Brownfields
Introduction
In January 2002, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was signed into federal law. By definition, Brownfields are "Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Essentially a Brownfield site is a property where re-development is impeded because of contamination, real or perceived. The key benefits of Brownfields redevelopment include:
- The protection of public health and the environment through cleanup of commercial/industrial properties;
- Slowing of "urban sprawl" by encouraging reuse of properties;
- Increased tax revenues;
- Use of existing infrastructure (e.g. roads, rail, water, sewer);
- The creation of new jobs; and
- The revitalization of declining commercial/industrial based communities.
Contacts
For more information about the State of Maine 's Brownfields Program contact Jean Firth at (207) 287-2651 or (207)-287-7716 or e-mail at mailto:jean.m.firth@maine.gov
Brownfields Statutes:
Public Law 107-118 (H.R. 2869) - "Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act" (Off Site)
Voluntary Response Action Program Law - Most Brownfields sites also participate in the VRAP program.
Forms:
Municipal Brownfields Site Assessment Program Application (MS Word format) - Municipalities that have vacant industrial properties where redevelopment is impeded by contamination (real or perceived) may qualify for this program. (pdf format)
Municipal Brownfields Remedial Program Request for Assistance (MS Word format) - Municipalities that own properties they would like redeveloped where there is known contamination and remediation is necessary to make the property marketable may qualify for this program. (pdf format)
Additional Information
Staff from the Brownfields Program are available to speak to interested groups or individuals about the program. If you would like to arrange a meeting or seminar contact Jean Firth at 207-287-7716 or e-mail at mailto:jean.m.firth@maine.gov
Related Programs:
The Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP)
The Uncontrolled Sites Program
Other Related Links:
EPA Brownfields (Headquarters) Homepage (Off-Site)
EPA Brownfields (Region 1-New England) Homepage (Off-Site)
EPA's CERCLIS Database for Maine Sites (Off-Site)
EPA's Superfund Web page (Off-Site)
Interstate Technical & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Guidance documents and education materials on site characterization and remedial technologies. (Off-Site)
The U.S. Housing & Urban Development(HUD) Brownfields Homepage (Off-Site)
