Department of
Environmental Quality

A brownfield site is a vacant or underutilized property where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination. DEQ's Brownfields Assessment Program funds and conducts environmental assessments of brownfield sites to assist communities in revitalizing their neighborhoods. A summary of types and locations of site specific brownfield assessments funded by DEQ may be viewed here: Site Specific Assessment Tracking Table.

How the Assessment Program Works

Units of government, local redevelopment agencies, non-profit organizations, and other government entities may request a brownfield assessment. Private, for-profit organizations may also request a brownfield assessment in partnership with a supportive, eligible entity such as a local government agency or non-profit. In such cases, a letter of support from the eligible partner should accompany the request for brownfield assessment. 

• Brownfield Assessment Request Form

In addition, persons (or organizations) that are or may be affected by a release or threatened contaminant release at a brownfield site in their community can request assessment of the brownfield on behalf of the community. Organizations that may submit requests include neighborhood associations and other community-based organizations.

• Request Assessment of a Community Brownfield Form

DEQ considers and responds to all assessment requests. If the request is successful, DEQ's contractors will perform the requested assessment at no cost to the applicant and will produce a report that:

• reveals whether a site is clean, lightly contaminated, or heavily contaminated
• determines the nature and extent of the contamination
• identifies potential cleanup options
• estimates cleanup costs (if any)

If contamination is found, DEQ will work with the applicant to locate funding opportunities for cleaning up the property and returning it to productive use.

DEQ conducts as many community brownfield assessments as funding allows. If DEQ is unable to perform a requested assessment, DEQ adds the property to its inventory of brownfields and works with the community to develop a renewal approach for the site.