Brownfields Basics
What is a brownfield?
A property where reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
A site that is completely or partially abandoned AND is likely polluted from past human activities.
What can contaminated soil or groundwater do to nearby communities?
Harm human health, limit property use, and affect the environment.
Which hazardous building material is often found in old brownfield buildings?
Asbestos
What is it called when old buildings or land are cleaned up and used again instead of building on new land?
Redevelopment or reuse
What does TAB stand for?
Technical Assistance to Brownfields
True or False: All brownfields are abandoned properties.
False.
A partially used property can still be a brownfield, such as an active but underutilized facility.
Name one contaminant or pollutant often found at brownfield sites.
Lead, petroleum, asbestos, PCBs, PFAs, VOCs, etc.
Old gas stations are common brownfield sites because their underground tanks sometimes leak. What substance do these tanks usually contain that can pollute the soil and water?
Gasoline or petroleum
What do we call the process of making a polluted site safe again so people can use it without harm?
Cleanup or remediation
True or False: UConn TAB services are free to communities.
True
What federal agency provides brownfield funding and oversight?
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
True or false: Plants and trees can sometimes help clean up contaminated soil.
True (This is called phytoremediation).
Name one possible health risk from exposure to contaminated soil.
Cancer, respiratory issues, developmental issues.
Give one example of something a brownfield could be reused for.
Park, apartment building, school, store, community garden, etc.
Which states does UConn TAB serve?
EPA Region 1: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut
Name one common previous use of brownfield sites.
Factories, mills, gas stations, dry cleaners, rail yards, junk yards, auto body shops, dumps/landfills, etc.
Brownfields can contribute to what harmful effect when rainwater carries contaminants into rivers or lakes?
Water pollution or runoff contamination.
Which heavy metal is a common soil contaminant at brownfields?
Lead
Why would a town want to reuse land instead of building on a brand new site?
It saves space, costs less, and helps the environment by protecting nature and maintaining green space, etc.
Name one type of technical assistance UConn TAB provides.
Grant writing support, brownfield inventories, data review and gap analysis, site reuse planning, community engagement and planning, review of environmental site assessment reports, etc.
What is the key first step in redeveloping a brownfield?
Conducting an environmental site assessment.
Name one environmental benefit when a brownfield is turned into green space or parkland?
Improved biodiversity, reduced urban heat, reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide, reduced storm water runoff (more infiltration into the soil), etc.
True or False: You can always tell if a site is contaminated just by looking at it.
False — Many dangerous contaminants and pollutants are invisible and have no smell.
What’s one challenge a community might face when reusing land that used to be polluted?
Cleaning up contamination, cost, safety concerns, getting approval, etc.
What entities are eligible for UConn TAB services?
Municipalities, regional councils, redevelopment agencies, tribes, and non-profits.