Contaminated land is commonly referred to as brownfields.
Brownfields are a specific designation for real properties where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the actual or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. These sites are frequently former commercial or industrial properties that are abandoned, idled, or underused due to the environmental challenges they pose.
Understanding Brownfields
The term "brownfields" encompasses a broad range of sites, from small corner gas stations to large former manufacturing plants. Their primary characteristic is that environmental contamination, or the perception of it, hinders their productive use and redevelopment.
- Definition: Brownfields are properties whose redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
- Typical Sites: They are often former industrial or commercial properties such as:
- Abandoned factories and warehouses
- Former gas stations and auto repair shops
- Dry cleaning establishments
- Old landfills or waste disposal sites
- Mine-scarred lands
- Rail yards and port facilities
Types of Contamination and Sources
The types of contaminants found on brownfield sites vary widely depending on their historical use. These substances can pose risks to human health and the environment if not properly managed.
| Contaminant Type | Common Sources | Potential Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | Industrial processes, mining, old paint, batteries | Neurological damage, kidney/liver issues, soil/water pollution |
| Petroleum Hydrocarbons | Underground storage tanks, gas stations, oil spills | Carcinogenic risks, groundwater contamination |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Dry cleaners, manufacturing, solvents | Respiratory problems, central nervous system effects, air/water pollution |
| Asbestos | Building materials (older structures), insulation | Lung diseases (asbestosis, mesothelioma) |
| Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) | Electrical equipment, old transformers | Carcinogenic, developmental effects, persistent in environment |
Why Redevelop Brownfields?
Redeveloping brownfields offers numerous benefits, transforming environmental liabilities into community assets.
- Environmental Protection: Cleaning up contaminated sites prevents the spread of pollutants to surrounding areas, protecting soil, water, and air quality.
- Economic Revitalization: Repurposing idle or abandoned properties creates new jobs, increases property values, and expands the local tax base.
- Community Revitalization: It provides opportunities for new housing, commercial spaces, parks, and recreational facilities, improving the quality of life for residents and reducing urban sprawl.
- Sustainable Development: Reusing existing infrastructure reduces the pressure to develop pristine "greenfield" sites.
Addressing Contamination
Addressing brownfield contamination involves a multi-step process typically including assessment, remediation, and redevelopment.
- Site Assessment: Investigating the property to determine the presence, type, and extent of contamination.
- Remediation: Cleanup actions to remove, treat, or contain the hazardous substances. Common methods include:
- Excavation and Disposal: Removing contaminated soil.
- Bioremediation: Using microorganisms to break down pollutants.
- Soil Vapor Extraction: Removing volatile contaminants from soil.
- Containment: Capping or creating barriers to prevent contaminant migration.
- Redevelopment Planning: Designing and implementing new uses for the site, often with consideration for residual contamination and future land use.
For more detailed information on brownfields and remediation efforts, resources are available from environmental protection agencies and governmental organizations globally.
