Brownfields Handbook

Brownfields Quick References Brownfields Cleanup Policy & Guidance Brownfields Cleanup Enforcement Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment (OBCR) Brownfields Topics Index (OBCR)

First issued in 1998, EPA updated and reissued the Handbook in 2002 to include discussion of implementing the "Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002," new initiatives and guidance, and specific references to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") liability.

The Brownfields Handbook page provides easy access to the 2002 print edition (in its entirety or by principal sections), and access to policies and guidance issued since publication of the 2002 edition.

Download the complete 2002 print edition of the "Brownfields Handbook: How to Manage Federal Environmental Liability Risks" (PDF, 2.27 MB)

View or download principal sections of the 2002 print edition of the Brownfields Handbook

Policies and guidance documents issued since publication of the 2002 pint edition

Complete the Order Form to receive a bound copy of the 2002 print edition.

Some of the documents provided by EPA are Adobe Acrobat PDF (Portable Document Format) Files. They can be viewed, and printed, with the use of an Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Brownfields Handbook:   How to Manage Federal Environmental Liability Risks

Cover Page, Table of Content, Preface & Purpose (PDF, 1.37 MB)
Introduction to Brownfields (PDF, 171 KB)
Statutory and Regulatory Provisions (PDF, 324 KB)
      CERCLA (PDF, 282 KB)
      RCRA (PDF, 210 KB)
EPA Policies and Guidances (PDF, 273 KB)
Appendices
      Appendix A - Related Policies and Guidance (PDF, 277 KB)
      Appendix B - Fact Sheets (PDF, 718 KB)
      Appendix C - Report on EPA's PPA and Comfort/Status Letters (PDF, 179KB)
      Appendix D - Sample Comfort/Status Letters (PDF, 169 KB)
      Appendix E - EPA Brownfields Contacts (PDF, 189 KB)

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Brownfields Handboook Tools Issued Since Publication of 2002 Edition

The guidance documents listed below address the 2002 amendments to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") contained with the "Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act" ("SBLRBRA") and were issued following publication of the 2002 print edition of the Brownfields Handbook: How to Manage Federal Environmental Liability Risks.

"Interim Guidance on the Municipal Solid Waste Exemption Under CERCLA Section 107(p)," August 20, 2003 (PDF, 1.25 MB)

"Interim Enforcement Discretion Policy Concerning "Windfall Liens" Under Section 107(r) of CERCLA," ("Windfall Liens Guidance"), July 16, 2003 (PDF, 1.23 MB).

"Windfall Lien Guidance: Frequently Asked Questions," July 16, 2003 (PDF, 157KB).

"Interim Guidance Regarding Criteria Landowners Must Meet in Order to Qualify for the Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser, Contiguous Property Owner, or Innocent Landowner Limitations on CERCLA Liability" ("Common Elements Guidance"), Mar. 6, 2003. (PDF, 366.5 KB)

Common Elements Guidance Reference Fact Sheet, Mar. 6, 2003. (PDF, 204.1 KB)

"Regional Determinations Regarding Which Sites are Not 'Eligible Response Sites' under CERCLA Section 101(41)(C)(i), as Added by the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act" ("Eligible Response Sites Guidance "), Mar. 6, 2003. (PDF, 1.17MB)

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