Brownfields

What Are Brownfields?

The EPA defines a Brownfields site as “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” (CERCLA 1980, as amended, (39)).

Examples of Brownsfields Sites

  • Former Gas Stations 
  • Former Dry Cleaners
  • Factories, Warehouses
  • Parking Lots
  • Hangers
  • Abandoned Railroads
  • Air Strips           
  • Bus Facilities
  • Landfills                     
  • Meth Houses
  • Mine Scarred Lands     
  • Sewer Lagoons
  • Sheep Dip Vats
  • Dump Sites
  • Lots where heavy machinery & petroleum products were stored, used or repaired

Goals & Elements of the 128(A) Tribal Response Program

Communities- Sustain, clean up & restore Communities & the ecological systems that support them

Sub-objective - Assess, clean up & redevelop Brownfields

Timely survey and inventory of Brownfields sites

Mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful opportunities for public participation

Mechanisms for approval of a cleanup plan, verification and certification that cleanup is complete

Maintain and make available to the public a record of sites addressed and proposed to be addressed by the cleanup program.

Provide outreach to increasing awareness of Brownfields to communities
Provide training to staff and tribal environmental professionals about the US EPA state and Tribal Response Program and its elements and;
Continue with established survey and inventory, and the public record and;
Develop capacity to conduct site investigations and phase I and II assessments of Brownfields sites

Benefits of Brownfields Projects

  • Creation of new jobs
  • Revitalization of blighted areas
  • Cleaner communities
  • Reduction of urban sprawl
  • Healthy neighborhoods
  • Healthy environment
  • Historic preservation
  • Ecological restoration
  • Improve quality of life
  • Economic development
  • Job training opportunities
  • Expand local tax base
  • Development of “greenfields” sites

Public Records

Part of the Brownfields Response Program requirements is maintaining a public record, accessible to all. As documents are available, they will be uploaded into this section.