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TOXICS CLEANUP
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Brownfields Revitalization
What is a Brownfield?Brownfield sites are abandoned or underused properties where there may be environmental contamination. Redevelopment efforts are often hindered by the liability for the cleanup or the uncertainty of cleanup costs. Brownfield sites that aren’t cleaned up represent lost opportunities for economic development and for other community improvements. How do Brownfields Impact My Community?Brownfields can:
Why Redevelop a Brownfield?Cleanup and redevelopment can turn a perceived problem into a community asset. A restored brownfield can stimulate a community’s economy, save green space from development, and provide an opportunity for habitat restoration or park creation. A city or town can restore properties to active use, increase jobs and the local tax base, mitigate public health and safety concerns, and improve community image. What Agencies are Involved in Brownfields Revitalization?Washington State has a cooperative approach to brownfields cleanup and redevelopment. Technical assistance, grants and a revolving loan program are available through state agencies and private consultants. The Department of Ecology manages cleanups under the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and administers cleanup grants. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) manages the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund and provides technical assistance to parties interested in redeveloping. Commerce also provides other revitalization grants and loans Ecology and Commerce work closely with EPA Region 10 brownfields staff and routinely collaborate on strategies to assist communities. Brownfields Coalition: Technical assistance in submitting applications for a revolving fund loan or coordinating site assessments is done in partnership with King County/City of Seattle, City of Tacoma, and the City of Spokane. Search for Contaminated Sites:
EPA's "Cleanups in My Community": This U.S. EPA tool combines interactive maps and aerial photography to locate, display and query brownfields grant types by the areas/jurisdictions of city, county, state, and tribe. Ecology’s Site Register: View public information on current cleanup activities. Laws, policies and other information:Useful Publications and Links:
Northeast Midwest Institute: Brownfields U.S. Conferences of Mayors Brownfields Online Library Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment SMARTe: Evaluate future use scenarios and other resources for revitalization Brownfields Community Network- NALGEP ASTSWMO- Brownfields Publications |
2009 WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS: BROWNFIELDS FINAL REPORT:Linking Toxics Cleanup and Redevelopment Across the States: Lessons for Washington State |
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
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