Connecticut Brownfield Sites

Connecticut Brownfield SitesMs. Mandel2014I can explain what a Brownfield site is.I can explain how a Brownfield site is restored to a usable piece of property.Learning TargetWhat 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

1990s- 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? 5What 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.

MercuryBenzeneArsenic6Contaminants of Major ConcernAsbestos - Causes respiratory problems

Benzene - Causes cancer

Lead and Copper Neurotoxins which cause nervous system problems

Mercury Causes neurological problems. Greatly affects fish populations.7Why Redevelop Brownfield Sites?Discounted real estate costValuable locationReduce pressure on undeveloped landPreserve historical or architecturally significant buildings Eliminate health and safety hazardsImprove community8Detecting 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 againGet rid of contaminants Excavation techniquesRemoving tainted soilTesting groundwater

Stop the contaminants from spreading

Refurbish or rebuild on the newly cleaned siteInventory of Site - whats there and how much?Assessment - Can reclamation occur? Funding - Federal and/or PrivateAmount required for each stage of redevelopmentRemedial Design and Construction Apply appropriate technology to clean or contain pollution13 approved clean-up technologies Each site clean-up is specific to the pollutants and geology of that sitePackage site for sale or development

Considerations of Brownfield RemediationDevelop understanding of:Type of pollutantsHorizontal & vertical extent of pollutionImpact 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 ContaminantsContaminantPossible source of contaminationHeavy metals: arsenic, cadmium chromium, lead, mercurymetal finishing/plating shops, manufacturing and foundries, coal burning power plants and landfillsGasoline/constituents of gasoline: gasoline, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenegasoline stations, tank farms, pipelinesSolvents: tetrachloroethlyene, trichloroethylene, III-trichloroethanedry cleaners, machine shops, metal finishing/plating shopsPetroleum products leaking underground storage tank methane gas decomposing waste materials found in landfillsPAH (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 gasdecomposing 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 companyCase Study: Waterbury, CT Development Brass Mill Center MallThe long defunct, brass manufacturing center, once comprised of more than 90 decaying buildingsProcessed brass until alternate/cheaper alternatives available100-acre downtown site, was prepared for a rebirth.

Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development Brass Mill Center MallRemoval of asbestos, lead paint, metals, solvents, oil, machinery, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contaminated materials. Over 200,000 cubic yards of debris was removed or recycledSoil 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 MallThe entire demolition and remediation was completed well ahead of schedule and under budgetNow the location is a 1,300,000 square foot mall

Other Brownfield Sites19

Before Negative ValueProperty in New London20

After Positive Value21

Pfizer Global Development FacilityNew London

22

Veeder Place, Hartford23

Vacant Riverfront Property in New London Impacting Water Quality24During construction

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Key Site for OPSAIL 2000 & Popular City Park and Pier26What is a Brownfield site?How are Brownfield sites restored to usable property?Learning Target Checkpoint