What Is a Brownfield Project?

Brownfields are pieces of property – usually former industrial or commercial sites – where future use is complicated by environmental compliance issues. EWI has completed hundreds of brownfields restoration initiatives, revitalizing properties in partnership with the EPA and local and state governments.

What Is a Brownfield Project?

A “brownfields project” is an urban planning term, and it can refer to commercial/industrial land that will be upgraded. Brownfield properties can be large (for example, manufacturing sites and industrial plants) or small (abandoned dry cleaners, gas stations), and they might not be contaminated. To be labeled a brownfield, the site is suspected of contamination. Common contaminants include asbestos, lead paint, hydrocarbon spillages, solvents, pesticides, and TBT. If the land is properly cleaned up and the contamination is remediated, the site can be used for other purposes.

Investing in brownfield properties is important because it protects the environment by reducing the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. Plus, it makes previously dangerous land usable, improves local ecology, increases property values, protects human health, and improves the community’s image.

How to Manage a Brownfield Project

Cleaning up brownfield sites is a complicated job, so it’s important that an experienced team to handle the project. They will need to balance legal requirements, funding and grants, and environmental consultants and contractors to deliver cost-effective and safe solutions.

Related federal legislation include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). There are also many applicable tools and grants to be aware of, such as Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grants, which provide funding for cleanup activities at brownfield sites.

Environmental due diligence is crucial, and for that you’ll need to research environmental consulting and contracting professionals. Look for a company that boasts many years of experience, emphasizes safe work practices, and delivers flexible and cost-effective solutions. They should be able to help you with Phase I and II environmental site assessments, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), and Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA).

If you need help managing a Brownfield project, contact Environmental Works, Inc. We have completed numerous brownfield sites, and our experience includes hundreds of site restoration initiatives in addition to government contract work. From inventories and corridor studies to Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, we’ve done it all. To learn more about our services request a quote.