BUILDING A
SUSTAINABL
_,_
A Report on the
Environmental Pr
Brownfields Susti
/
October 2009
ion Agenc
lability Pilot
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INTRODUCTION
The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Brownfields Program empowers states,
communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and
sustainably reuse brownfields. A brownfield is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse
of which may be complicated by the presence or the potential presence of a hazardous substance,
pollutant, or contaminant.
Community stakeholders across the country are formulating projects to sustainably revitalize
brownfields. EPA supports projects that clean up contamination, preserve existing open space, reduce
carbon footprints, reuse existing infrastructure, and revitalize communities.
To encourage and promote sustainable brownfields revitalization, EPA's Office of Brownfields and Land
Revitalization (OBLR) funded 16 Brownfields Sustainability Pilots. EPA's support provided site-specific
technical assistance to integrate sustainability and brownfields redevelopment at projects across the
country.
The report describes each of the Brownfields Sustainability Pilots and provides findings and
recommendations for future projects. It is intended for use by people, communities, organizations, and
agencies helping make brownfields revitalization greener and more sustainable.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction i
Overview 1
Jackson Square - Roxbury, MA 2
Moran Center at Waterfront Park -Burlington, VT 4
The Waterfront -Allentown, PA 6
Allen-Morrison - Lynchburg, VA 8
Greenville Workforce Housing-Greenville, SC 10
Langdale Mill-Valley, AL 12
Green Streetscapes - Focus: HOPE - Detroit, Ml 14
Cleveland Resource Recovery-Cleveland, OH 16
Houston Solar Project- Houston, TX 18
Community Center Rooftop Garden-Oklahoma City, OK 20
Laredo Recreation Center- Laredo, TX 22
Commercial Street Historic District-Springfield, MO 24
Anvil Mountain Neighborhood-Silverton, CO 26
Samoa Peninsula - Humboldt County, CA 28
June Key Delta House-Portland, OR 30
Tabor Commons - Portland, OR 32
Findings and Recommendations 34
Resources . .. 39
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OVERVIEW
EPA's Brownfields Program provides grants and technical support to communities and other stakeholders that are cleaning
up and reusing brownfields. In response to requests by grantees and other local stakeholders, EPA's Brownfields Program
considered ways to encourage sustainable activities at brownfields projects. In 2008, EPA asked its regional offices to
recommend community project proposals for Brownfields Sustainability Pilots. Each applicant could request a maximum
of $50,000 in technical support. Communities submitted proposals for a wide range of brownfields properties, including
corner gas stations, a closed smelter, a former lumber company town, old textile mills, and an abandoned steel plant.
Proposed sustainable activities at the brownfields projects were just as broad including green roof designs, stormwater
management plans, green building analyses, parking lot design, solar energy feasibility plans, and reuse of materials
from a variety of former operations. The proposals were reviewed and selected based on environmental benefit, project
readiness, local capability, feasibility, sustainability, community need, and geographic diversity.
In July 2008, EPA announced 16 Brownfields Sustainability Pilots in 15 communities:
Roxbury, MA
Burlington, VT
Lynchburg, VA
Allentown, PA
Greenville, SC
Valley,AL
Detroit, Ml
Cleveland, OH
Houston, TX
Laredo, TX
Springfield, MO
San Juan County, CO
Samoa Peninsula, CA
Portland, OR (2)
Oklahoma City, OK
EPA provided each Brownfields Sustainability Pilot with a consulting team with specialized expertise to address each
project's characteristics. The consultants that provided support to the pilots included SRA International, Inc., Tetra Tech
EMI, Inc., Vita Nuova LLC, International City and County Management Association, Brownfield Redevelopment Solutions,
Inc., and Milestone Associates, Inc.
The Brownfields Sustainability Pilots commenced in July 2008. Each project had an initial scoping period that lasted
approximately two weeks, during which the consultants and community worked together to delineate the project scope.
The consultants then developed a work plan over the course of a month, after which staff at EPA headquarters reviewed
and approved the plans. The consultants made site visits and worked closely with the community and EPA through the
pilot duration. The amount of time each pilot required—measured from the kickoff call to delivery of the report—ranged
from five to 12 months, with an average pilot duration of nine months. National calls were held to provide pilots with
opportunities to collaborate and share information on the projects.
This report provides an overview of each pilot, and analyzes the background, implementation, challenges and
considerations, and progress made to date since the project's completion. The pilot summaries are snapshots of
each project's progress, reflecting status as of summer 2009. The term "project completed" refers to the Brownfields
Sustainability Pilot, and not necessarily the entire redevelopment project.
The report is intended to identify overall best practices and lessons learned, as well as obstacles that communities may
have faced in pursuing sustainable redevelopment of brownfields. Many of the redevelopment projects are still underway,
propelled by information gained from the Brownfields Sustainability Pilots. For more information on the pilots, including
pilot-specific fact sheets and the final pilot reports, please visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/.
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JACKSON SQUARE
MASSACHUSETTS
REGION i
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
Vermont)
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plts/factsheets/roxbury.pdf
BACKGROUND
Jackson Square is a 14.5 acre brownfield redevelopment, formerly
used for private residences, blacksmithing, gas tank storage, a parking
lot, a plumbing warehouse, a correctional facility, and stables. Prior
investigations identified lead, arsenic, petroleum, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, non-aqueous phase liquid, antimony, copper, zinc, extractable
petroleum hydrocarbon, and urban fill throughout the soil and, occasionally
the ground water.
Urban Edge, a community development corporation native to Roxbury,
Massachusetts, developed a conceptual plan to install green roofs on each
of the 15 buildings in the area. Green roofs have been linked with positive
effects such as reducing building heating and cooling costs, extending the
lifetime of roofing materials, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
In addition, the conceptual plan called for a mixed use residential and
commercial area emphasizing greenspace and sustainable street level
practices. Finally, the plan also helped satisfy part of the city and state
requirements for street level stormwater management. The construction
was planned to be completed in four phases; at the time of the pilot. Urban
Edge was in the design stage of Phase I.
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PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
Urban Edge's goal for the Jackson Square Redevelopment
Initiative is to encourage community involvement and
recreation, as well as provide a template for future green
roof projects. After the initial site visit in December 2008,
the EPA funded consultant evaluated green roof vendors
to determine the most cost effective, viable option for
Jackson Square. The consultant analyzed different types
of green roofs (extensive versus intensive), considerations
for each type of roof (stormwater regulations), roof
components (drainage layer, filter fabric, growing
medium, plant layer, and agricultural alternative), and roof
accessories. Green roof vendors, including Roofscapes,
Xero Flor, and Green Roof Inc., were compared based on
their products, product performance, service traits, and
cost estimates.
The consultants presented Urban Edge with a
comprehensive green roof planning report with
recommendations related to technology, product,
vendor, and cost. The four phases of redevelopment
could potentially yield more than 95,000 square feet of
green roof area when the project is complete. The report
highlights the following considerations for green roofs at
Jackson Square:
- The roofs should have a minimum retention
requirement of 0.5 inches of rain.
The roof configuration and structure be coordinated
among architects and builders.
Staging the green roof installation with construction
will help minimize costs.
- An extended long term maintenance and warranty
contract should be obtained.
- Native vegetation should be planted to attract local
and migratory birds.
Additional programming interests for the site should
be set.
As recommended in the consultant's report. Urban
Edge should choose a full service vendor for the green
roof installation. Even if Urban Edge selects the vendor
offering the most complete array of services of the three
vendors evaluated, it will still need to coordinate the roof
contractor and vendor designs.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
New construction on sites larger than one acre
must comply with the Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection stormwater
management guidelines. These principles define
the quality and peak flow discharge of stormwater.
Since green roofs reduce the need for stormwater
treatment on the ground, they are a favorable
alternative to traditional construction.
- Green roofs require substantial infrastructure
reinforcement, so the green roof design and
installation contractors must ensure the systems
are installed with appropriate rooftop loading
capacities, roof slopes, and space availability.
The consultant considered relevant building
characteristics in recommending the optimal green
roof system and vendor.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
Since receiving the green roof planning report in May
2009, Urban Edge completed structural analyses of the
buildings onsite. Originally, Urban Edge assumed the
green roof would cover about 70 percent of the roof space.
When it conducted the structural analysis, it decided to
be less conservative and assume 100 percent of the roof
space would be covered with the green roof. The structural
report revealed that covering the entire roof space would
be cost prohibitive and require substantial structural
reinforcement. It also verified the original assumption
that the roof could support 70 percent green roof surface
coverage. Installing the green roof as currently planned
will require minor structural reinforcement.
Since May 2009, Urban Edge issued a request for
proposals from green roof contractors who use an
extensive grid system, based on the consultant's report. Of
the five bids received, four bids proposed using extensive
systems and one bid proposed using a tray system. Visit
Urban Edge's Web site at http://www.urbanedge.org/
green-housing.php for more information.
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MORAN CENTER AT
WATERFRONT PARK
VERMONT
REGION i
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
Vermont)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/moran.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Burlington Electric Department operated a coal fired electric generating
facility at the Moran Center site from 1953 to 1986. Railroad, lumber, and
petroleum businesses also occupied the land. Using other EPA funding,
the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission conducted Phase
I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) that revealed
trichloroethylene in the soil and ground water as well as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, lead paint and asbestos in building materials. The Moran
building was built with intake and outflow sluiceways to utilize lake water
to cool the former power plant. Other EPA funds will be used to close off
the sluiceways permanently separating the building from the lake, and to
develop a cleanup plan for the interior of the Moran building.
The City of Burlington hired an architecture firm to develop detailed
schematic drawings and estimate construction costs to repurpose the
Moran building. In early 2008, the Community and Economic Development
Office (CEDO) of Burlington issued a redevelopment plan, Moran Center at
Waterfront Park: Guide to the Redevelopment of the Moran Plant, which
proposes that the site be designed as an extension of the waterfront park
with improved pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle amenities, and serve
as a mixed use community center. Some of the proposed programming
components include a children's splash park, a skating rink, a remodeled
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skate park, a rock climbing wall, the first indoor ice
climbing wall in North America, the Green Mountain
Children's Museum, an expansion of the Community
Sailing Center, and other community amenities.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
On October 23,2008, an EPA funded consultant team
visited the site and worked with CEDO to develop green
infrastructure, green building, and enhanced wetland
design recommendations for the property's revitalization.
The consultants recommended over 15 site specific
approaches for incorporating green infrastructure,
including restoring and protecting shoreline buffer and
wetland zones; separating vehicular, bike, and pedestrian
circulation; using porous paving and tree structural cells
to reduce runoff; and using native plants to minimize
watering and mowing. The final report includes six
technical diagrams highlighting site zones and parcels,
a Phase I plan, a long range plan, roads and parking,
pedestrian walkways, and a tree and bioswale plan.
The consultant team's recommendations for green building
design include over 30 approaches related to natural
lighting and ventilation, incorporating a greenhouse,
energy efficient mechanical heating and cooling, and other
techniques for reducing the site's carbon footprint. The
consultants also recommended an approach for wetland
restoration that balances the perspectives of ecological,
engineering, planning, and user stakeholders: combating
the common reed (Phragmites australis) by shading the
area and establishing a swamp forest ecosystem. The final
report describes and estimates a budget for a feasibility
analysis, conceptual and schematic ecosystem restoration
design, development of design and construction
documents, and construction.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- CEDO intends for the Moran Center to be known
as a sustainable site and a community center. The
consultants suggest developers and engineers
use an integrated design approach to incorporate
sustainable features in all phases of development.
Cost effective and feasible sustainability strategies
must be identified before construction begins.
The final site plan must integrate and balance
ecological, engineering, and development
considerations. For example, the wetland
restoration plan must balance the need for habitat
creation with the need for water management.
Incorporating sustainable design features while
maintaining the brick exterior and other historic
qualities of the Moran Center will require additional
planning (e.g., the building will be insulated from
the inside).
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The Moran Center project has received additional funding
from the Burlington City Council ($46,000) to design,
engineer and estimate the costs of improvements to
the site around the Moran Center. The dams have been
constructed permanently closing the "sluiceways" that
once brought lake water into and out of the Moran building
as part of the electric generating process. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers worked with CEDO to dewater the
Moran Center basement allowing assessment activities
to be completed, and a $100,00 technical assistance grant
from Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation
funded the removal of debris and sediments inside the
former electric generating station.
In August 2009, the City of Burlington received an
additional $3 million in financial support from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to
continue redevelopment of the Moran Center. Once
all cleanup activities have been completed, CEDO
plans to build an 8,000 square foot gravel wetland to
process stormwater. The Moran Center plans to apply
for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
certification.
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THE WATERFRONT
PENNSYLVANIA
REGION 3
(Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, West Virginia,
and the District of Columbia)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/waterfront.pdf
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Waterfront redevelopment site. Photo Source: Dunn Twiggar, LLC.
BACKGROUND
The Waterfront site is located on a 26 acre brownfield on the west bank of
the Lehigh River, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Formerly a steel plant, the site
is now occupied by multiple tenants. The site developer is planning a mixed
use redevelopment at the property, with site construction to begin when the
current tenants' leases expire, in approximately two years.
Separate from the Sustainability Pilot, EPA sampled the soil and ground
water and found volatile organic compounds, manganese, and iron in the
ground water, as well as lead, cadmium, and zinc in the soil.
The public does not currently have access to the riverfront via the property.
Revitalization of the property would promote the historical, cultural, and
environmental prominence of the Lehigh River. The developer plans to
integrate low impact development (LID) stormwater management in the
redevelopment plans, and is considering other environmentally sustainable
systems such as demolition debris reuse.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
The EPA funded consultants visited the site in December 2008 to gather
initial topographic information, collect field data, and meet with the site's
developer, the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, and
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officials from local agencies. Based on these meetings,
EPA and local officials decided that the Brownfield
Sustainability Pilot project would focus on incorporating
LID techniques into the redevelopment plan and enhancing
the riparian buffer along the Lehigh River.
EPA's consultants developed conceptual design drawings
for LID practices accounting for four potential constraints:
the site's master redevelopment plan; soil and ground
water contamination; floodplain construction; and
riverbank limitations. The LID systems were categorized
into erosion and sediment control practices, riverfront
features, and site redevelopment features.
Consultants recommended specific techniques for erosion
and sediment control such as silt fences, turbidity barriers,
sedimentation basins, inlet protection for controlling
sediment during construction, and using an erosion control
blanket and a buffer zone with temporary seeding.
Because of the site's location along the Lehigh River, the
Waterfront property is considered ideal for recreation.
The riverwalk is a prominent feature of the redevelopment
plan and the consultants recommended riverbank features
that include soil bioengineering techniques to naturally
reinforce bank slopes, a living wall system, naturalized
detention areas with wetland vegetation, infiltration
trenches and filter strips, and a riverwalk with pervious
pavement.
Consultants also recommended three large scale
sustainable site redevelopment features: pervious
pavement, bioretention areas (rain gardens and vegetated
swales), and green roofs, in addition to cisterns and rain
barrels. These techniques will minimize the creation of
impervious areas, maximize stormwater infiltration, and
reduce stormwater runoff.
In their report, the consultants also suggested ways to
enhance the project's success, including: (1) a shoreline
tree survey of vegetation species to determine which
trees could be removed and the potential need for
riverbank stablization; and (2) a geotechnical investigation
of soil permeability and stability to identify technical
requirements for constructing the LID stormwater
management system.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The existing ground water and soil contamination
limits the LID stormwater systems that would
be suitable for the property. In pursuing site
cleanup, stakeholders should consider removing
contaminants, installing a cap, or inserting clean
soil into the current mix.
- The master redevelopment plan was developed
prior to the Brownfields Sustainability Pilot and
includes one million square feet of residential,
retail, and office use. None of the proposed LID
stormwater techniques will require changes to the
plan.
- A portion of the Waterfront property is located in
the 100 year floodplain zone, thus development
must address high water level conditions and
permitting issues. To develop a stormwater
system, the developer will have to obtain a
water obstruction or encroachment permit from
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection.
Although the riverbank is steep and narrow, it
is currently stable due to the large trees and
vegetation that are present. Future stormwater
management will need to be designed to avoid
disrupting this equilibrium and endangering the
stability of the shoreline.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
There is a large scale revitalization plan for properties
along the Lehigh River, including the Waterfront property.
In addition, the City of Allentown is considering potential
sites for a planned hockey arena in this area, and has
considered the Waterfront property. If used for a sporting
complex, the Waterfront property will still be able to
use many of the recommendations from EPA's technical
assistance.
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ALLEN-MORRISON
VIRGINIA
REGION 3
(Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and the District of Columbia)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/allenmorrison.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Allen-Morrison site comprises multiple buildings previously used to
manufacture goods such as wagons and metal signs, including the Allen-
Morrison facility (buildings totaling 87,800 square feet) and the Thornhill
facility (buildings totaling 86,400 square feet). Since 1996 when the
property was abandoned, Lynchburg has been planning to redevelop the
area as a public park that includes a community center, playground, and
picnic areas. The city also wants to facilitate citizens' connections to the
city stadium and Lynchburg Grows, a nonprofit urban farm, through this
redevelopment. Lynchburg Grows hopes to demonstrate the importance of
green, healthy living as well as local agriculture, through the project.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), through
the Voluntary Remediation Program, conducted Phase I and Phase II
environmental assessments on the Allen-Morrison site using EPA funding.
The assessments revealed soil contaminated with metals and semivolatile
organic compounds. Additional soil and ground water tests are currently
being conducted utilizing EPA funding. Virginia DEQ will be instrumental in
directing additional funding and support after the pilot is completed.
One of the city's primary goals for the project is to engage the community
by providing an opportunity for education and community interaction at
the park. The site redevelopment is intended to be a catalyst for similar
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sustainable initiatives, revive the site history, and
stimulate the local job and volunteer market.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
To pursue its sustainability goals, the City of Lynchburg
sought technical support from EPA to conduct an inventory
of site materials that may be appropriate for reuse and
recycling. The EPA funded consultant visited the site in
November 2008 and reviewed the existing due diligence
resources including maps, site plans, and estimates of
hazardous materials. A local lumber salvage company
representative conducted a follow up visit. The Allen-
Morrison and Thornhill facilities were surveyed to
determine the type and amount of reusable and recyclable
materials. The EPA consultant also developed a material
reuse inventory tool to collect information on material
weight, quantity, and other measurements, as well as the
approximate cost of lumber, metal for scrap use, and other
available reusable items.
The consultant performed a deconstruction feasibility
assessment for each of the facilities to measure indicators
such as building condition and safety; building dimensions,
accessibility, and complexity; entanglement; asbestos
and hazardous materials; materials and salvage potential;
mobilization; garbage; and labor.
The assessment determined that deconstruction of the
Allen-Morrison facility would not be cost effective, and
that demolition followed by mechanical separation of
demolition debris into recyclable materials would be
more appropriate. The assessment determined that
portions of the Thornhill facility were more suitable for
deconstruction, and that, in particular, building 7A had high
potential for salvageable value. Some materials possess
an industrial heritage and could be reused to revive
citizens' appreciation for the site's history (e.g., onsite
reuse of sliding doors, skylights, paint mixing vessels,
sprinkler systems, metal signs, shelving units, as well as
other equipment and machinery). The pilot report provides
an approximate cost for these recommendations; however,
local developers, engineers, industrial representatives, and
vendors should further evaluate the reuse potential.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The city was not experienced in large scale
deconstruction projects. The city developed
innovative, creative solutions to plan for a
deconstruction project of this magnitude and the
city is now demonstrating the feasibility of future
large scale deconstruction projects.
- The EPA consultant originally planned to develop
a deconstruction materials inventory for the Allen-
Morrison and Thornhill facilities, but the feasibility
assessment results indicated that only one
inventory was needed.
- The consultants could not access and assess all
of the materials in the facilities, so they could not
determine the exact quantities suitable for reuse.
The consultant estimated the potential salvage
value of materials based on discussions with local
vendors and businesses. However, these values
can change based on salvage markets and did
not include transportation costs, lending some
uncertainty to the analysis.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The city asked EPA for additional assistance to prepare bid
documents for deconstruction based on the consultant's
materials inventory and recommendations. EPA granted
this request and the city is scheduled to complete the bid
documents in late 2009.
Virginia DEQ acquired funding from EPA to finish site
assessment activities at the Allen-Morrison and Thornhill
facilities, including soil and ground water sampling, which
is expected to be completed by December 2009.
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GREENVILLE WORKFORCE
HOUSING
SOUTH CAROLINA
REGION 4
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Tennessee)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/reports/GreenAvenueSites_
TechMemo_08_09.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Greenville Workforce Housing project is a one acre brownfield, located
on the corner of McLeod Street and Green Avenue, in Greenville, South
Carolina. The vacant lot previously housed a gas station and a supermarket
and had nine underground storage tanks (USTs), an above ground storage
tank (AST), and a 6,250 square foot building containing asbestos. The USTs
and AST were removed in 2009 and all structures were demolished.
Soil and ground water sampling identified several contaminants at the site,
including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, methyl tertiary-
butyl ether, ethylene dibromide, and naphthalene. Based on contaminant
concentrations, monitored natural attenuation was selected as the remedy
for the site.
The city's movement towards healthy, sustainable, and affordable workforce
housing will reduce impacts from stormwater discharges and promote the
project as a replicable model in other communities. Before requesting EPA
assistance, the city formulated redevelopment goals and preliminary site
plans. The city requested EPA assistance with recommending sustainable
redevelopment features. In addition, the city hopes that by integrating
sustainable features, the project will be more marketable to developers.
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PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
During the site visit in May 2009, the EPA funded
consultant evaluated existing city plans and observed
site conditions. The consultant delivered a conceptual
site design that included six detached, single family
units. The homes are planned as two level, 1,000 square
foot units, each with a parking space. In addition, the
conceptual site design included sustainable development
practices including: erosion and sediment control,
infiltration trenches and filter strips, pervious pavement,
rain gardens, bioswales, rain barrels, community gardens,
solar panels, soil amendments, downspout disconnects,
native landscaping, compost bins, curb and gutter cuts,
planter boxes, and vegetated curb extensions to sidewalks
and curbing. Where possible, these recommendations
also came with specific guidelines and design details for
optimally implementing the sustainable features.
To facilitate more detailed design and full integration of
green and sustainable design features, the consultant
also recommended a geotechnical investigation for soil
permeability and sizing green features for stormwater
management. Using the site as a demonstration project
and monitoring its benefits was also recommended.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- Because the city plans to construct a dry pond on a
portion of the site, build new curbs and sidewalks,
and expand sanitary sewer lines, the consultant
developed the plan for the remaining portion of the
site and avoided suggestions that would require
changing the city's plan.
- The City of Greenville proposes similar
redevelopment at the nearby Bell Furniture site,
and at the time of the pilot project, the city was
in negotiations to develop properties close to
the Green Avenue site. Therefore, the consultant
considered potential expansion and replication
of the site plan when recommending sustainable
techniques.
- The city monitors 18 wells on the property as part
of the natural attenuation remediation plan. The
consultant developed a site plan that would provide
continued access to these wells.
During the pilot project, a key city representative
who had originally spearheaded the project, left the
city. The project's progress slowed as the remaining
city staff took over project responsibilities.
Due to environmental issues at the property, the
city has had challenges with finding a developer.
Equipped with the pilot report, the city hopes the
project will be more enticing for developers. The
city also hopes to increase home ownership in
the neighborhood, and plans to identify buyers to
purchase the units once the project is complete.
- Often, local ordinances and lack of knowledge by
stormwater management authorities can present
obstacles when designing for and installing
sustainable stormwater management features such
as bioswales and rain gardens.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The city is in the process of identifying a developer for this
small scale residential development. The city allocated
funds for the project and once it finds a developer, will be
ready to start construction within two weeks. The project
could be completed as early as summer 2010. The city
will work with the developer to determine which of the
consultant's recommendations to implement. The city
also acquired other vacant properties in the surrounding
area and is working to create a market for residential
development. The city demolished a number of abandoned
homes and is building new houses on the lots, which are
located half a mile from the new baseball stadium.
11
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LANGDALE MILL
REGION 4
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Tennessee)
_
l(t& City oft l/affzu, is
o i«e fade, tK/x&d
the, Btcow«ft/e,fd$
c/ttj> dew f oped an wtMnto
oft botent/af reugakfe or
r-eeu&fabfe wateriafs at
t(t,e U^dafe Mi ff that
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/reports/langdale.pdf
BACKGROUND
Langdale Mill is a 500,000 square foot former textile mill. The mill
operated in Valley from 1860 to the late 1990s as a textile manufacturing
facility, employing many local residents. The property is located along
the Chattahoochee River, half way between Montgomery, Alabama,
and Atlanta, Georgia. Starting in 1999, the City of Valley held visioning
charrettes and discussions to determine a redevelopment strategy for the
mill site. Participants in these meetings suggested redeveloping the textile
mill into a recreation site by building a canoe trail and other features. The
city partnered with Auburn University and an architect to conduct feasibility
studies and renderings. Students enrolled in the University's economics
classes consulted on ways to incorporate mixed use development into the
mill site, such as building office space and a food co-op.
The City of Valley received two EPA Brownfields grants: a 2007 Assessment
grant and a 2008 Cleanup grant. Both address contamination concerns at
the mill. The city consultants on these grants provided assistance to the
Brownfields Sustainability Pilot. The city hopes the project will encourage
sustainable development, as well as generate local jobs and promote the
site's history of industrial prowess.
-------
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
The EPA funded consultants for the pilot project worked
with the city to generate a material reuse inventory tool.
The consultants worked with the city, Brownfields grant
consultants, and local stakeholders to establish the scope
of the field survey and reviewed existing development
plans and maps. In October 2008 and February 2009, the
EPA consultants surveyed several structures on the site
including five warehouses, a rooftop air handling unit, and
aboveground storage tanks.
The inventory tool was used to document and organize
survey findings, including quantities and potential value
of the agreed-upon materials, including lumber, metal
for scrap or reuse, brick, concrete, and other items with
value or industrial heritage. The inventory demonstrated
that with deconstruction of the mill facility, an estimated
109,000 board feet of lumber, 290,000 pounds of metal,
and 63,000 bricks could be recovered for recycling and
reuse. Combined, these materials have an estimated
value of $150,000. The consultants also conducted a
mill deconstruction feasibility assessment, during which
they assessed: building condition and safety; building
dimensions, accessibility, and complexity; entanglement;
asbestos and hazardous materials; materials and salvage
potential; mobilization; garbage; and labor.
After developing the inventory of materials and
deconstruction feasibility assessment, the consultants
suggested options for sale or onsite reuse of the materials.
Because the inventory and pilot report discusses the
potential resale value of each material and alternatives to
selling the items, the city can consider alternative uses of
the deconstructed materials before recycling or disposal.
For example, lumber could be sold, but reusing the boards
onsite could promote sustainable development or create
jobs if reused in an onsite furniture shop.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- The consultants asked local salvage vendors to
help estimate costs and values, quantity conversion
factors, and units. However, transportation costs
and market fluctuations may change the potential
value of the materials.
Consultants had to use computer aided design
site drawings to estimate the dimensions of
some inaccessible materials and to supplement
field measurements, adding uncertainty to the
assessment.
The City of Valley may require additional funding
to implement the consultants' recommendations;
however this cost may be partially offset by the
potential value of the materials if they are sold or
recycled.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The community used Brownfields grants to perform
an inventory, remove above ground storage tanks, and
stage future removal work. The city incorporated pilot
recommendations into its redevelopment plan and into
a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a contractor to
deconstruct and redevelop the site. Located within an
historic textile mill corridor, the city is working with
Alabama's tourist board to acquire funding for a Web site.
It hopes the Langdale Mill will serve as a model for similar
projects. The city started a Farmers Market at Langdale
Mill, giving citizens access to locally grown produce,
and drawing attention to the opportunity for mixed use
redevelopment.
Auburn University is interested in using the mill site for
continuing education classes, conference space, and a
hotel, and is negotiating with the city for use of the site
for automotive job training with Kia Motors. The city
plans to redevelop a mill house as a bed and breakfast
as a prototype for redevelopment, and seek Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The
city would like to conduct a green building analysis for
additional buildings onsite.
13
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GREEN STREETSCAPES -
FOCUS: HOPE
MICHIGAN
REGION 5
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, and Wisconsin)
ioca.s: fiOPE is fwittwrau
a naM^er oft brown fields
in Detroit, wfaktOK,
Tn>e nonprofit used tke
Brown ft/efds Sustainabifit^
P/tfot to dewtfop stormwater
management and 'sa.staino.we
streetscape designs to
' y connect tke
brownftiecd reiH'tawzation
protects.
View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/
sustain_plts/reports/Streetscapes_
Final_7_31_09.pdf
BACKGROUND
Focus: HOPE, a civil and human rights organization based in Detroit,
Michigan, is redeveloping several brownfield properties in the Central
Woodward/North End neighborhood of Detroit. These properties were
used for industrial and commercial purposes including metal fabrication,
warehouses, and a service station, and are all located along Oakman
Boulevard, an arterial road with existing utility infrastructure. Focus:
HOPE plans to build a new park at the intersection of Oakman Boulevard
and Woodrow Wilson Avenue. It also plans to build a new three story
residential complex for afforadable housing and redevelop an existing
historic commercial high rise into a mixed use building.
Focus: HOPE is acting both as the community organization and developer. It
intends for this project to be a catalyst to revitalize the neighborhood and
promote sustainability beyond individual brownfield properties.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants visited the site and met with community
stakeholders to refine the project scope and develop a work plan. They
agreed that the pilot report would evaluate the application of green
streetscape components at the brownfields located along Oakman
-------
Boulevard. Consultants defined green streetscapes as
"those which adhere to well established standards of
sustainable design" and included six design objectives
in the pilot report: improve air quality; reduce heat island
effects; improve water quality; enhance the urban forest
and wildlife habitat; reduce light pollution; and mitigate/
rehabilitate brownfield conditions. The consultants
then identified green streetscape design guidelines and
prepared project concepts to meet the six objectives. The
consultants surveyed the existing utility infrastructure,
site features, remaining soil contamination, and existing
stormwater management to inform the application of the
green streetscape standards to the project site.
The consultants developed a conceptual design for the
project area along Oakman Boulevard that takes the
environmental conditions of the property into consideration
and includes specific construction guidance for areas
where the planned redevelopment meets the street.
The resulting stormwater management and streetscape
designs serve as a prototype for other streetscapes
in the area or streets elsewhere that reside within
similar contexts. The pilot study also provides technical
specifications and construction details, which help
designers begin to develop construction documents for
implementation within the Focus: HOPE redevelopment
area.
The consultants' design is expected to improve street
conditions by reducing the quantity of stormwater and
increasing the quality of stormwater leaving each site by
incorporating permeable paving, stormwater planters,
curbs extension, rain garden, curb inlet trench gate, and
scored concrete. The consultants recommended three
design concepts that modify the width of a new center
median and use of a standard/infill crosswalk.
Focus: HOPE plans to use the pilot report for site specific
redevelopment, as well as a tool for presenting its
proposal to the City of Detroit. Therefore, the consultants
delivered two versions of the report. One version included
introductory text and graphics of the proposed designs.
which could be used for posting on the internet or other
distribution medium. The second version recommended the
specific site design plan, and will be used to move forward
with project implementation.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The site's redevelopment and stormwater systems
must accommodate existing infrastructure such as
cable vision and gas lines.
- Nonprofit developers, such as Focus: HOPE, often
have limited capital for community development
and must combine different sources of funding
to cover the entire project cost (e.g., government
funding and private funding such as grants from
foundations, equity investments, and market rate
loans).
- At the community's request, the consultants
redefined the original pilot project scope from
green building design to focus on stormwater
management and green streetscape design. This
change allows for sustainable connectivity between
the proposed park and residential buildings, as
well as connections with the broader fabric of the
neighborhood.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
Focus: HOPE shared the study with City of Detroit staff
and is working to secure support from city officials for
project implementation. Redevelopment on the four
properties within the project scope is slowly progressing,
despite a difficult affordable housing market. As the
properties redevelop. Focus: HOPE intends to implement
recommendations from the study for site stormwater
management, native landscaping, and green streetscapes
elements to the extent both financially and operationally
possible.
15
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CLEVELAND RESOURCE RECOVERY
REGION 5
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, and Wisconsin)
Tn>rouj<(t> its JJe'&OKstp-
iKitiatiw, t/t& Cttu OK
and de-tKofisft&s l>uifdin^s at
u-a&ant brobe>tc'tie>s across the,
c/ttj> eae/v Meat*-. To impf-ow
amowt oft
tkis witiatiw tke>
&itu used tt& row«ie,
£u.stai«al>$tM Ptfot to
e,u-af(j(.ate, (e-ssotis fe>ar«e,d
ftrom bast de>&ot(stru.c,tfot(
projects.
View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain
plts/factsheets/cleveland.pdf
BACKGROUND
There are a large number of vacant properties in Cleveland, Ohio. Since
2005, demolition of vacant properties increased from 195 demolitions per
year, to 1,139 demolitions per year in 2008. Continuing this trend, in 2009,
approximately 1,700 abandoned buildings are slated for demolition.
In Cleveland, demolition debris and construction waste are among the
largest contributions to landfills. In response, in 2007, the city began its
Deconstruction Initiative, which promotes deconstruction of buildings and
the reuse of materials found in those buildings, rather than conventional
demolition. The city is taking a proactive approach to increase the
diversion of recyclable building materials from the waste stream through
deconstruction.
The city is determined to improve on its past deconstruction projects
and identify "lessons learned" to apply to future projects. Through the
Brownfields Sustainability Pilot, the city requested technical assistance
with identifying lessons learned for deconstruction at specific brownfield
sites. The city will apply the lessons learned from these sites to its city-
wide deconstruction and demolition efforts.
-------
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants worked with the City of Cleveland,
a materials reuse company, city contractors, a nonprofit
workforce development program, and other stakeholders
to establish project goals. They discussed opportunities to
increase material reuse and to promote environmentally
sustainable demolition and deconstruction practices. In
the final pilot report, the consultants delivered a summary
of Cleveland's goals, five categories of lessons learned,
and potential mitigating strategies for improving the
Deconstruction Initiative. The categories of lessons
learned are: procurement, contract specifications,
participation, portfolio management, and materials
marketplace.
Consultants recommended that the city improve its
procurement process, in part by establishing a construction
and demolition (C&D) waste management plan, adopting
improved C&D procurement regulation language, and
integrating deconstruction goals and requirements into
contracts. Among the lessons learned, consultants
recommended that contract specifications be improved
by ensuring all contracts and bid specifications include
deconstruction requirements, allowing bundling of
deconstruction projects to allow contractors to submit
more competitive bids, and increasing the flexibility of
permits and regulations.
Consultants also recommended increasing participation
in the initiative through a variety of outreach and
networking opportunities, and by providing incentives
to local foundations and minority job training programs
who participate in deconstruction. The lessons learned
related to portfolio management included encouraging
the immediate salvage of materials from vacant buildings
to prevent vandalism, and recommendations related
to establishing and managing "abandoned building"
programs. Finally, recommendations specific to improving
the deconstruction process were provided.
The city plans to use the lessons learned at the growing
number of vacant properties across the city. If successfully
implemented, the city may demonstrate its growing
experience in incorporating deconstruction techniques into
demolition and brownfields redevelopment and improve its
chances for securing additional funding for the initiative.
To support long term success, the city intends to formulate
performance targets for C&D debris diversion, educate
residents on personal remodeling projects, and establish
"design for deconstruction" criteria for new construction.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The city is seeking opportunities to better
involve the general public and appeal to private
innovators and investors. As discussed in the pilot
report, some regulations could be amended to
encourage deconstruction and provide incentives
to developers. Though implementing the lessons
learned and completing more deconstruction
projects may take time, it will help the city collect
needed data to demonstrate results.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The city is determining how to integrate the lessons
learned from the pilot report into its deconstruction
activities and it hopes to incorporate some of the site-
specific recommendations into a program. Meanwhile,
EPA Region 5 staff is developing a register of sustainable
activities in the region, which may include the city's
Deconstruction Initiative, since it demonstrates a
sustainable and proactive approach to vacant property.
Cleveland's approach could become a model for other
deconstruction and vacant property programs.
17
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HOUSTON SOLAR PROJECT
REGION 6
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas)
Tn>e City ofi Tiou.stot( is
b fanning to bwU a 10
I 0
megawatt sofar ftaf-tn
on a rmer /ai//.
Pifotf t/te
economic-f and engineering
considerations associated
with, dewfobinj> a so far ftarm
site design were anafu.
View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/houston_solar.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Holmes Road Landfill comprises 300 acres near downtown Houston,
Texas. The landfill was closed in the 1970s, and was subsequently capped.
Over the past 30 years, developers and contractors proposed a variety of
plans for the property, including a golf course and office space.
The City of Houston believes the site to be an optimal location for a
solar farm, as it is expected to improve environmental quality locally
and regionally, improve residents' safety, promote the site's heritage,
and highlight the city's sustainability efforts at a highly visible location.
Redeveloping the site will support local economic development objectives
by providing Houston an opportunity to enter the emerging solar power
market.
The city is interested in purchasing thin film solar panels from Applied
Materials or an equivalent production line, which produces panels four
times the size of conventional processes. It requested technical assistance
with recommending the optimal system and design of a solar farm.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
During the field visit to the landfill, an EPA funded consultant met with the
city and other stakeholders. Consultants recommended that the solar farm
-------
be built on the southern half of the landfill. Before building,
the city must clear and grade the site, ensuring not to
disturb the cap or expose any contamination. In addition
to the site visit, consultants completed a regulatory
assessment of all federal Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, state, and local solid waste requirements.
Through the regulatory interpretation, consultants
determined the proposed solar power farm is classified as
a nonenclosed structure.
Consultants evaluated the system's design, wind
loading, and other characteristics that will be affected by
conditions at the Holmes Road Landfill. They concluded
that the landfill solar power farm should install fixed tilt
(30 degrees) mounting structures with amorphous silicon
thin film modules.
After determining the optimal system and type of panels,
consultants considered the spacing, panel alignment,
required inverters for conversion from DC to AC power
to allow power to be transmitted into the grid, and
photovoltaic (PV) equipment specifications. They conducted
a PV generation output analysis and estimated that project
could generate over 12,500,000 kilowatt hours annually,
equivalent to 1 percent of Houston's municipal electrical
needs. Consultants estimated the construction and energy
costs for the solar farm at between $4.40 and $5.90 per
watt, with total project costs ranging from $44 to $59
million. The consultants recommended specific strategies
the city could use to pursue development of the solar
power farm. After a third party develops the solar power
farm, the city plans to purchase the solar power that is
generated through a power purchase agreement with a
local electricity supplier.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- The landfill is only visible on three sides from the
road, has overgrowth that prevents walking the
site, and is mostly inaccessible by foot. However,
the field visit provided the information to develop
requirements for the project.
Developers must use extreme caution to not disrupt
the landfill cap, especially when clearing and
grading the site. Since photovoltaic systems vary in
weight, foundation, and structure, developers must
choose equipment and installation methods least
likely to penetrate the cap.
Developers must consider the differential
settlement of the landfill surface.
- A park borders a portion of the landfill and the
Regional Brownfields Program proposed expanding
the park into part of the landfill. The site is large
enough to sustain both uses.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
Since the pilot report, the city distributed a RFP and
received bids from 11 companies. In September 2009, the
city selected NRG Energy Inc. to develop the solar farm.
After designing and building the solar power farm, NRG
will enter into a long term power purchase agreement with
the city where it will sell the solar generated power.
In addition to the RFP and power purchase agreement
negotiations, the city is developing a master plan for the
Holmes Road Landfill to include three primary uses: the
solar farm, the park expansion, and a botanical garden.
The EPA funded consultants originally suggested 150
acres would be needed for the solar farm, but the city
believes that only 100 acres are needed based on recent
technological advances.
Building from this project, the City of Houston identified
other locations with potential to develop 10 megawatt
solar farms. The city believes a project at a waste water
facility may be cost effective, since generating the power
onsite will reduce its energy demand and provide the
facility with power in the event of a hurricane or other
emergency when all other power sources are shut down.
19
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COMMUNITY CENTER
ROOFTOP GARDEN
OKLAHOMA
REGION 6
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas)
Tn>e £a.t
Deuu/fdit(< and was
to woorborate a roofttob
par-den to (w>fb coweat
foeaf residents to nature.
1C DA used t/ve Brocvn fields
SastojtiGibifitu, P/'fot to
eu-o.fu.ate tke fieasibifitu oft
bu/fdinp a preen wo ft.
View the fact sheet for this project at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/com_ce_spfs.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) provides community
programs for children, youth, and adults in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The
city helped LCDA acquire a property with a former retail building for its
new headquarters. LCDA requested EPA assistance with incorporating a
green roof into the reconstruction of the building, which was vacant since
the1980s.
LCDA wants to expand its current programming. It plans to use the new
headquarters building to provide community services such as healthcare,
daycare, senior services, and social services. Because the facility is
expected to be heavily used, LCDA sought support to develop a rooftop
garden that could incorporate some of the program activities while
providing people with a greater connection to nature.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants met with city stakeholders, LCDA, a professor at
Oklahoma University, an architect, and a contractor to assess the feasibility
of installing a green rooftop on the new LCDA headquarters building. As
a first step, a local green roof expert evaluated wind and sun conditions
to determine the building's constraints. The consultant also analyzed the
-------
potential for installing a blue roof, which is a roof that
stores water to eliminate stormwater runoff and cool the
building.
Through these early discussions facilitated by the EPA
consultant and LCDA, and the initial constraints analysis,
experts determined that the building was unsuitable for
a rooftop garden, as well as a blue roof, due to structural
constraints. The building and existing roof structure was
not able to support the additional weight associated with a
green or blue roof.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- LCDA originally considered using the rooftop garden
for daycare activities. Stakeholders did not want
a daycare facility to be on the top of a building,
so LCDA altered its plans to include programs for
seniors on the rooftop garden.
Consultants and a group of experts visited a
local museum with a rooftop terrace. The rooftop
terrace has experienced operational issues, mostly
due to the severe winds and high temperatures
experienced in the region. Many days, it is too
windy for people to use the terrace, and due to
the weather conditions, the maintenance costs
are high. Based on this information, LCDA altered
its plan to have senior programs on the roof and
instead considered that middle school students
could plant some of the vegetation and participate
in habitat vegetation on the rooftop.
An architect surveyed the building and determined
the building and roof structure were unable to
support additional weight. Experts found that the
cost of retrofitting the building to be able to support
a rooftop garden would be prohibitive, especially
given the limited activities and programs that could
be operated on the roof. The anticipated energy
cost savings from the natural cooling features of the
proposed green rooftop were estimated to be less
than the costs.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
Through the Brownfields Sustainability Pilot, LCDA
determined that a green roof is not a viable option on
its new headquarters building. Because it was able to
determine this early in the development process, it saved
significant time and resources that would have otherwise
been used to plan the space. LCDA also avoided putting
staff or citizens in danger. LCDA continues to explore
options regarding the building's construction and use.
21
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LAREDO RECREATION CENTER
REGION 6
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas)
Tn>e City oft £aredo is
pfanninjt to incorporate £/D
fteatares in tke construct/on
oft an afternate parfanj> fot
ftor tke rfaunes Recreation
Center, i(t>e citu ugedtke
Pifot to dewfop design
options and concept p/ans ftor
t(t,e IfD parfa'nj> area.
View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain
plts/factsheets/laredo.pdf
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo plans to develop a community recreation center adjacent
to former contaminated wetland brownfields site. The Haynes Recreation
Center is being designed as a place where citizens can interact with nature
and learn about sustainable, green design. The center will incorporate
a variety of green building techniques, including a green roof. The city
also plans to incorporate LID features in an alternate parking lot for the
recreation center. The parking lot is planned to accompany a "hike and bike"
trail adjoining the recreation center. The city requested technical assistance
to develop comprehensive designs and conceptual drawings for the
alternate LID parking lot for the Haynes Recreation Center. The city needed
assistance evaluating and designing for all of the sustainable parking lot
components, including alternative building materials, construction debris
management, and stormwater management.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
Through the technical assistance provided by the Brownfields Sustainability
Pilot, the city originally wanted to develop an LID design template that
could be used at sites across the city. The city also considered using an
LID design template that could be used at two parking lots at the Haynes
Recreation Center. After the EPA funded consultants worked with the city
-------
and local stakeholders, the project scope was narrowed to
include developing a design for an alternate parking lot for
the recreation center. This LID parking lot is planned to be
built by the City of Laredo so that city employees can gain
experience with building sustainable designs.
The consultant developed conceptual design drawings
incorporating LID techniques at the parking lot adjacent
to Haynes Recreation Center. The consultant evaluated
design criteria such as landscaping, irrigation, lighting,
and stormwater management techniques in developing
the parking lot plans. The design drawings incorporate
the site's layout, detail applicable LID strategies, and
specify potential materials to be used. Some of the design
features that were incorporated in the conceptual design
for the parking lot included:
Porous pavers and pervious concrete to allow for
stormwater absorption below parking and walking
areas
- Bioswales and bioretention swales featuring native
plants to absorb stormwater runoff
- Tree locations for additional bioabsorption of
stormwater runoff
The consultant provided estimated project costs along with
the conceptual design drawings. The city can use the cost
estimates and technical specifications when requesting
and evaluating bids for contractors.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The city originally requested technical assistance
to develop a design template that could be used at
two parking lots at the Haynes Recreation Center,
but later limited the pilot project's scope to a
single parking lot adjoining the community gardens
and open area. This helped alleviate funding
complexities and further define the scope of both
the recreation center's design and the design of the
alternate parking area.
- Construction of the Haynes Recreation Center'
be funded with a mix of federal, state, and local
funds. The city ensured that oversight authority and
funding would not be mixed between the recreation
center project and the parking lot project by
separating the project scopes. The city plans to fund
the parking lot construction directly.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The city is scheduled to begin construction in November or
December 2009. It projects that the LID parking lot project
will be complete before the Haynes Recreation Center
opens, which is expected to be in April 2010.
23
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COMMERCIAL STREET
HISTORIC DISTRICT
MISSOURI
REGION 7
(Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)
'•
-------
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants visited the sites in December
2008. The consultants developed green design
recommendations for adaptive reuse of the buildings. The
primary recommendations included: 1) establish green
design goals based on cost effectiveness and performance;
2) use an integrated design team approach to building
design; and 3) facilitate a Commercial Street design peer
consult/workshop to advance the projects and spread
the initiative to other Commercial Street properties.
The consultants recommended green design strategies
based on the costs and benefits specific to each building,
and pinpointed which green design strategies would
have a short term payback of five to seven years. Of the
18 sustainable design features analyzed, consultants
recommended 12 for the microbrewery, 12 for the day spa,
and eight for the Commercial Club. These features include
HVAC systems, cool roof, daylighting, recycling, community
environmental health promotion, energy management
systems, and water conservation/greywater systems.
In addition, the consultants suggested other green design
features each owner could choose to install if pursuing
LEED certification. The consultant estimated that LEED
certification may increase a project's cost from 0 to 4
percent.
EPA technical assistance also included a Sustainable
Design Workshop held on June 25,2009 to bring together
the project teams from the Commercial Street projects,
architects, engineers, and other stakeholders. The
workshop stressed "green value engineering" and peer
consultation and helped the building owners evaluate
the recommended green design elements and answer
any remaining questions about their cost and function. A
report summarizing this workshop was prepared by the
consultants.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- The Commercial Club building is historic and
developers must preserve the exterior brick. The
consultants considered this requirement in its
recommendations for insulation and green design.
The consultants were able to make cost-effective
recommendations for the green design elements
because the architectural and engineering plans
were not completed for the buildings.
Through EPA's and the city's discussions with the
consultants, the project scope was clarified to
include a cost benefit analysis of the green design
elements. The Brownfields Sustainability Pilot
helped reverse the building owners' perceptions
that green design features are more expensive than
standard design elements. Architects and engineers
worked to find the most suitable, affordable green
design elements for each building.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The microbrewery is currently under construction. A
contractor has installed skylights for daylighting and a light
reflective roof material, which will decrease heating and
cooling costs. The owners are also moving ahead with the
consultants' design for the exterior brickwork. The owners
are considering whether to apply for LEED certification.
The day spa owner has acquired the adjacent building
and initiated construction. Prior to the Sustainable Design
Workshop, the owner planned to build an extensive green
roof; however, an expert at the workshop explained that
the existing roof structure would essentially need to be
replaced. Experts demonstrated how other techniques,
such as skylight atrium garden areas in the interior, could
be installed at a significantly lower cost and still provide
daylight and green benefits. The owner of the day spa
described the workshop as "transformative."
Other nearby property owners expressed interest in using
the recommendations of the pilot report. A property on
the same street is being planned with a dance studio,
retail space, and loft apartments on each of the floors.
The owner read the final pilot report and discussed green
design options with a contractor and a LEED certified
architect.
25
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ANVIL MOUNTAIN
NEIGHBORHOOD
COUNTY,
COLORADO
REGION 8
(Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/factsheets/anvil_mountain_
brownfields_report_final.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Town of Silverton, in San Juan County, Colorado, plans to build an
affordable, low income housing project at the former location of the Rose
Walsh Smelter site, a mine scarred brownfield, comprising 12 acres.
The property is owned by San Juan County and two nonprofit housing
organizations. This project is planned as part of the Anvil Mountain
Neighborhood development, which will include up to 49 housing units
ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet.
The town began site investigations using EPA regional Targeted Brownfields
Assessment support. Site cleanup is being accomplished using an EPA
Brownfields Cleanup grant and other matching and leveraged funds.
The town plans to integrate green design and construction with affordable
housing throughout this project. To accomplish this, the town requested
technical assistance to develop a green design for the residential
development. The property's redevelopment will preserve the town's mining
legacy and promote historic preservation. This project will also strengthen
the tourism dependent community, as year round residents will be able to
transition from renters to homeowners.
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PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants met in October 2008 with officials
from the town, the county, and other stakeholders. The
project team determined that the pilot would focus on
energy efficient housing, systems efficiency, architecture
standards, and land planning to support sustainability.
Consultants recommended and evaluated energy efficiency
options as well as suggested additional resources and
funding sources.
EPA Region 8 staff received assistance from the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) through a
separate Technical Assistance Project funded by the U.S.
Department of Energy. NREL evaluated solar conditions
and determined the Town of Silverton possesses high
potential for solar energy collection. NREL also evaluated
options for energy efficient building design. The EPA
consulting team further evaluated design options based
on NREL's energy modeling results. It analyzed orientation,
neighboring structures, various wall designs, ceilings,
roof material, radiant barriers, slabs, wall mass, ceiling
mass, window area, window type, infiltration, heating
and cooling systems, major appliances, and lighting. The
consultants evaluated the cost and expected life of each
option, to be used by the town in designing buildings.
The most important design options were categorized
into varying house orientation, glazing (window) type,
and window area options. Consultants evaluated four
design scenarios to identify those with the least cost
and maximum energy savings cases. The consultants
recommended taking advantage of the high solar
potential by designing homes with passive solar systems.
Consultants determined developers should orient the
homes to the east or east-southeast and suggested
increasing the window area from 16 percent to 18 to 20
percent, with most windows facing south. The consultants
made many additional detailed design, contracting, and
funding recommendations in the final pilot report to ensure
the community implements the best and most appropriate
green design possible.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The county expected that site cleanup would be
completed in time for housing construction to begin
in 2009; however, additional soil remediation was
required, pushing the construction start date to
2010.
- The county expanded the planned repository area,
due to the additional volume of contaminated
soils. At least one lot, that was planned to be a
multifamily unit, will now be used as part of a
consolidation area.
- Consultants used information from Leadville,
Colorado, which is the most comparable weather
location, for the solar calculations.
The county serves as the developer in the project. It
encountered issues such as funding shortfalls and
lack of expertise. The consultants suggested that
the county work with experienced developers when
pursuing the project in the future.
The county originally planned to use funding from
the State of Colorado; due to state budget issues,
the state can now only provide part of this funding
and the project faces a funding shortage between
$326,000 and $764,000. Consultants assisted in
identifying grants with other prospective sources to
fund supplemental pieces of the project.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The county plans to focus on the remediation aspect of the
project, specifically soil cleanup, for the duration of 2009.
It hopes to begin constructing the residential units in 2010.
San Juan County is moving forward with implementing
recommendations from NREL's energy modeling.
Specifically, it is adjusting the plans for orientation,
window types (glazing), and window area.
Visit the San Juan Development Association Web
site at http://www.sanjuan2000.org/housing.htm for
more information and updates on the Anvil Mountain
Neighborhood redevelopment effort.
27
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SAMOA PENINSULA
COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA
REGION 9
(Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,
and the territories of Guam and
American Samoa)
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View the final pilot reports at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/
factsheets/samoa.pdf and
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/
reports/green_home_guide_final.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Town of Samoa, California, is a former lumber company town located
on the 171 acre Samoa Peninsula in Humbodlt County. Prior uses for the
site included saw mill operations and residential development for company
housing. The Samoa Pacific Group purchased 65 acres including the town
with 99 existing houses and several commercial structures and public
facilities at auction in 2001. EPA funded Phase I and Phase II Environmental
Site Assessments found 18 potentially contaminated parcels in the town.
Two cleanup projects are in progress to remediate lead contamination. The
developer plans to apply to Humboldt County's Brownfields Revolving Loan
Fund for further remediation.
The developer completed a Master Plan and Environmental Review, which
is currently under review. The Master Plan zones areas for public recreation,
residences, industry, a business park, commercial, recreation and
conservation, public facility, and natural resources. The Design Guidelines,
developed in March 2007, include an inventory of existing buildings and
features, and guidelines for new construction, and the Secretary of Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation. All development plans prepared prioritize
careful rehabilitation and preservation. The developer and Humboldt County
sought EPA technical assistance to evaluate the town's Master Plan for
sustainable options and to assist homeowners with identifying sustainable
upgrades for historic homes.
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PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded consultants visited the site in December 2008,
working with the developer and Humboldt County as
well as other stakeholders. The consultant evaluated the
Samoa Town Master Plan against the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development
(LEED-ND) rating system and the Land and Natural
Development (LAND) Code. Samoa Peninsula scored
well against LEED-ND for brownfields redevelopment,
restoration of wetlands and habitats, walkable streets,
access to public spaces, and stormwater management,
among other criteria. The Master Plan scored well against
the LAND Code for an integrated development that avoids
a delicate ecosystem (dunes) and includes compact lots,
low impact parking and plantings, and access to public
transit. For both rating systems, the EPA consultant
recommended ways to increase the score.
Using the above standards, the consultant recommended
improvements to the development plans. Some of the
recommendations include that the developer should
complete remediation before subdividing lots into parcels;
on private lots, the developer should address minor
site design issues (e.g., stormwater runoff, capturing
rainwater) up front; the Master Plan should be augmented
to include improvements to the design of the public
area stormwater management system; the Master Plan
should include the planting of native tree species along
streets; renewable energy options should be investigated
for the commercial buildings if funding is available;
and a Community Service District and/or Homeowners
Association charged with maintaining all public spaces
and enforcing codes should be established.
EPA technical assistance also included a voluntary green
code and green rehabilitation guide for the historic
Victorian homes in the town. This guide was created
as a companion piece to the Master Plan analysis. It
provides guidance to homeowners on choosing sustainable
strategies to restore and rehabilitate many of the smaller,
Victorian style, wood framed houses built in Northern
California during the late 1800s and early 1900s, such
as those in Samoa. The guide instructs homeowners on
maintaining the historic aesthetic and safely dealing
with lead paint, rust damage, windows, entryway and
porch details, and finishes. It provides considerations
for upgrading heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical,
and lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and
sustainability. It also discusses sustainable materials for
interior finishes as well as landscaping.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
The redevelopment area is in the coastal zone,
and under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal
Commission. The Master Plan must follow
regulations outlined under Coastal Act of 1970.
- The town is located on a peninsula, flanked by
Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The cool
climate makes it difficult to maintain a consistent
temperature within homes. The consultant
considered the most efficient energy upgrades to
the houses, taking into account the climate and
structure sensitivity.
- Local expertise was invaluable. The developer
and county assembled a number of contractors,
historians, woodworkers, and others who have
preserved Samoa houses over time to consult
on the project. The green rehabilitation manual
included information from local contractors, which
helped fill the gap on local building materials and
climate considerations. Local staff were able to
participate with support from an EPA Assessment
grant for the area.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The project is on hold pending approval of the Master Plan
by the California Coastal Commission and site cleanup.
Humboldt County and EPA sent copies of the reports to the
Coastal Commission and will be distributing copies of the
green rehabilitation manual to the general public, including
the renters of the historic homes.
29
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JUNE KEY DELTA HOUSE
OREGON
REGION 10
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington)
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View the final pilot reports at:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
sustain_plts/reports/June_Key_Delta_
final_report.pdf and www.epa.gov/
brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/
Rainwater_Harvesting_System_
Design_8_3_09.pdf
BACKGROUND
Delta Sigma Theta owns a site in Portland, Oregon. Formerly a gas station,
the property is 15,090 square feet and contains fuel storage tanks. The
redevelopment plan will almost triple the functional area of the June Key
Delta House, provide meeting space for up to 120 people, expand the
usable landscaped exterior, and allow for future site development.
Delta Sigma Theta is planning the development to qualify for the Living
Building Challenge. The Challenge uses development criteria to encourage
responsible site selection, promotion of inspiration and education, net zero
energy and water, and limitation of construction waste. Some of the design
components Delta Sigma Theta plans to use to meet the challenge include:
reusing metal cargo containers as rain and stormwater management
harvesting systems; using energy conservation and photovoltaic
technologies; and ensuring 50 to 70 percent of the building materials are
from recycled sources. Delta Sigma Theta requested technical assistance
with designing custom sustainable landscaping approaches and a rain/
stormwater management system.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA's consulting team developed a Phase I report that recommends
landscape design and stormwater management that meet the requirements
of Portland's 2008 Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM). The
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design plans include vegetated swales and a hybrid
planter that are hydrologically connected to distribute
water runoff. The eastern section of the site will be
landscaped and remain permeable. A trench drain will
collect runoff from the parking lot, and planting strips
along sidewalks will manage that runoff. No stormwater
will reach the sewers, and any overflow will be distributed
to the drywell facilities. Under this plan, the June Key
Delta House will exceed compliance requirements in
Portland. The consultants recommended landscape design
considerations, including planted swales and water
retaining cells at tree basins, a rainwater retention system,
native planting, tree planting, structural soil cells, and
porous paving.
During the pilot, consultants determined the site is also
suitable for stormwater reuse. EPA gave additional
assistance for this portion of the project, completed after
the Phase I report. The consultants designed a rainwater
harvesting and reuse system for the June Key Delta
House that will use the stormwater for irrigation and
flushing toilets. The rainwater reuse portion of the plan is
designed as a "clip on" to the stormwater management
and landscaping plan, therefore it can be added after
construction begins.
The Phase II report was developed in accordance
with State of Oregon and City of Portland Code Guide
regulations on residential properties. Consultants engaged
with the city's Office of Planning and Development Review
as well as the commercial plumbing inspector assigned to
evaluate rainwater harvesting plans. Delta Sigma Theta
may use these performance specifications and design
schematics when moving forward with approval by the city
and state.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- Delta Sigma Theta will need expertise to implement
the design for the basins, swales, and planters to
meet Portland's SWMM guidelines.
- Though the site has received a no further action
determination from the state, the City of Portland
funded additional assessments to show that
stormwater reinfiltration would not mobilize
contamination left onsite. Delta Sigma Theta must
ensure that stormwater does not infiltrate the soil
when installing the stormwater management and
reuse systems.
Stormwater reuse triggers a different type of permit
review from the city than stormwater management.
Delta Sigma Theta must submit all site plans before
selecting a contractor.
Delta Sigma Theta does not currently have
sufficient funding for the recommended landscape
and stormwater systems.
- Delta Sigma Theta is negotiating with the Oregon
Department of Transportation regarding adding
sidewalk improvements to the plan and the effect of
parking requirements on local residents.
- The Living Building Challenge limits buildings to
using local materials as well as non-polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) piping material. There is no local
non-PVC piping vendor, so Delta Sigma Theta and
the contractors must acquire an exception from the
Living Building Challenge.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
The City of Portland offered ways to simplify the landscape
and stormwater management design to meet city criteria.
Delta Sigma Theta distributed the design plan to bidding
contractors, anticipating that the selected contractor will
finalize the stormwater system design and subcontract the
landscaping piece.
The June Key Delta House was featured in an article
by the Daily Journal of Commerce. Delta Sigma Theta
promotes the project and conducts fundraising. Delta
Sigma Theta and the City of Portland are applying for
grant funding for implementation; the city will assist with
installation. Delta Sigma Theta initiated project work in
early August 2009 and a groundbreaking at the site took
place in October 2009. Completion is expected in January
2010.
31
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TABOR COMMONS
OREGON
REGION 10
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington)
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View the final pilot report at:
www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_
plts/reports/Tabor_Commons_Green_
Jobs_Training.pdf
BACKGROUND
The Tabor Commons site in Portland, Oregon, formerly housed a gas station,
used car dealership, convenience store, and coffee shop/deli. The deli was
seized by the U.S. Marshals Service because its owner was distributing
illegal narcotics. After the criminal case was finalized, the property was
donated to Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Coalition, an independent
nonprofit organization serving 20 neighborhood associations in inner
southeast Portland.
After community meetings, stakeholders determined that the Tabor
Commons site would be best used for a community space. Cafe au Play,
a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon, is developing Tabor Commons into a
coffeehouse for community members. The coffeehouse will be family
friendly, providing a place for all generations to interact. Current site plans
include a south facing trellis, greenspace, onsite stormwater management,
farm stand, and large meeting area.
In 2007, underground storage tanks were removed from the Tabor Commons
site using funds from EPA, Oregon Economic and Community Development
Department, and City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.
Oregon Tradeswomen is a nonprofit organization that provides training
in building, construction, mechanical, technical, and utility fields. Oregon
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Tradeswomen is assisting Southeast Uplift and Cafe au
Play by bringing job training participants to the Tabor
Commons site. The job training is a seven week program
in which participants enroll in free, pre-apprenticeship
classes that prepare them to enter the workforce. Each
week, participants attend one day in the classroom, one
"hands on" field day, and one field trip day where they
apply their newly acquired skills.
Oregon Tradeswomen requested technical assistance to
incorporate a green jobs component into their job training
curriculum. Students applied these green job skills at Tabor
Commons and are prepared to begin applying their new
skills at other sites as well.
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION
EPA funded a consultant who assisted in developing a
green job training curriculum for Oregon Tradeswomen.
The curriculum includes case studies, examples, and
resources on green jobs and green building, as well as
defines key terms.
It covers topics such as energy efficiency, passive solar,
solar panels, green roofs, solar thermal panels, stormwater
management, the effects of water pollution, natural
resource conservation, and building life cycle. Job training
participants are also instructed on a variety of green
building certifications. They learn about green building
elements such as recycled materials, installing energy
efficient heating and cooling, weatherization, and avoiding
volatile organic compounds.
The curriculum covers necessary job skills, potential
employers, as well as information on how to identify
sources of financial support for integrating green features
into site planning. Workers can apply their skill set across
multiple green job fields, including green building, green
remediation, deconstruction, stormwater management,
ecoroofs, solar roofing, and weatherization.
An innovative component of the green job training program
is that it uses the Tabor Commons site as a case study.
Redevelopment plans for Tabor Commons demonstrate
brownfields redevelopment, deconstruction, green building
techniques, and passive solar design with south facing
glass, concrete floor to retain heat, and minimal glazing on
the west side. The site is also planned to include a water
garden, new curbs, and bump outs to redirect stormwater
from 57th Street. Visit http://www.cafeauplay.org/index.
html for more information, updates, and pictures of the site
renovation.
CHALLENGES AND
CONSIDERATIONS
The pilot project team encountered the following
challenges and considerations during the project:
- Preliminary discussions were necessary to better
define the scope of the project and specific project
needs. The EPA technical assistance team convened
the Oregon Tradeswomen and other project
stakeholders, which led to a decision to use the
Tabor Commons site as a case study for designing a
green jobs curriculum.
During the pilot period, Oregon Tradeswomen
received a separate EPA Brownfields Job Training
grant. Consultants funded through the Brownfields
Sustainability Pilot developed the green job
training portion of the curriculum. After receiving
the curriculum, Oregon Tradeswomen used the
Job Training grant to implement the program
and enhance the Tabor Commons site and other
properties.
PROGRESS SINCE PILOT
COMPLETION
After receiving the curriculum, Oregon Tradeswomen
incorporated the green jobs training into its suite of
training offerings. The eight hour green job curriculum
includes handouts, PowerPoint slides, lectures, and
hands on components. Oregon Tradeswomen piloted this
curriculum immediately after receiving the consultants'
curriculum. Over 20 people participated in a pilot job
training program that incorporates the green jobs
component. Currently, 16 people are enrolled in the second
class. During the training, participants practice their skills
on nonprofit sites such as Tabor Commons. For example,
students have recently installed sheetrock and built an
ecoroof on an existing informational kiosk.
33
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FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Brownfields Sustainability Pilots serve a dual purpose: furthering site specific brownfield projects
as well as promoting general sustainable approaches across the United States. By assessing the land,
removing contamination, and redeveloping the property, communities are stimulating the local economy
and reducing threats to the environment. Overall, the Brownfields Sustainability Pilots give communities
the tools they need to better evaluate and move forward with the sustainable redevelopment
of brownfields. This report discusses five findings from the Brownfields Sustainability Pilots and
subsequent recommendations for future projects.
FINDING i: COMMUNITIES NEED BOTH SITE
SPECIFIC SUPPORT AND BROADER COMMUNITY WIDE
SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANCE.
The Sustainability pilots provided technical assistance at specific brownfield properties. This was done
both to keep the pilots focused and to fit within the authorities of the EPA Brownfields Program. Several
of the communities with Brownfields Sustainability Pilots sought to expand beyond the initial pilot
scope to provide information on sustainable redevelopment to other property owners and developers in
the area.
For example, the City of Springfield held workshops with local property owners to share information on
the green building designs from the pilot sites. In another example, the green design recommendations
for the Samoa Peninsula pilot were included in a report that could be used at other properties with
similar regulatory and climactic conditions. The resource recovery pilot in Cleveland was designed
to use information from specific deconstruction projects to improve the city wide program. Program
changes and community roundtables are anticipated to transfer the experience from the pilot sites to
more projects in the area.
RECOMMENDATION: Public assistance for sustainable brownfields development should reflect site
specific and community wide needs. To get the most local benefit, brownfields Sustainability support
should include both property specific assistance and community Sustainability planning. Partnerships
with other organizations and agencies may be needed where statutory limits restrict EPA's ability to go
beyond individual site assistance.
34
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FINDING 2: SUSTAINABLE BROWNFIELDS PROJECTS CAN
TAKE MANY FORMS REQUIRING FLEXIBLE TOOLS AND AN
ARRAY OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE.
At the outset of the sustainability pilots, EPA was uncertain about the range of support for greener,
more sustainable brownfields projects that communities would need. The pilots demonstrated that
sustainable redevelopment needs a range of techniques and approaches including green building
design, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, materials reuse, stormwater management,
landscaping, and others. Several pilots required consultant teams with varied skills that reflected the
multifaceted needs at a particular site.
For example, the Jackson Square project in Boston focused on green roofs and required consultation
between building designers, roofing contractors, stormwater management experts, and landscape
designers. The team for the green streetscapes project in Detroit required expertise in brownfields
cleanup, transportation design, green building design, stormwater management, and park design.
The Tabor Commons project in Portland brought sustainability consultants together with workforce
development experts to development a sustainable redevelopment curriculum.
RECOMMENDATION: Programs supporting sustainable brownfields projects cannot be limited to
narrow specialties. The pilot projects succeeded by offering communities access to professionals from
a variety of disciplines. Integrated design approaches can bring experts together during initial project
development. Public sector tools should be flexible enough to allow project teams to be assembled
based on the individual needs of particular projects and communities, including local and national
consultants. One size fits all approaches do not draw on the diversity of skills needed for sustainable
brownfields projects.
FINDING 3: PLANS CHANGE.
Brownfields project plans can be affected by both site conditions and broader economic and social
forces. Several of the pilots needed to make midcourse corrections due to events that occurred while
the pilots were underway. Some changes require adjustment in project direction. Other situations
required a shift in the makeup of the consultant team. In some cases, the work changed significantly
enough that the contractual agreements between EPA and the consultants needed modification. Since
it is likely that some changes will occur between proposing and implementing a project, the assistance
tools need to have flexibility to adapt to changed circumstances.
For example, the Anvil Mountain pilot sought EPA assistance with green building design anticipating
that the State of Colorado would fund up to two thirds of the project costs. Due to economic conditions,
the state did not provide the expected funding, slowing the project pace. In another example, the City of
Greenville initially planned to seek developers to develop green affordable housing. Environmental and
35
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economic concerns created challenges with finding a developer, so the city altered its plans and started
the project itself and will seek developers later in the process. Changing prices for recycling markets
affected pilots with materials reuse components such as the Cleveland, Lynchburg, and Valley projects.
The Oklahoma City pilot went through several reconsiderations in evaluating feasible uses for a building
rooftop. Severe winds and high temperatures rendered many uses untenable and engineers determined
the structure inadequate to support roof activities. Ultimately, the entire project was reconsidered and
the owner is exploring future reuse options.
RECOMMENDATION: Communities, organizations, and agencies engaged in sustainable brownfields
projects should be prepared for plans to change. New environmental and engineering information
can cause design changes. Economic changes at the local, regional, and national level can affect
cost calculations and impact project feasibility. Projects and plans need to be flexible in order to
accommodate changes. Funding and technical assistance tools needed to be able to handle shifting
priorities and project needs.
FINDING 4: THERE is HIGH INTEREST AND STRONG
SUPPORT FOR GREENER, MORE SUSTAINABLE
BROWNFIELDS PROJECTS.
The pilots were EPA's initial effort to support local projects needing sustainability assistance. It was
uncertain how much local interest and support the pilots would receive. During the course of these
pilots, EPA and communities found that the pilots provided heightened visibility for the particular
projects receiving help and support for broader sustainability efforts. EPA received many requests to
assist additional projects and plans to continue to offer such technical assistance in the future. EPA
also heard from the pilot communities that they would like more help with communicating their results
locally and nationally.
For example, the Houston Solar project received numerous inquiries from other communities that
are considering locating solar energy facilities on brownfields and other contaminated sites such as
landfills and mine scarred lands. The Allen-Morrison site in Lynchburg, Virginia has been presented at
conferences as an example of inventorying materials for reuse and recycling. The pilots in Springfield,
Missouri and Valley, Alabama held community meetings to discuss and share the pilot results with the
rest of their communities.
RECOMMENDATION: EPA should continue to provide assistance to communities interested in
pursuing greener, more sustainable brownfields projects. Project plans should include consideration of
how to share information locally and more broadly. Information sharing through presentations and Web
sites should be a priority to get the maximum benefit from successful projects.
36
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FINDING 5: PROJECT STATUS AFFECTS THE TYPE AND
EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
Some pilots requested technical assistance with specific system designs or detailed site plans. In these
cases, the projects were generally further along and already had detailed architectural or engineering
plans for the site. In these situations, the sustainability consultants were tasked with specific goals with
shorter scoping periods that could be plugged right into the project. For example, the green roof designs
for the Jackson Square project, the green infrastructure for the Moran Center in Burlington, Vermont,
the sustainable parking lot for the Laredo Recreation Center, and the landscape design for the Tabor
Commons project in Portland required shorter scoping periods because the projects were further along
in the site design process.
Other pilots sought broader conceptual plans to help guide project development. This support came
earlier in the project's timeline, allowing for a broader consideration of sustainable approaches.
The scoping periods tend to be longer and results come later because a wider range of options was
evaluated and there is much work still to be done. Community involvement can play a larger role in
such pilots in order to refine options and gain acceptance. Consultant assistance in these cases can
be significant due to the ability to provide communities with help identifying and narrowing choices.
Examples include the Waterfront pilot in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where a developer requested help
making his redevelopment project more sustainable, and the Green Avenue pilot in Greenville, South
Carolina where the local government sought help with designing green, affordable housing on its former
supermarket and gas station site.
The lesson here is that the type of assistance should reflect the status of the project. Each project
is different with a unique history and site conditions. The consultants providing assistance and the
communities receiving help need to be clear on the project goals and objectives, and make sure that
they are consistent with the development stage of the project. Some projects need focused design
assistance, others projects need help evaluating options.
RECOMMENDATION: EPA and its consultants need to work closely with communities to make sure
that the tools being used are appropriate to community needs. Flexibility is needed to allow support to
include both broad sustainability planning and more focused site designs.
37
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CONCLUSION
The Brownfields Sustainability Pilots fulfilled an invaluable role. Properties are being cleaned up and
reused in greener, more sustainable ways. Materials are being reused, buildings constructed in energy
efficient ways, and water managed more effectively. There are many lessons to be learned for future
EPA and community efforts to increase sustainable redevelopment. There are also challenges and issues
to be addressed. Stakeholders should consider these findings and recommendations when designing
a program around sustainability, brownfields, or other redevelopment initiatives. The pilot program
facilitates projects that educate city staff, developers, citizens, and other stakeholders. The process
itself is an educational tool, as those involved in the project develop new knowledge and skills that can
be applied to future endeavors. Once the projects are complete, residents and other stakeholders can
interact with each site and learn about sustainability.
The Brownfields Sustainability Pilots assisted communities that are transforming past infrastructure into
innovative, cutting edge developments. These pilots are one way EPA is assisting in building a better
future, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lessening the carbon footprint, and supporting innovative
technology. Promoting sustainability, especially sustainable redevelopment of brownfields, will affect
the climate, national security, as well as economic and community development.
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RESOURCES
An index of all information related to the EPA's Brownfields Sustainability Pilots can be found at the
following address: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/index.htm
The final pilot reports can be accessed using the links below.
Jackson Square - Roxbury, MA
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/roxbury.pdf)
- Moran Center at Waterfront Park - Burlington, VT
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/moran.pdf)
- The Waterfront - Allentown, PA
(http://www.epa. gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/waterfront.pdf)
- Allen-Morrison - Lynchburg, VA
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/allenmorrison.pdf)
- Greenville Workforce Housing Project - Greenville, SC
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/GreenAvenueSites_TechMemo_08_09.pdf)
- Langdale Mill-Valley, AL
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/langdale.pdf)
- Green Streetscapes (Focus:HOPE) - Detroit, Ml
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/Streetscapes_Final_7_31_09.pdf)
- Cleveland Resource Recovery - Cleveland, OH
(http://www.epa. gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/cleveland.pdf)
- Houston Solar Project - Houston, TX
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/houston_solar.pdf)
- Laredo Recreation Center - Laredo, TX
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/laredo.pdf)
- Laredo Recreation Center (cost estimates) - Laredo, TX
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/laredo_ci.pdf)
- Commercial Street Historic District (Recommendations Report) - Springfield, MO
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/springfield_fr.pdf)
- Commercial Street Historic District (Workshop Report) - Springfield, MO
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/Final_Workshop_Report_Springfield.pdf)
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Anvil Mountain Neighborhood - Silverton, CO
(http://www.epa. gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/allenmorrison.pdf)
Samoa Peninsula (Master Plan Analysis) - Humboldt County, CA
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/factsheets/samoa.pdf)
- Samoa Peninsula (Green Home Guide) - Humboldt County, CA
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/green_home_guide_final.pdf)
June Key Delta House (Recommendations Report) - Portland, OR
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/June_Key_Delta_final_report.pdf)
- June Key Delta House (Rainwater Harvesting Report) - Portland, OR
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/Rainwater_Harvesting_System_Design_8_3_09.pdf)
Tabor Commons - Portland, OR
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/reports/Tabor_Commons_Green_Jobs_Training.pdf)
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