Brownfields vs greenfields -- Considerations for facility siting

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:205298

Hale, D W; Kaiding, D C; DeMaria, M J ^[1]

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1. Blasland, Bouck and Lee, Inc., Syracuse, NY (United States)

Since the promulgation of the ``Superfund`` component of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980, the sale and acquisition of industrial properties (brownfields) have been sluggish at best or non-existent where significant environmental contamination has been detected. As a result, many urban areas contain numerous brownfield sites that lie vacant due to the presence or the potential existence of contaminants. Wary of the potential remedial costs associated with brownfield sites, industry has focused its development on greenfield areas -- undeveloped areas where the potential for previous environmental contamination is remote. This paper evaluates the impact of the development of these brownfield areas from both an environmental and economic perspective. Critical to this evaluation is the impact of brownfield development as it relates to urban areas. Mature, heavily developed urban areas are usually unable to offer substantial greenfield areas, and as a result, have suffered a declining tax base, as employment opportunities are shifted beyond city limits. This paper also explores the advantages and disadvantages of developing brownfield versus greenfield areas, including issues such as: infrastructure, proximity to public transportation, public acceptance, and zoning and permitting. Furthermore, this paper provides an overview of current and pending legislation from both the federal government and various state agencies with regard to incentives being offered for the development of brownfield sites.

• OSTI ID: 205298
• Report Number(s): CONF-951139--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COMPLIANCE
COST
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LAND POLLUTION
LAND USE
LICENSES
REMEDIAL ACTION
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
SITE SELECTION
URBAN AREAS
US SUPERFUND