Brownfields

Brownfields

In January 2002, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was signed into federal law. By definition, 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." Essentially, a Brownfield site is a property where re-development is impeded because of contamination, real or perceived. The key benefits of Brownfields redevelopment include:

  • The protection of public health and the environment through cleanup of commercial/industrial properties;
  • Slowing of "urban sprawl" by encouraging reuse of properties;
  • Increased tax revenues;
  • Use of existing infrastructure (e.g. roads, rail, water, sewer);
  • The creation of new jobs; and
  • The revitalization of declining commercial/industrial based communities.

Contacts

For more information about the State of Maine 's Brownfields Program, contact Chris Redmond at 207-215-8597.

Brownfields Laws

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (federal law)

Voluntary Response Action Program Law (Maine law) - Most Brownfields sites also participate in the VRAP program.

Forms

Municipal Brownfields Site Assessment Program Application (PDF) - Municipalities that have vacant industrial properties where redevelopment is impeded by contamination (real or perceived) may qualify for this program.

Municipal Brownfields Remedial Program Request for Assistance (PDF) - Municipalities that own properties they would like redeveloped where there is known contamination and remediation is necessary to make the property marketable may qualify for this program.

Additional Information

Staff from the Brownfields Program are available to speak to interested groups or individuals about the program. If you would like to arrange a meeting or seminar contact Chris Redmond at 207-215-8597.

Related Programs

The Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP)

The Uncontrolled Sites Program

Other Related Off-site Links

EPA Brownfields (Headquarters) Homepage

EPA's Superfund Web page

Interstate Technical & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Guidance documents and education materials on site characterization and remedial technologies.