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Introduction to Brownfields

What are brownfields?
Many areas across the country that were once used for industrial and commercial purposes have been abandoned over time. Some of these properties are contaminated, while others are simply perceived to be polluted. The potential contamination associated with these sites often deters lenders, investors, and developers from investing in their redevelopment. Thus, development frequently moves to pristine sites, called "greenfields."

Developing greenfields results in abandoned facilities, often located in urban centers. Not only do these blighted areas serve as an eyesore for the community, but they can create safety and health risks for residents, drive up unemployment, and foster a sense of hopelessness. These areas are known as "brownfields."

Brownfields Definition
Brownfields are defined as a real property of which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative
EPA’s Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative is designed to empower states, cities, tribes, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields.

For additional information on EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative, visit the EPA National Brownfields Homepage.

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