What are Brownfields?
Brownfields are underutilized or abandoned industrial or commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Examples include factories, rail yards, landfills, dry cleaners, etc. They are typically located in or near urban areas but may be found in rural areas as well. A Brownfield property may be owned by private citizens, companies, land trusts, banks, or local governments, to name a few.
Brownfields are industrial and commercial sites that are abandoned or unused because of actual or perceived environmental contamination. Often these sites are in urban areas that could be redeveloped, but due to potential liability, developers seek out unused property, or “greenfields,” on which to build. Because an owner of land contaminated with hazardous waste can be held liable for the cost to clean up the land under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), potential purchasers are reluctant to buy brownfield sites. The EPA has determined, however, that over ninety percent of brownfields are not on the National Priorities List, which will not require federal Superfund action. Federal and state programs have created incentives to encourage voluntary clean up and reuse of brownfields by state and local governments and private parties. The incentives include grants, waivers of liability, and tax incentives. Prospective buyers, lenders, insure
