BFDef

Brownfield sites are defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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.” The Brownfields Redevelopment Program works to help
convert these properties into community assets by providing funding and guidance for the environmental
investigations necessary for redevelopment. EPA provides funding through the Brownfields Redevelopment
Program to help eligible applicants assess and cleanup Brownfield sites in preparation for redevelopment. Good
Brownfield candidate sites have some real or perceived contamination, but are not listed on the National
Priorities List (Superfund sites), and have an intended redevelopment plan to be implemented once cleanup is
complete. Eligible applicants include non-responsible parties (did not cause or allow a tenant to cause the
contamination), innocent landowners, and prospective purchasers. Prospective purchasers should conduct a
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on the property prior to acquisition in order to maintain their
eligibility. For more information, please contact the Brownfield Coordinator at (504) 568-6611.