Brownfield sites are areas of land previously used for industrial purposes or certain commercial uses that may be contaminated by hazardous waste or pollution. Cleaning and redeveloping these sites is essential for community health and environmental sustainability.
A contaminant is a substance, element, or compound that can cause harm to humans or other forms of life if released into the environment. Contaminants are commonly found in concentrations above acceptable levels or in places where they should not be. This term is particularly relevant in real estate during the due diligence process when evaluating property for purchase or financing.
Encapsulation in real estate refers to the process of covering or enclosing hazardous materials to prevent the release of dangerous substances into the environment or to minimize exposure hazards. It is commonly used for materials like asbestos and lead paint in older buildings, offering a safer and often more cost-effective alternative to removal.
The act of clearing up a contaminated site, involving specialized techniques and compliance with regulatory standards. Often referred to as 'remediation.'
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) is a tank and its underground piping with at least 10% of its combined volume buried underground, primarily used to store liquids such as fuel products, industrial chemicals, or waste.
