Brownfields opportunity -- A product of a probusiness USEPA

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:354284

Anderson, K E ^[1]

---

1. McLaren/Hart Environmental Engineering Corp., Brookfield, WI (United States)

Brownfields are former industrial facilities, office buildings or other properties that have been abandoned or are no longer in use. They may be returned as a beneficial asset of a company with prudent planning and by completing selected activities. The tangible economic impacts of a Brownfield property often result in lost taxes and lost jobs. In order to return a Brownfield property to beneficial use various activities are involved, which may include the services provided by many or all of the following: attorneys, financiers, insurance firms, business planners and operators, and environmental consultants. The melding of these diverse resources for a specific project must be determined on a case-by-case basis in a flexible manner. Consistent with the desire of much of the populace to return Brownfields to meaningful assets, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has now adopted a practical, profitable and reasonably low-risk program termed the Brownfields Incentive. Included in the Brownfields Incentive program are more reasonable, yet safe, cleanup levels. Additionally, this program provides specific protection for Brownfields participants from fines, sanctions and legal actions. Consistent with the USEPA`s program, approximately 40 states have also initiated or are planning to initiate Brownfields programs. It is obvious that programs exist at the Federal and State levels to enable the reasonable redevelopment of existing abandoned or vacant properties. The ability to form a team of professionals to redevelop a Brownfield property is required. A proper team of professionals, each performing activities required to return the property to a functioning status, will assure the success of a Brownfield project.

• OSTI ID: 354284
• Report Number(s): CONF-970677--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ABANDONED SITES
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
LEGAL ASPECTS
REMEDIAL ACTION