The Path to Brownf ields Assessment, Cleanup and Sustainable Redevelopment
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1, Bringing Together the Public, Private, and Non-Prof it Sectors
Brownfields can unite groups in rebuilding a community. Work with existing
organizations, where possible, to identify sites and prioritize community needs, Use
existing plans and infrastructure as a basis for redevelopment. To learn more,please
see: www.epa.gov/brownfieids/partnr.htm
2. Involving the Community
There's a good reason why applicants for EPA brownfields grant funds must notify
the public. Community awareness of the assessment and cleanup process, and
opportunities for public involvement increase a site's chance for successful reuse. In
addition, community involvement identifies potential economic opportunities for
local entrepreneurs, businesses, and local job training. For additional information,
3. Identifying and Assessing Sites
Knowing which properties may be contaminated, then confirming the existence
and extent of soil and groundwater contamination is critical to moving ahead with
revitalization efforts. Project investors and potential property buyers need this
information to plan effectively and protect their interests. To learn more about
assessment funding from EPA, please see
www.epa.Qov/brownfields/assessment grants.htm
4. Planning for Property Reuse
Redevelopment options depend on site zoning and planning requirements, and local
and regional market interest. Have a grand vision, but be realistic about what is
economically feasible. Bear in mind that reusing infrastructure can help preserve the
sense and history of a community. To learn more, please see:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/anat bf.htm
5, Cleaning Sites and Providing for Long-Term Stewardship
The focus is cleaning sites to risk-based standards based on the reuse to protect the
environment and public health. Site cleanup may require coordination with state,
tribal and local regulatory agencies to remove, treat, or manage soil and groundwater
contamination. At some properties, engineering controls and land use restrictions are
used to prevent exposure to contamination that remains in place. These engineering
and institutional controls must be factored into future site redevelopment plans. For
www.erja.gov/oswer/tribal/
www.epa.gov/brownfields
www.epa.gov/LANDREVITALIZATION
6. Beautifying Brownfields
Artful design is an important element of brownfields cleanup and redevelopment.
Regardless of end use, consider ways to improve appearance and functionality.
Thoughtful choices in site layout, building construction, landscaping,and
greenscaping add long-term value and benefit to the community. When replacing
an existing hardscape or structure, try to deconstruct, reuse, and recycle all possible
materials. Consider minimizing turf grass and paved areas, and incorporating native
landscaping or trees that require minimal watering. For additional information, please
see: www.asla.org OR www.epa.gov/greenscapes
7. Minimizing Environmental and Public Health Impacts
The private sector and environmental authorities are working towards "greener
cleanups"to find ways to reduce air and water pollution caused by site
redevelopment activities such as cleanup, demolition, and new construction.
Examples of initiatives and requirements include reducing diesel emissions for heavy
equipment, retaining vegetation to prevent erosion and limit dust, and incorporating
low impact and sustainable development approaches. Reusing soils within the work
site to create mounds or berms can be used for windbreaks, reduce noise, and add
visual interest. To learn more, please see: www.epa.state.il.us/land/greener-deanups OR
www.epa.aov/brownfields/tools/tti pub hlt.htm
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Elements to Increasing Sustainable Development and Improving Public Health
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1. Planning Shared or Complete Streets
Create safe access for all users—pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and
motorists. Some elements of a complete street include sidewalks, bike lanes,
medians, special bus lanes, many crosswalks, audible pedestrian signals, and
more. Integrating sidewalks, bike lanes, transit amenities, and safe crossing into
the initial project design spares the expense of later retrofits. For additional
information, see www.completestreets.org
2. Creating Green Space
Research finds that green landscaping can improve public safety, contribute to
reducing violent crime, and increase feelings of well-being. Green space fosters
frequent, friendly interaction among neighbors—the foundation of community
social ties. The more "green" in the surroundings, the greater the effect. Green
landscaping designs are also lower maintenance, environmentally friendly, and
cost-efficient. For additional information, see www.thhl.uiuc.edu OR
3. Designing Storm Water Management or ''Green Infrastructure"
Use of natural systems helps to manage storm water and improve water quality.
Examples of green infrastructure include: green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, or the
use of phytoremediation. Increase the use of permeable hardscapes to minimize
rainwater runoff and erosion. These approaches also offer aesthetic alternatives to the
typical "gray1 infrastructure, like sewers and detention ponds. For additional
5. Providing Access to Transit
The availability and access to bike paths, walking trials,and public transit results
in higher levels of physical activity, improved mobility for the young, elderly, and
disabled, less time commuting, and fewer motor vehicle accidents. In addition,
fewer cars on the road results in fewer lung irritants in the air. For additional
information, see: www.apta.com/research/info/ontine
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4. Using Green Building Materials and Natural Light
Design space with natural light. It increases productivity and mental well-being while
reducing the use of electricity. Indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times as great as
outdoor air pollution. Therefore, the use of green building materials is an important
component of a "health" building. Green building materials (e.g., non-toxic paint) also
allow less toxic indoor environments and also promote conservation by using
renewable resources (e.g., bamboo flooring). Recycled material products (e.g.,
rubberized asphalt, recovered plastic lumber) also require lower maintenance costs.
6. Integrating Mixtures of Uses or "Smart Growth"
By integrating stores, schools, offices, and homes, people tend to be more
physically active and pedestrian safety increases. Smart growth designs also
increase the economic vitality of a community by keeping retail dollars within
the area and increasing tax revenues. To learn more, see
www.smartrowthamerica.or/health.htmlORwww.ea.ov/smartrowth
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
EPA-560-F-08-002
January 2008
7. Planting Native Plants and Trees
Planting native plants and trees provides a hardy, drought-resistant, and
low-maintenance landscape while beautifying and benefiting the environment.
In addition, trees are linked to improvements in mental health, reduce the urban
heat island effect, help manage storm water, save energy, and improve air
www. fs. fed, us/ps w/proorams/cufr
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