Cleanup Enforcement

Important components of ER3 include the internal and external network of partners.

The internal network is comprised of EPA programs and offices that are involved in the reuse and redevelopment of contaminated properties and sustainable development generally.

Through the external network, EPA is able to identify incentives, expertise, and assistance outside of EPA that may be available for sustainable redevelopment projects.

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Internal Network/Related EPA Programs

There are many programs and offices within EPA that offer expertise and potential incentives for sustainable redevelopment. ER3 staff can work with entities interested in sustainable redevelopment to ensure that they have information on all Agency resources.

• Green Buildings
• Brownfields
• Land Revitalization

External Network

Many private, federal and state entities have considerable expertise with respect to sustainable development issues, and can potentially provide assistance to entities. A cornerstone of the ER3 Initiative is the active involvement of ER3 partners at contaminated sites.

The ER3 team envisions that partners will provide valuable information about sustainably redeveloping a contaminated site. The developer can then use this information to inform its decision on incorporating sustainable concepts in its development design and construction. For example, several Department of Energy programs could serve as valuable resources for responsible environmental performance concepts, including the Department of Energy's High Performance Building Initiative and the Rebuild America Program .

ER3 taps into the sustainable development expertise found in EPA, other federal agencies, states, as well as non-profits, and the private sector. Through the use of partnerships, ER3 can provide a broad range of information to developers and others about sustainably redeveloping contaminated land.

ER3 partners can provide information on

• Design charrettes
• “Green” building concepts
• Ecological enhancements and habitat protection
• Low-impact building
• Energy efficiency
• Other sustainable development attributes.

Sustainable development involves not only reducing the ecological footprint while enhancing the economic viability of a development, but also actively engaging the appropriate and affected community and other stakeholders throughout the development process.

Some sites may have environmental justice concerns that need to be addressed as a site is developed. Importantly, community involvement and addressing environmental justice concerns are necessary skills that a variety of ER3 partners bring to the table. ER3 partners will also prove to be a valuable resource in training and outreach to others on sustainable development.

ER3 Partners

As part of the ER3 initiative, EPA's Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE) is developing partnerships with organizations that have expertise in sustainable development and sustainable facilities (e.g., non-profit organizations, universities, trade associations, organizations that practice sustainable development, etc.).

In an April 22, 2005 Federal Register notice EPA announced the opportunity for interested parties to participate in the ER3 network partnership. Statements of interest were due by June 21, 2005; however, OSRE is continuing to seek new partners and interested parties may contact ER3 staff.

ER3 partners will collaborate with OSRE and other entities in the ER3 network to promote sustainable reuse and redevelopment of contaminated sites.

The following links are to information on EPA program offices and initiatives.

• The Office of Brownfields and Land Redevelopment
• The Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
• RCRA Brownfields Prevention Initiative
• The EPA Greenbuilding Workgroup
• The Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation
• The Office of Underground Storage Tanks
• The Office of Water

• Center for Environmental Policy and Management
• Cherokee Investment Partners, LLC
• E² Inc.
• Evolution Partners
• First Environment, Inc.
• Hellmuth + Bicknese, Architects L.L.C.
• The Institute of Public Leadership and Public Affairs at Northern Kentucky University
• National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals (NALGEP)
• National Center for Sustainable Development/Brownfields Stewardship Fund
• Neptune and Company, Inc.
• Portland Cement Association
• Rocky Mountain Institute
• Tetra Tech EM Inc.
• Third Leg Consultants
• US Business Council for Sustainable Development
• Vita Nuova, L.L.C.

EPA has existing partnerships with private entities that have expertise in the area of sustainable development, including the U.S. Green Building Council and the Wildlife Habitat Council. Through ER3, EPA will continue to develop partnerships with other entities to ensure that numerous resources are available to developers and property owners.

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