Brownfields Tour May 14, 2016 What is a brownfield property ?
More than 450,000 in US
Prior industrial or commercial uses
Often complicates new uses because of real or suspected contamination
Might prevent communities and developers from restoring properties to new uses and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Issues with:
Social/Economic (blight, reduces nearby property values and neighborhood ties)
Safety (old buildings, vandalism, broken glass and litter)
Environment (chemicals/contamination with health and physical risks)
Common health risks: lead, other heavy metals, asbestos, oils, or gas. Can be exposed from the dust/soil blowing around and breathing or swallowing it, more rarely through skin.
Brownfield reuse projects Three stages : 1. Outreach and education (now) 2. Assessment/cleanup 3. Construction of new project
Positive opportunities: Reduce unhealthy exposures Economic improvement in the area, revitalize community Examine and monitor community’s health status New places for residents to enjoy and use More information: EPA Brownfields site—https://www.epa.gov/brownfields CT Dept. of PH Brownfields—http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/ bfields_and_public_health_fs.pdf http://www.middletownctonthemove.com Patrice Barrett—Patrice.barrett@middletownct.gov.