A brownfields site is a vacant or underutilized property where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination.
Eligible sites may include former gas stations, mine sites, timber mill sites, bulk fuel storage and distribution sites, landfills, and generally any commercial or industrial site that may be contaminated with hazardous substances.
Not all sites are eligible for brownfields determination:
- Properties listed on EPA’s National Priorities List.
- Sites that are the subject of an ongoing state or federal enforcement action related to site cleanup.
- Properties where the contamination is known to present a high risk to public health.
- Properties subject to an ongoing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal action.
- Properties subject to enforcement under certain federal hazardous waste laws.
Success Stories
Read about the success stories in our interactive Storymap and watch our Barber Pond success story video.
Location | Brownfields Site |
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Brownfields revitalization is a process by which contamination is addressed so that the sites can be redeveloped. Some brownfields properties are usable but have not been targeted for redevelopment. Most, however, have some form of contamination that needs to be addressed before the land can be used.
Cleanup efforts can include actively removing contaminants or restricting certain uses like extraction of ground water or excavation restrictions.
Revitalization of brownfields properties can reduce the release of harmful contaminants into the environment, improve public health, and support plant and animal life. Brownfields development also ensures that land is fully utilized rather than developing undisturbed land.
Developing brownfields can also increase property values by improving neighborhoods, supporting community development, spurring job creation, and providing land resources for projects like parks or community gardens.
To propose a property for consideration of a brownfields assessment, complete and submit a Proposed Brownfield Site form via email, fax, or mail.
For planning and development purposes, it is helpful for communities to complete their own brownfields inventories by identifying vacant abandoned, and/or underutilized properties due to perceived or actual contamination that could be redeveloped to produce jobs, generate revenue, or support community open spaces.
After the properties are identified, communities may choose properties to take further action by requesting and possibly securing environmental assessment and/or cleanup funds (if necessary) from DEQ and/or EPA, often at no cost to the applicant. Once environmental or potential environmental issues have been resolved, the property will be ready for redevelopment.