A brownfield is a site that has been previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is now contaminated or perceived to be contaminated. These sites often require assessment and cleanup before they can be redeveloped or repurposed. The term is defined under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, specifically concerning areas designated as empowerment zones or enterprise communities.
The term "brownfield" is commonly used in environmental law and real estate development. Legal practitioners may encounter it in contexts involving:
Users can manage certain aspects of brownfield redevelopment through legal templates and forms provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can assist in navigating the necessary legal processes.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A former manufacturing plant in an urban area is identified as a brownfield because it has soil contamination from past operations. The local government seeks funding to clean up the site and attract new businesses.
Example 2: A defunct gas station on a busy street is considered a brownfield due to potential underground fuel leaks. The property owner applies for state grants to assess and remediate the contamination (hypothetical example).
Key legislation related to brownfields includes:
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Brownfield Definition | Cleanup Programs |
|---|---|---|
| California | Includes sites with hazardous substances. | Offers state-funded cleanup programs. |
| Texas | Focuses on sites with petroleum contamination. | Provides tax incentives for redevelopment. |
| New York | Includes a broader range of contaminants. | Has a robust state brownfield cleanup program. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Brownfield | A contaminated site from previous use. | Focuses on redevelopment potential. |
| Superfund Site | A site identified for cleanup under CERCLA. | Typically more severe contamination; federally managed. |
| Greenfield | A previously undeveloped site. | No prior contamination; often easier to develop. |
If you own or are considering purchasing a brownfield, follow these steps:
If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable.
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A brownfield is a contaminated site that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes.