How does the reuse of Superfund sites help communities?
In some cases, reuse of a site benefits the community by providing a new commercial enterprise or public facility, with associated jobs and income, greater spending at area businesses, increased public revenue, and increased property values at and around the site. In some cases a recycled site can become the catalyst that revitalizes an economically depressed area and helps to preserve a community. Use of a site may give a community greater recreational opportunities, by providing ball fields, playgrounds, historic or cultural centers, or scenic hiking trails. It may result in creation of wetlands, wildlife habitats, or green space. Elimination of an eyesore may stimulate renewed community pride. Returning a site to productive use may make unnecessary new development in areas valued as open space. Finally, use of a site may provide an added measure of assurance that human health and safety will be protected, because the user will not only be responsible for maintaining the protectivene
