Brownfields 

Brownfields are defined as "abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination." The assessment, safe clean up and reuse of Brownfields property are usually supported by federal and state governments through the use of tax incentives, low interest loans, technological support, clarification of liability issues, etc.

Shipyards may want to consider the potential use of Brownfields property. These properties are often large, unused plots sometimes adjacent to or near ports.

Since 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded over 120 Brownfields pilots at a cost of up to $200,000 each. These funds are used to address the issues of cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous substances and returning them to appropriate, productive uses. The selection of sites for a Brownfields Showcase Community initiative is currently underway. While it is too late to apply for consideration for the Showcase, we will keep you informed, AT THIS SITE, of future Brownfields initiatives.

General information, including a region specific breakdown, is provided by the EPA at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/