Brownfields are defined as,
"real property, the expansion,

redevelopment, or reuse of
which may be complicated by
the presence or potential
presence of a hazardous
substance, pollutant, or
contaminant."

Brownfields are often located
in desirable locations: they are
easily accessible and connected
to existing infrastructure.

However, uncertainty about
environmental issues can be a
hindrance to redevelopment.
EPA's assessment programs
can clarify or eliminate those
concerns.

Assessment funding is available
through grants to States, tribes,

local governments and
redevelopment agencies. These
recipients can, in turn, use the
grant funds to work with
property owners and other
stakeholders to conduct site
assessment.

For more information on the
Environmental Protection Agency's
Brownfields Program:

visit us at:

https://www. epa. sov/brownfields

or contact us at:
(404) 562-8729

vvEPA

Alabama - Florida ~ Georgia
Kentucky ~ Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina ~ Tennessee

Revised October 5, 2016

EPA REGION 4

Brownfields Site
Assessment

What's In It For Me?

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Benefits of Assessment

Jump-start Redevelopment

Reuse of brownfields revitalizes communi-
ties, and boosts economic activity by creating
jobs and stimulating outside investment.

Approximately $18 in outside funds are lev-
eraged for every dollar expended by the EPA
brownfields program.

Boost Property Values:

Residential properties near brownfields sites
that have been addressed have an estimated
5-13% increase in property values.

Liability Protection:

ASTM E1527-13 Phase I Environmental Site
Assessments (ESAs) meet the "All Appropri-
ate Inquiries" standard, which can provide
innocent landowners, contiguous property
owners, or bona fide prospective purchasers
with protection from potential liability under
Superfund.

Tax Incentives:

Many States offer tax credits or other incen-
tives for redevelopers who enter into Volun-
tary Cleanup Programs (VCPs). Contact your
State environmental agency for exact details.

Why should I assess my site?

Knowledge about the environmental conditions is an
important factor in setting the value for a piece of
real estate—sellers want to receive a fair price, but
potential purchasers may be unwilling to risk
investment in properties without knowing the
environmental issues. However, Environmental Site
Assessments (ESAs) can cost thousands of dollars.

EPA's program provides funding to perform
environmental assessments at your property. This
saves property owners the out-of-pocket assessment
costs while still providing you the benefit of
identifying or alleviating any concerns at your site.

What happens under Phase I and
Phase II assessment?

Phase I ESAs consist of a records search, site history,
and visual inspection of a property to identify any
recognized environmental conditions (RECs).

If RECs are discovered, a Phase II ESA may be
recommended, which involves field sampling of soil,
groundwater or other media.

What are my responsibilities during
assessment?

Landowners may be asked to participate by
providing information on the site's history. Qualified
Environmental Professionals will also need access to
the site while they conduct the assessment—this may
involve visual inspections and/or field sampling.

What if contamination is
discovered?

EPA's assessment program can help define and
delineate the extent of contamination, and
provide cleanup planning. Contaminated sites
may be eligible for enrollment in brownfields
agreements under State Voluntary Cleanup
Programs, (VCPs), which are typically held to a
site-specific cleanup standard based on
planned future use.

I own the site but did not cause
the contamination. I may wish to
redevelop the site or sell to
someone else-can I take part in
this process?

EPA's assessment program can help protect
innocent landowners, contiguous property
owners, and bona fide prospective purchasers
from Superfund liability by using a Phase I ESA
to meet the All Appropriate Inquiries ("due
diligence") requirement. You may also qualify
for VCP agreements with your State that
contain a covenant not-to-sue.

What if I caused or contributed to
the contamination at the site?

EPA's program does not relieve a responsible
party's past or future site liability. However, the
site may still be eligible for EPA funding that
can alleviate the owner's costs for site
assessment and reuse planning.

US Environmental Protection Agency
61 Forsyth Street SW; Atlanta, Georgia 30303

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