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RESEARCH ARTICLE: Pushing the Envelope on Brownfield Remediation: Strategies and Case Studies That Maximize Limited Resources through Alternative Funding Sources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2011

Michael D. Goodstein Esq. ,
Kathleen J. Trinward Esq.  and
Anne Lynch Esq.
Michael D. Goodstein Esq.
Affiliation:
Hunsucker Goodstein & Nelson PC, Washington, DC
Kathleen J. Trinward Esq.
Affiliation:
Hunsucker Goodstein & Nelson PC, Washington, DC
Anne Lynch Esq.
Affiliation:
Hunsucker Goodstein & Nelson PC, Washington, DC
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Abstract

This article discusses redevelopment strategies to resolve complex issues at Brownfield sites and uses case studies to highlight successes at two complicated brownfields. Many less complicated brownfield properties have already been redeveloped and returned to productive uses. While this achievement is commendable, many more difficult brownfields remain vacant and underutilized. This article highlights creative redevelopment strategies for these brownfields and discusses methods that can be used to resolve issues associated with owning and redeveloping a contaminated site, including financing hurdles, cost-recovery actions, liability concerns, and maintaining a vision for the end use. Historical insurance assets, CERCLA cost recovery and RCRA citizen suits, grants and tax incentives, and state voluntary cleanup programs are among the tools discussed. This article also provides practical tips for ensuring that these funding sources are maximized and that costs incurred in remediating Brownfields can be recovered to the greatest extent possible. Two case studies are highlighted: the Evansville Greenway Site in Evansville, Indiana, and the Quanta Resources Site in Long Island City, New York. At the Evansville Greenway Site, the Evansville Greenway and Remediation Trust used creative sources of funding to transform a contaminated former scrap yard into a beautiful bike path and greenway, a key part of a planned 42-mile walking/biking trail encircling Evansville. The Evansville Greenway and Remediation Trust was able to marshal brownfield grants, over $3,500,000 in insurance assets, and $4,375,000 from other responsible parties through cost-recovery litigation. This case study demonstrates how a variety of funding options can be combined for the benefit of municipalities and their residents in restoring brownfield properties to public uses. The Quanta Resources matter involved entry of a notorious abandoned waste oil–processing facility (previously operated by a convicted environmental criminal) into New York State's Voluntary Cleanup Program. Strategic site investigation efforts combined with extensive analysis of historical documents led to the identification of responsible parties and a negotiated resolution that will restore the property and adjacent parcels for future commercial use.

Environmental Practice 13:1–13 (2011)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , June 2011 , pp. 130 - 142
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2011

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