Post on 12-Jan-2016
Connecticut Brownfield Sites
Ms. Mandel2014
I can explain what a Brownfield site is. I can explain how a Brownfield site is
restored to a usable piece of property.
Learning Target
What are ‘Brownfield Sites’?
Brownfields are “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…" – CT DEP
1990’s- Fed. And State Government decided to take action on land that was sitting unused because of the potential hazards that they contained.
Unknown liabilities were preventing communities from restoring these sites.
Jan. 11, 2002- Federal Law expands assistance for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revitalization , and job training.
This opens the door to allow real change to take place in these areas.
What are ‘Brownfield Sites’?
Piece of land that was once used for industrial purposes and is now typically abandoned because of suspected contamination.
What is a Brownfield Site?
• Can you name one Brownfield site in Newington?
• What has this property been used for that led to it being identified as a Brownfield (contaminated) site?
What is a contaminant? A contaminant is a toxic chemical that
can harm humans and/or the environment.
Contaminants can pollute water, air, and/or soil.
Mercury BenzeneArsenic
Contaminants of Major Concern
Asbestos - Causes respiratory problems
Benzene - Causes cancer
Lead and Copper – Neurotoxins which cause nervous system problems
Mercury – Causes neurological problems. Greatly affects fish populations.
Why Redevelop Brownfield Sites?
Discounted real estate cost Valuable location Reduce pressure on undeveloped land Preserve historical or architecturally significant buildings
Eliminate health and safety hazards
Improve community
Detecting Soil and Groundwater Contamination
Usually a portable drilling rig is brought to the site
A well is installed. Soil is sampled as the well is drilled.
Groundwater is sampled and analyzed for the suspected pollutants.
How to make a Brownfield site usable again…
Get rid of contaminants ◦ Excavation techniques◦ Removing tainted soil◦ Testing groundwater
Stop the contaminants from spreading
Refurbish or rebuild on the newly cleaned site
Inventory of Site - what’s there and how much?
Assessment - Can reclamation occur? Funding - Federal and/or Private
◦ Amount required for each stage of redevelopment Remedial Design and Construction
◦ Apply appropriate technology to clean or contain pollution◦ 13 approved clean-up technologies ◦ Each site clean-up is specific to the pollutants and
geology of that site Package site for sale or development
Considerations of Brownfield Remediation
Develop understanding of:◦Type of pollutants◦Horizontal & vertical extent of pollution
Impact on the environment:◦Are streams, lakes, rivers polluted?◦Is the underground water table polluted?◦Is the pollution localized or widespread?◦Are plants/animals affected?
Assessment
Brownfields and You!
Brownfields and You!
Possible ContaminantsContaminant
Possible source of contamination
Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium chromium, lead, mercury
metal finishing/plating shops, manufacturing and foundries, coal burning power plants and landfills
Gasoline/constituents of gasoline: gasoline, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene
gasoline stations, tank farms, pipelines
Solvents: tetrachloroethlyene, trichloroethylene, III-trichloroethane
dry cleaners, machine shops, metal finishing/plating shops
Petroleum products
leaking underground storage tank
methane gas
decomposing waste materials found in landfills
PAH (polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons)
PAHs are a group of over 100 different chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of many things including coal, oil, garbage, and cigarettes.
Methane gas decomposing waste materials present in landfills.
explosive chemicals that are designed and produced for use as an explosive (e.g., TNT, explosive bolts, bullets, blasting caps, and fireworks).
Explosives manufacturing company
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center
Mall
The long defunct, brass manufacturing center, once comprised of more than 90 decaying buildings
Processed brass until alternate/cheaper alternatives available
100-acre downtown site, was prepared for a rebirth.
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center Mall
Removal of asbestos, lead paint, metals, solvents, oil, machinery, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contaminated materials.
Over 200,000 cubic yards of debris was removed or recycled
Soil vapor extraction and on-site treatment were used to treat the 155,000 tons of tainted soil.
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center Mall
The entire demolition and remediation was completed well ahead of schedule and under budget
Now the location is a 1,300,000 square foot mall
Other Brownfield Sites
Before – Negative ValueProperty in New London
After – Positive Value
Pfizer Global Development Facility
New London
Veeder Place, Hartford
Vacant Riverfront Property in New London – Impacting Water Quality
During construction
Key Site for OPSAIL 2000 & Popular City Park and Pier
What is a Brownfield site? How are Brownfield sites restored to usable
property?
Learning Target Checkpoint