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Introduction to Brownfields
Many sites across the country that were once used for industrial and commercial purposes have been abandoned. Municipalities, lenders, investors, developers, and other potential stakeholders are afraid that involvement with these sites may result in environmental liability for any contamination that may be present at the sites. Oftentimes, the belief that a given site may be contaminated is merely based upon site history and other forms of qualitative, inconclusive information.
However, even the potential of legal and economic liability for contamination at these sites is significant enough to hinder further consideration of these sites for reuse or redevelopment. Therefore, potential stakeholders are more attracted to sites in pristine areas, called "greenfields." Development of these sites contributes to urban sprawl and the environmental degradation that often follows.
The continued neglect of abandoned sites can result in blighted areas, rife with dilapidated industrial and commercial facilities that threaten the environment, create safety and health risks for residents, drive unemployment up, and foster a sense of hopelessness- these areas are called "brownfields."
EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative is designed to empower States, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. One tool EPA utilizes to empower stakeholders is its Brownfields grants. For additional information on EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative and other related information look through the rest of this site, contact one of the Region 8 Brownfields Contacts, or visit the EPA National Brownfields Homepage.
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