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Coastal Brownfielden español

What is a coastal brownfield?

A brownfield is a former commercial or industrial property where redevelopment may be complicated by contamination. A coastal brownfield, also called a “portfield,” is a brownfield in a port or harbor area. Industries were historically located in these areas for access to the water for transportation, power, and cooling. 

Coastal brownfields can be contaminated by hazardous substances, and can pose a threat to the marine environment and sensitive coastal resources. Contaminated areas may cause an increase in human health problems. Instead of re-using old industrial areas, new development may move away from city centers, resulting in urban sprawl. Coastal brownfields can lead to lower property values and unemployment in surrounding neighborhoods. Before they are re-used, these sites must be cleaned up and determined to be safe from contamination. 

Coastal brownfields can become environmentally sound port facilities, revitalize waterfront areas, and expand local economies. They can also provide locations for manufacturing, shipping, international trade, and tourism. Redeveloped coastal brownfields can preserve valuable green space, and restore coastal resources.


Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Hazardous Waste

More Links
About Coastal Brownfields (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Brownfield Activities (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Coastal Brownfields home page (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Portfields: Charting a Course for Port Revitalization (Environmental Protection Agency) PDF Icon

Chemicals in Coastal Brownfields
Are these chemicals in MY environment?
Acetone
Ammonia
Arsenic
Asbestos
Benzene
Chlorine
Chromium
Diesel
Dioxins
Ethylene Glycol
Formaldehyde
Gasoline
Lead
Mercury
Perchloroethylene
Pesticides
Phthalates
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Propane
Solvents
Toluene
Volatile Organic Compounds


Last Updated: December 09, 2008

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