - [ ] Reducing residential development > **Explanation:** The Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) sponsored by states encourages voluntary cleanup efforts by providing a legal framework for remediation. ### What type of location is NOT typically considered a brownfield? - [x] A new suburban development - [x] A current government building - [ ] A decommissioned factory - [ ] An abandoned gasoline station > **Explanation:** New suburban developments and current government buildings are generally not considered brownfields since they are not typically contaminated by hazardous substances like decommissioned factories or abandoned gasoline stations.