Brownfields Direct Assistance

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), brownfields are "real propert[ies], the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Most people can think of a place in their neighborhood or region where there were industrial activities that had the potential of contaminating the ground. Now idle, those properties are unused because it's easier to develop greenfields (previously unbuilt properties) than rehabilitate a contaminated site.

Why is it important to deal with brownfields? First of all, there is the environmental impact. Over time, there is the potential that brownfields can contaminate other properties as well. If wildlife are taking advantage of the low impact activities there, they may also bring contaminants into the biology of the area. Secondly, brownfields drive down property values. After all, who wants to live next to an unmitigated environmental problem? Third, brownfields contribute to sprawl by taking otherwise productive land out of the market, requiring the construction of new facilities out on the rural edge and the extension of services such as sewer, water, roads, police, fire protection and schools into areas that didn't need it previously--a very expensive option!

If you'd like to point out a brownfield that you'd like to be returned to a productive state, now's the time to inform your local jurisdiction. The EPA is offering assistance to local jurisdictions for direct assistance in the planning of brownfield rehabilitation of a "neighborhood, district, city block or corridor." Your advocacy and the availability of assistance might make something happen! Applications made by your city or county are due by June 1, 2010.