Brownfields

Brownfields are defined by the United States government 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” (Environmental Protection Agency website). While they are most often associated with derelict industrial facilities, brownfields can include an array of other properties with a likelihood of contamination, such as landfills, vehicle repair shops, gas stations, and dry cleaners. Prior to the focus on brownfield redevelopment, the original emphasis was on the remediation of land contaminated by pollution disasters and industrial chemicals. While this perspective forced governments to better understand the risks posed by contaminants and develop procedures for effective cleanup, it discouraged private investment by developers and financiers because of the potential risks and costs associated with redevelopment. Industrialized cities were, therefore, left with extensive tracts of idle and stigmatized property, while developers chose to build and residents chose to live in suburban greenfields. The brownfield literature expanded rapidly in the early 1990s as researchers sought to better understand the issue, its scale, and the key barriers to redevelopment (e.g., site assessment and cleanup, legal liability, funding). As the ability to manage risks and costs improved, researchers started to focus on other potential end uses for these properties and shift the perception of these sites from hazardous liabilities to land resource opportunities. Brownfields research continues to expand internationally and focuses more on strategic ways to manage sites in a smart and sustainable manner.