Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response 

EPA 542-R-12-001 

Brownfields Road Map to Understanding 


Options for Site Investigation and Cleanup
 

Fifth Edition
 

Site Reuse 

Design and Implement 

the Cleanup 

Assess and Select 

Cleanup Options 

Investigate the Site 

Assess the Site 

Learn the Basics 

www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap
 

Brownfields Road Map Acknowledgments and Notice
 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledges and thanks the 

following individuals who contributed to the review of this document: 

Hugo Martínez Cazón, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation 

Ignacio Dayrit, Center for Creative Land Recycling 

Evan Reeves, Center for Creative Land Recycling 

Lenny Siegel, Center for Public and Environmental Oversight 

Elizabeth Spinelli, Hudson County Economic Development Corporation, New Jersey 

Laura Watchman, National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals 

Amy Yersavich, Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials 

U.S. EPA Staff 

Craig Boehr Melissa Friedland Bob Myers 

Janet Brooks Deb Goldblum Laurie O’Connor 

Ann Carroll Sara Hartwell Deborah Orr 

Philip Clappin Robin Hughes Patricia Overmeyer 

Deana Crumbling Deborah Johnston Carlos Pachon 

Cecilia De Robertis Diane Kelley Karen Peycke 

Steve Dyment Jen Lewis Dan Schramm 

Steve Ells Chip Love Janice Sims 

Rick Ehrhart James Miles Paul Torcoletti 

Jonathan Essoka Susan Morales 

Linda Fiedler Queenie Mungin-Davis 

NOTICE 

This document was funded by the EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency 

Response (OSWER) under EPA Contract EP-W-07-078. The document was subjected to 

the Agency’s administrative and expert review and was approved for publication as an 

EPA document. The information in this document is not intended to revise or update 

EPA policy or guidance on how to investigate or remediate brownfields or other land 

revitalization sites. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not 

constitute an endorsement or recommendation for use. 

This document can be downloaded from the EPA’s Brownfields and Land 

Revitalization Technology Support Center at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map i 
Contents Brownfields Road Map 

ii Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

CONTENTS 

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................1 

Follow the Brownfields Road Map .......................................................................................................5 

Brownfields Road Map Graphic .............................................................................................................7 

Learn the Basics ...........................................................................................................................................9 

Assess the Site .......................................................................................................................................... 17 

Investigate the Site ................................................................................................................................. 23 

Assess and Select Cleanup Options .................................................................................................. 31 

Design and Implement the Cleanup ................................................................................................ 37 

Spotlights 

1 Redevelopment Initiatives: Connecting Cleanup and Reuse ................................. 15 

2 Supporting Tribal Revitalization ......................................................................................... 16

3 All Appropriate Inquiries ....................................................................................................... 18 

4 Project Life Cycle Conceptual Site Model ....................................................................... 22 

5 Data Quality: The Key to Making Robust Site Decisions ........................................... 25 

6 High-Resolution Site Characterization and In Situ Technologies Promote 

Effective Cleanups ................................................................................................................... 29 

7 Vapor Intrusion ......................................................................................................................... 30 

8 Challenging Cleanups ............................................................................................................ 35 

9 Understanding the Role of Institutional Controls at Brownfields Sites ................ 36 

10 Greener Cleanups .................................................................................................................... 40 

Online Appendices 

A Guide to Contaminants and Technologies 

B Brownfields and Technical Support Contacts 

C Acronyms and Glossary of Key Terms 
Brownfields Road Map 	 Introduction 


The fifth edition features these 

updates: 

•	 Details to assist stakeholders 

with planning their 

brownfields project 

•	 Revised “road map” graphic 

•	 General planning assistance 

for each phase of site 

investigation and cleanup 

•	 “Spotlights” on 10 current 

issues and best 

management practices 

(BMPs) 

•	 Online, searchable access to 

more than 300 technical 

resources and tools 

•	 Online guide to 

contaminants and 

technologies typically 

associated with brownfields 

sites 

•	 Expanded glossary of key 

terms and concepts 

The Brownfields Road Map to Understanding Options for Site Investigation and Cleanup, 

Fifth Edition, provides a general outline of the steps in the investigation and cleanup of 

brownfields sites and introduces brownfields stakeholders to the range of 

technologies and resources available to them. The Road Map provides valuable 

information for stakeholders typically involved in or affected by redevelopment of 

brownfields sites, whether through public projects, private development or publicprivate partnerships. 

The first edition of the Road Map, published in 1997, provided a broad overview of the 

EPA’s Brownfields Program and an outline of the steps involved in the cleanup of a 

brownfields site. Designed primarily for stakeholders who were unfamiliar with the 

elements of cleaning up a brownfields site, the Road Map built awareness of the 

advantages offered by innovative technologies. As the EPA’s Brownfields Program 

matured, the second (1999) and third (2001) editions were published to update 

information and resources associated with the program and innovative technologies. 

The fourth edition, published in 2005, provided additional resources and 

supplemental information about emerging best practices, processes and initiatives 

that influence the consideration and use of innovative technologies. 

This edition incorporates a new approach to the Road Map through a streamlined 

publication and a companion website of technical resources and tools. Stakeholders 

can use the printed publication to learn about the general phases of the site 

investigation and cleanup process and gain an understanding of the considerations 

associated with typical brownfields sites. The Road Map website complements the 

publication by providing direct access to technical resources and tools that provide 

details about technology applications, methods and other site-specific concerns. 

View the full contents of the Brownfields Road Map online at 

www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 1 
Introduction 	 Brownfields Road Map 


This edition of the Road Map will help: 

	 New and less experienced stakeholders. The Road Map will help these users 

learn about the EPA’s Brownfields Program by introducing general concepts 

and methods for site investigation and cleanup. 

	 Decision-makers who are familiar with the Brownfields Program but are also 

interested in obtaining more detailed information. The Road Map provides 

these users with up-to-date information about the applicability of 

technologies and access to the latest resources that can assist them in making 

technology decisions. In addition, BMPs that have emerged in recent years are 

highlighted. 

	 Community members. The Road Map helps to encourage community 

members to participate in the decision-making process by providing 

information about the general site cleanup process, as well as guidelines and 

mechanisms to promote community involvement. 

	 Stakeholders who hire or oversee site cleanup professionals. The Road Map 

includes information to help stakeholders coordinate with many different 

cleanup practitioners, such as environmental professionals, cleanup 

contractors, technology vendors or staff of analytical laboratories. The Road 

Map provides these stakeholders with a detailed understanding of each phase 

in a typical brownfields site cleanup and presents information about the roles 

that environmental practitioners play in the process. 

	 Regulators. The Road Map will increase the understanding by regulatory 

personnel of site characterization and cleanup technologies and approaches. 

The Road Map also serves as a resource that regulators can use to provide site 

owners, service providers and other stakeholders with useful information 

about the Brownfields Program. 

	 Other potential brownfields stakeholders. The Road Map helps other 


stakeholders, such as financial institutions and insurance agencies, by 


providing information for their use in assessing and minimizing risks 


associated with brownfields redevelopment. 


Disclaimer 

The Road Map is not an official guidance document. Rather, it draws on the EPA’s 

experiences with brownfields sites, as well as Superfund sites, corrective action sites 

under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and underground storage 

tank (UST) sites. Specific conditions—such as the nature and extent of contamination, 

the proposed reuses of the property, the financial resources available, and the level of 

2 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Introduction 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 3 

support from neighboring communities—vary from site to site. Readers of the Road 

Map are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the BMPs described in the 

following pages in accordance with applicable regulatory program requirements. 

This document provides general information and guidance regarding facilitating reuse 

of properties. It does not address all information, factors or considerations that may be 

relevant. This document is not legally binding. The word “should” and other similar 

terms used in this document are intended as general recommendations or 

suggestions that might be generally applicable or appropriate and should not be 

taken as providing legal, technical, financial or other advice regarding a specific 

situation or set of circumstances. This document may be revised at any time without 

public notice. Any references to private entities, products or services are strictly for 

informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement of that entity, product 

or service. 

This document describes and summarizes statutory provisions, regulatory 

requirements and policies. The document is not a substitute for these provisions, 

regulations or policies, nor is it a regulation itself. In the event of a conflict between 

the discussion in this document and any statute, regulation or policy, this document 

would not be controlling and cannot be relied on to contradict or argue against any 

EPA position taken administratively or in court. It does not impose legally binding 

requirements on the EPA or the regulated community and might not apply to a 

particular situation based on the specific circumstances. This document does not 

modify or supersede any existing EPA guidance document or affect the Agency’s 

enforcement discretion in any way. 

How to Submit Comments How to Obtain Additional Copies

The EPA invites comments from members of the 

brownfields community to help ensure that any future 

versions of the Road Map meet their needs. Please 

submit comments to: 

Carlos Pachon 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology 

Innovation 

pachon.carlos@epa.gov

(703) 603-9904 

A printed or hard copy version of this document can be 

obtained from the following source: 

National Service Center for Environmental 

Publications 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

P.O. Box 42419 

Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419 

(800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190 

Fax: (513) 489-8695 

When you order the Road Map, please refer to 

document number EPA 542-R-12-001. 
Introduction Brownfields Road Map 

4 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

About the EPA’s Brownfields Program 

Brownfields sites are defined as “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” (Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as 

amended, §101(39)). The cleanup of brownfields sites improves and protects 

the environment and may result in many benefits for the local community. 

The EPA established its Brownfields Economic Revitalization Initiative in 1995 

to empower states, communities and other stakeholders in economic 

revitalization to work together to accomplish the redevelopment of 

brownfields sites. With enactment of the Small Business Liability Relief and 

Brownfields Revitalization Act in 2002, EPA assistance was expanded to 

provide greater support for brownfields cleanup and reuse. Many states and 

local jurisdictions also help communities adapt environmental cleanup 

programs to the special needs of brownfields sites. 

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act

Since 1995, the EPA’s Brownfields Program has changed the way contaminated property is perceived, addressed 

and managed. Enactment of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (Public Law 107-

118; H.R. 2869) in January 2002 expanded the EPA’s assistance by providing tools that the public and private sectors 

could use to promote sustainable brownfields cleanup and reuse. 

The law modified the EPA’s existing brownfields grants and technical assistance program by: 

 Increasing the funding authority up to $200 million per year 

 Providing grants for assessments, revolving loan funds, direct cleanups and job training 

 Expanding the entities, properties and activities eligible for brownfields grants, including sites such as minescarred lands 

 Expanding applicability to sites with petroleum contamination such as abandoned gasoline stations 

 Providing authority for brownfields training, research and technical assistance 

 Allowing local government entities up to 10 percent of the grant funds to be used to monitor the health of 

exposed populations and enforce any institutional controls 

The law changed and clarified Superfund liability: 

 Provided liability protection for certain small-volume waste contributors and contributors of municipal solid 

waste 

 Clarified Superfund liability for prospective purchasers, innocent landowners and contiguous property owners 

The law created a strong, balanced relationship between the federal government and state and tribal programs: 

 Authorized up to $50 million per year for building and enhancing state and tribal response programs and 

expanded the activities eligible for funding 

 Provided protection from Superfund liability at sites cleaned up under a state program 

 Preserved the federal safety net by detailing the circumstances in which the EPA can revisit a cleanup 

 Clarified the state role in adding sites to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) 

Additional information on the Brownfields Law is available at www.epa.gov/brownfields/laws/. 

Summary of Brownfields 

Program Accomplishments 

as of January 2012 

Thousands of properties have been 

assessed and hundreds of cleanups 

have been completed with the 

support of grants from the EPA’s 

Brownfields Program.

Measure 

Cumulative 

Results 

Properties Assessed 18,204 

Cleanups Completed 702 

Acres Made Ready 

for Reuse 

33,444 

Source: www.epa.gov/brownfields/ 

overview/bf-monthly-report.html 
Brownfields Road Map Follow the Brownfields Road Map 


Understanding the typical 

progression of the site 

investigation and cleanup 

process ensures that the 

proper groundwork is laid for 

future phases. 

Site investigation and cleanup 

typically do not occur in the 

linear sequence outlined in 

the Road Map. At many sites, 

several activities may be 

undertaken concurrently, 

while others recur throughout 

the process. Similarly, many 

technologies that are used to 

characterize sites during the 

investigation phase may also 

be used during the cleanup 

phase. 

The fifth edition of the Road Map is composed of a publication and a companion 

website. The publication presents the general phases involved in the investigation and 

cleanup of a brownfields site and introduces the reader to a range of considerations 

and activities. The website connects readers to the content of the publication online 

and provides direct access to many technical resources and tools. 

Overview of the Road Map Publication 

The publication follows the process illustrated in the Brownfields Road Map graphic 

(see page 7). The first section, Learn the Basics, discusses important factors that set the 

stage for the investigation and cleanup of brownfields sites. The reader is introduced 

to concepts, strategies and methods that can be applied to efficiently and effectively 

prepare sites for reuse. Regulatory guidelines for the process also are introduced, and 

technologies are discussed within the overall framework of selecting site 

characterization and cleanup technologies. The remaining sections correspond to the 

general phases of site characterization and cleanup, from site assessment through 

implementation of cleanup remedies. 

Spotlights – The Road Map “spotlights” focus the reader’s attention on key issues, 

processes and initiatives. They provide a quick look at topics relevant to brownfields 

projects and identify how readers can obtain additional information. Technical 

resources and tools for each spotlight are available from the companion website. 

Online Appendices – Three appendices are provided at the Road Map Website. 

Appendix A, Guide to Contaminants and Technologies, is an online guide to 

contaminants found at more than 30 types of brownfields sites and the range of 

technologies that may be appropriate for their characterization and cleanup. 

Appendix B, Brownfields and Technical Support Contacts, provides information about 

state, tribal and EPA regional and technical points of contact. 

Appendix C, Acronyms and Glossary of Key Terms, defines acronyms and specialized 

terms used in discussing and describing brownfields cleanup efforts. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 5 
Follow the Brownfields Road Map Brownfields Road Map 

6 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Features of the Road Map Website 

www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap

The companion website provides easy access to resources and 

tools. The website features: 

 Technology resources organized by the general phases 

of the investigation and cleanup of brownfields sites 

 Tools to help stakeholders find resources and 

publications with information that relates to their 

brownfields sites 

 An interactive guide to contaminants and technologies 

 A closer look at each of the spotlight topics, including 

links to related resources 

 A list of acronyms and detailed glossary of terms 

 Quick access to EPA, state and tribal brownfields and 

technical support contacts 

Guide to Contaminants 

and Technologies 

Spotlights with Links 

to Additional Resources 

Resources Grouped by Section 

and Searchable by Title 

Presents detailed information about 

contaminants found at brownfields 

sites and technologies used to 

investigate and treat them. 

Provides access to the spotlights 

presented in this publication and 

links to relevant resources. 

Resources can be previewed or 

downloaded from the companion 

website. 

Enables users to find publications, 

resources and other online tools. 

Users can browse to find resources 

grouped by the sections of the Road 

Map or spotlight topic, or search by 

keyword. 

Find Helpful Resources – This Brownfields Road Map icon appears throughout the Road Map 

publication to prompt readers to visit the companion website to access additional information and 

resources. Technical resources are available for each of the general steps involved in the investigation 

and cleanup of a brownfields site. Resources also are available for the spotlights. 
The Brownfields Road Map illustrates 

the general steps involved in the 

investigation and cleanup of a 

brownfields site. 

Actual steps may vary depending on 

site conditions and applicable state 

and federal regulations. Stakeholders 

should consult with appropriate 

regulatory agencies throughout the 

process and enlist qualified technical 

and legal services. 

View an interactive, online map at 

www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap 

that contains links to information 

about the general phases and 

spotlight topics. 

Learn the Basics 

Before you begin down the path 

outlined in the road map, it is 

important to get prepared. 

Preparation typically consists of 

the following activities: 

Setting reuse goals 


and planning
 

Understanding regulations, 

regulatory guidelines and 

liability concerns 

Engaging the community 

Identifying funding 

Seeking professional 

support 

Begin
 

Here
 

Brownfields Road Map
 

Was the contamination 


adequately removed, Can the project still occur contained or controlled? Yes Design and given the cleanup options? 

Implement Yes ? No
 

contamination during cleanup No the Cleanup
 

Discovery of additional 	 ? CAUTION may require returning to the 


Investigate the Site phase.
 

Consult appropriate 

regulatory authorities 

Assistance 

Assess and No practical alternatives 

Select Cleanup Yes No have been identified. Evaluate 

Options	 ? Consult other land use strategies. Regulator Is there a practical 

redevelopment or 

reuse alternative? 

?	 

Yes 

No 

Proceed cautiously if your CAUTION Can risks be managed adequately site is likely to require costly to the satisfaction of stakeholders 

or complex cleanup. See the Can redevelopment and reuse in light of the proposed reuse? occur without cleanup? spotlight on Challenging 

Cleanups. 

No ? Yes 

No Work with government Is there an 

Immediate threat mitigated agencies to mitigate 	 Yes ? immediate threat the immediate threat. to local residents? 

Assistance 

Consult appropriate 

regulatory authorities 

Consult 

Regulator 

Was contamination found? Yes View the spotlight on 

Redevelopment Initiatives to No 

learn more about how EPA is ? 

helping communities prepare Additional investigation properties for reuse. may be required based on CAUTION

information learned throughout Assistance Investigate the project. The Investigate the the Site Site phase may be repeated 

more than once. 

Yes	 Yes 

Assess 

No No ? the Site ?

Has the site condition been Is there evidence of 


evaluated through a site possible contamination?
 

investigation?
 

Site Reuse
 

Assistance 

Consult appropriate Consult 

Regulator regulatory authorities 

Key 

General phases of site 

characterization and cleanup 

Questions potentially ?	 affecting the course of the 

site characterization and 

cleanup process 

Additional activities or 

considerations 

Path through the site 

characterization and cleanup 

process 

Road to brownfields site reuse 

Spotlights 

The Road Map “spotlights” highlight 

key issues, processes and initiatives. 

Each spotlight provides a summary 

of topics relevant to brownfields 

projects and identifies related 

resources. The following spotlights 

are included in the Road Map: 

Learn the Basics 

1. Redevelopment 

Initiatives (p. 15) 

2. Supporting Tribal 

Revitalization (p. 16) 

Assess the Site 

3. All Appropriate 

Inquiries (p. 18) 

4. Project Life Cycle 

Conceptual Site 

Model (p. 22) 

Investigate the Site 

Defensible Environmental Data 

Data Quality Criteria 

Precision 

Data must be of 

defensible quality, 

Representativeness as determined by 

Accuracy 

these five data 5. Data Quality (p. 25) quality criteria. Completeness 

Comparability 

Support Robust Site Decisions 

6. High-Resolution Site 

Characterization and 

In Situ Technologies 

(p. 29) 

7. Vapor Intrusion (p. 30) 

Assess and Select Cleanup Options 

8. Challenging 

Cleanups (p. 35) 

Institutional Controls are 

9. Understanding the Administrative and Legal Tools 

Role of Institutional Proprietary Controls 

Governmental Controls 

Enforcement and Permit Mechanisms 

Informational Tools 

Controls (p. 36) 

Design and Implement the Cleanup 

10. Greener 

Cleanups (p. 40) 

 

 

Brownfields Road Map 	 Learn the Basics 


Begin here to learn about 

factors and considerations that 

affect cleanup at a brownfields 

site. These “basics” are integral 

to the cleanup process and the 

overall success of the 

brownfields project. 

General concepts and terms 

related to the investigation and 

cleanup of brownfields sites are 

introduced here and reinforced 

throughout the publication. 

Brownfields Stakeholders 

A stakeholder is typically 

considered an individual who is 

part of the decision-making 

process or can influence 

decisions. Stakeholders for 

brownfields projects may 

include: 

-	 Federal, state and local 

agencies 

-	 Local elected officials 

-	 Local and regional 

community development 

agencies 

- Developers 

- Community members 

- Tribes 

- Property owners 

- Academia 

- Potentially responsible 

parties (PRP) 

- Private industry 

- Non-profit organizations 

Brownfields projects may be initiated for a number of reasons. A landowner may want 

to sell a property to a prospective purchaser for development. A municipality may 

want to clean up a parcel or area that has become a public hazard or eyesore, create 

space for business development or build a park. A local comprehensive plan may call 

for infill development of a certain type in a brownfields area. In these cases, the 

brownfields process will be tailored to the specific end use envisioned for the 

property. 

Preparing a brownfields site for reuse involves more than the investigation and 

cleanup of a property. The interests of many stakeholders must be integrated into the 

overall redevelopment process. Cleanup strategies vary from site to site, depending on 

factors such as intended end use, available funding, liability considerations, regulatory 

requirements, the type and extent of contamination present, and the technologies 

available for cleanup. At some sites, cleanup will be completed before the properties 

are transferred to new owners. At other sites, cleanup may take place simultaneously 

with construction and redevelopment. 

Regardless of when and how cleanups are accomplished, a key challenge to 

brownfields projects is to clean up sites in accordance with reuse goals and 

appropriate laws and regulations. It is essential that stakeholders become familiar with 

factors that play a significant role in the success of a brownfields project, such as 

understanding applicable regulations, engaging members of the community, 

identifying funding and obtaining professional support. 

Setting Reuse Goals and Planning 

From the outset, it is important to consider potential reuse goals. A reuse plan based 

on those goals (or lack thereof) will govern most brownfields projects, from identifying 

site investigation and cleanup standards, to obtaining competitive financing 

potentially critical to the ultimate affordability or profitability of the project. Keep in 

mind, however, that new information about contamination or cleanup needs may 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 9 
 

Learn the Basics Brownfields Road Map 


require that reuse plans be altered. Be prepared to develop a flexible 

project plan that will evolve as information is collected, community 

input is received and decisions are made about the cleanup approach. 

Establishing reuse goals for a brownfields project also helps the project 

team to define the decisions to be made throughout the project, which 

is fundamental to selecting appropriate technologies for site 

investigation and cleanup. When carefully selected, technologies enable 

those responsible for the brownfields project to collect the data 

necessary to support those decisions and accomplish the established 

goals. 

If reuse goals are not known at the beginning of the project, the 

stakeholders should at a minimum make every attempt to identify the 

general type of desired development, whether industrial, commercial, 

residential or mixed-use. Absent that information, the most conservative 

assumptions should be applied at every stage of the brownfields 

project, a circumstance that could significantly increase the time and expense of the 

project, potentially up to the point of making the project infeasible. 

Understanding Regulations, Regulatory Guidelines and Liability Concerns 

The redevelopment of brownfields sites may be subject to a variety of 

federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and guidelines with 

respect to the characterization and cleanup of the site. These sites also 

may be governed by the standard practices of other government, 

nongovernment and private institutions. 

The applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidelines will vary by site, 

depending on the regulatory authorities that have oversight authority 

for cleanup. Therefore, it is important to research this information at the 

outset and to work closely with the regulatory authorities throughout 

the cleanup process. For example, state or local regulatory authorities 

may oversee the cleanup of brownfields sites. These agencies should be 

consulted to determine what, if any, site-specific requirements, reviews, 

approvals or permits are applicable. 

At the EPA, the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE) supports 

cleanup and revitalization by issuing enforcement discretion guidance 

documents, model enforcement documents, responses to frequently 

asked questions, fact sheets and other documents. OSRE works with the 

State and Tribal Response Programs 

Many states have established formal 

agreements with the EPA to facilitate 

assessment, cleanup and redevelopment 

of brownfields sites. The agreements, 

referred to as Voluntary Cleanup 

Programs (VCP), create a framework for 

states and the EPA to coordinate the 

oversight of the cleanup process. VCPs 

provide technical assistance, liability 

assurances and funding support to site 

owners and developers. Learn more at 

www.epa.gov/compliance/cleanup/ 

revitalization/state.html. 

The EPA provides access to information 

about tribal brownfields programs at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/state_tribal/ 

tribe_progs.htm. 

Example of Regulatory Requirement 

If the proposed end use calls for 

construction of a light industrial facility, it 

may be appropriate, depending on state 

and local regulatory requirements, to 

compare the relevant cleanup standards 

for industrial as well as commercial or 

residential reuse standards. If the more 

stringent standard required for 

commercial or residential reuse is used, 

additional cleanup and costs may be 

required initially, but doing so provides 

greater flexibility and avoids future 

delay(s) if the proposed reuse is likely to 

change. 

The standards required will affect every 

aspect of the project, from its overall cost 

(which is generally greater as the 

standards become more conservative) to 

the selection of options for site 

investigation and cleanup. 

EPA regional offices to provide guidance on relevant enforcement tools to potential 


10 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Learn the Basics 


developers and owners of contaminated land. These Key Resource for Regulatory documents, along with current Superfund enforcement and and Liability Concerns 

brownfields policy and guidance documents, are available on The Revitalization Handbook, updated and reissued 

in 2011 by EPA’s OSRE, is designed for stakeholders the EPA’s website at http://cfpub.epa.gov/compliance/ 

involved in the assessment, cleanup and resources/policies/cleanup/superfund/. The EPA also can be a 

revitalization of contaminated sites. The handbook valuable resource for brownfields stakeholders by providing summarizes federal statutory provisions and EPA 

policy and guidance documents useful for regulatory and policy support to facilitate selection of 

managing liability risks associated with cleaning technologies. See Appendix B, Brownfields and Technical 

up sites, and describes tools that stakeholders can Support Contacts, on the Brownfields Road Map website for use to address liability concerns. The handbook, contact information. including recent updates, is available at 

www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/ 

publications/cleanup/brownfields/handbook/. Many of the standard practices are designed to help 

brownfields redevelopment projects obtain financing from 

public programs and private banks and institutions. Guidance and standards are 

issued by government and nongovernment organizations, such as ASTM International 

(formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials), the Federal Deposit 

Insurance Corporation (FDIC), state and local economic development authorities and 

private lenders. 

Regulatory considerations at relevant phases of investigation and cleanup are 

identified in the following sections. Stakeholders are encouraged to regularly consult 

with appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure that requirements are properly 

addressed throughout the project. 

Engaging the Community 

Encouraging active participation by members of the community who are most likely 

to be affected by site cleanup and reuse plans contributes to the success of the 

project. Engage the community to raise awareness, identify community concerns and 

build support for cleanup efforts that will lead to Key Resource for Community Engagement redevelopment and revitalization of their community. To 

EPA’s Brownfields Program is designed to promote maximize chances for success, plan early for how the the active participation of communities in each community stakeholders will be identified and encouraged to phase of the cleanup process so that revitalized 

land offers the greatest local benefit. participate for the duration of the brownfields project, from the 

A detailed overview of opportunities to engage investigation phases throughout cleanup. 

the community in a brownfields project, including 

the identification of public actions at each step, is It is important that brownfields decision-makers encourage 

depicted graphically at www.epa.gov/oswer/ acceptance of reuse plans and cleanup alternatives by engagementinitiative/brownfields.html. involving members of the community through multiple 

outreach methods such as public meetings, newsletters, publications, websites and 

social networks. For an individual site, the community should be informed about how 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 11 
 

Learn the Basics Brownfields Road Map 


the use of a proposed technology might affect redevelopment plans 

or the adjacent neighborhood. Consider how the people living in or 

near the site might be affected by cleanup activities and the intended 

reuse of the property; plan early and appropriately for how cleanup 

decisions and their potential impact will be shared with the 

community. 

The EPA assists brownfields communities by directing its members to 

appropriate resources and providing opportunities to network and 

participate in sharing information. A number of websites, databases, 

newsletters and reports provide opportunities for brownfields 

stakeholders to network with other stakeholders to identify 

information about cleanup and technology options. Details about the EPA’s 

community engagement efforts by the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response 

(OSWER) are available on the Community Engagement Initiative website at 

www.epa.gov/oswer/engagementinitiative/. Helpful tools and data focused on 

community engagement at UST sites are provided on the EPA’s Office of Underground 

Storage Tanks (OUST) community engagement website at 

www.epa.gov/oust/communityengagement/. 

Identifying Funding 

One of the most important factors to consider at the beginning of a 

brownfields project is funding. Simply put, the project cannot be 

initiated or undertaken until funding sources are identified and funds 

are secured. The success of a brownfields project is determined by the 

ability of the stakeholders to establish a funding package that covers 

the project costs from planning and assessment through cleanup and 

long-term monitoring. Most brownfields projects leverage funding 

from a variety of sources. Be mindful that securing funding can be a 

lengthy process. 

The range of potential sources and the means of securing funds can 

appear overwhelming, but fortunately, many helpful resources and 

tools are available to guide stakeholders in exploring funding options. 

Funding for the investigation and cleanup of brownfields sites is available from 

federal, state and public and private sources. Programs available at the federal level, 

such as the EPA, typically involve awarding grants and providing technical assistance 

to communities and stakeholders. Other federal programs, such as the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Commerce, also 

Technical Assistance for Communities 

The EPA’s Technical Assistance to 

Brownfields Communities (TAB) program is 

a valuable community resource. Organized 

to provide geographically based assistance, 

the TAB program increases understanding 

of technical issues associated with 

brownfields sites and helps community 

members learn how to participate in 

cleanup and revitalization activities. 

Details, including how to request technical 

assistance, are provided online at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/tools/. 

EPA Brownfields Grants 

The EPA offers funding for brownfields 

assessment, cleanup, revolving loan fund 

and environmental workforce development 

and job training grants. Learn more about 

the EPA’s brownfields grants at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/grant_info. 

Summaries of the types of grants are 

provided, including fact sheets, guidelines, 

resources, eligibility requirements, funding 

levels and tips for applying. Specific 

instructions and deadlines for applying for 

the EPA’s brownfields grants are provided 

at www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm. 

12 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Learn the Basics 


provide funding and technical assistance for brownfields Key Resource for State Programs 

projects. State programs are a valuable option as well, as Published in 2011 by the EPA’s Office of Brownfields states are increasingly offering flexible tools, financial and Land Revitalization (OBLR), the State Brownfields 

and Voluntary Response Programs: An Update from the assistance, tax incentives and other redevelopment 

States provides helpful information about programs support to promote cleanup and reuse of brownfields sites. and tools available for brownfields projects through 

state programs. State-specific details are provided, At the beginning of the project, explore federal, state and including financial assistance tools, such as funding, tax 

incentives and environmental insurance; funding local programs to learn about the sources of funding 

sources, amounts and whether the state program available and the process for applying for and securing focuses on specific types of properties; liability relief funding. Take advantage of the many helpful resources provisions; and contact information. 

available on the EPA’s Brownfields website 

The resource is available online at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/state_tribal/pubs.htm (www.epa.gov/brownfields/grant_info/) to learn about the . 

EPA’s grant programs, details about federal tax deductions 

and to access state response programs, including points of contact and success 

stories. 

Seeking Professional Support 

Most decision-makers for brownfields sites will require technical and legal assistance 

to fully understand the complexities of investigating and cleaning up contaminated 

sites. Depending on the complexity of a particular site, decision-makers may need the 

assistance of environmental practitioners with expertise in geosciences, chemistry, 

engineering, field sampling, redevelopment and other disciplines; cleanup 

contractors; technology vendors; and staff in analytical laboratories to perform many 

of the activities required to investigate and clean up the site. The inclusion of these 

professionals and other experts as members of a brownfields project team is 

recommended to ensure the successful completion of the brownfields project. 

Regulations applicable to brownfields projects in some states require the Using Certified Professionals participation of certified or licensed environmental professionals to help Some states require the guide the site investigation and cleanup process. For example, the EPA’s final participation of certified or licensed 

professionals to help guide the site rule for All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requires that AAI investigations be 

investigation and cleanup process. performed or supervised by individuals who have specific certification or 

licensure, education or experience levels that meet the definition of 

“Environmental Professional” provided in the AAI final rule. A request for proposal 

(RFP) is often used as the procurement mechanism to obtain the services of such 

professionals (individuals or a firm). The RFP requests potential service providers to 

submit a proposal that addresses the approach, qualifications and cost estimate for 

the services requested. The RFP can include specifications that encourage prospective 

bidders to think “outside the box” and consider innovative approaches. Selection 

criteria outlined in the RFP should include the demonstrated experience of the 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 13 
 

Learn the Basics Brownfields Road Map 


individuals or firm in developing valid options for using streamlined strategies and 

innovative technologies at brownfields sites and in successfully implementing the 

selected options. Demonstrated experience can include resumes, project descriptions 

and letters of recommendation. 

Seeing the Bigger Picture – Related EPA Initiatives 

As the EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program has matured over the years 

to address new challenges and evolving stakeholder needs, new programs and 

initiatives have been undertaken to better integrate efforts to clean up and reuse 

brownfields sites. See Spotlight 1, Redevelopment Initiatives: Connecting Cleanup 

and Reuse, and Spotlight 2, Supporting Tribal Revitalization, for a brief overview of 

several programs and initiatives that are designed to help the brownfields community 

integrate revitalization efforts, including principles such as sustainability, renewable 

energy and smart growth. In addition to setting policy and providing guidelines, these 

programs offer extensive resources to help brownfields stakeholders apply lessons 

learned from the experiences of other redevelopment projects. 

Find Helpful Resources 

Visit the Brownfields Road Map website for resources to learn more about 

general concepts and factors for the cleanup of brownfields sites. The 

Learn the Basics resources provide more general information than the 

technology resources identified in the following chapters. 

14 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Learn the Basics 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 15 

Listed below are highlights of several EPA programs and initiatives focused on helping brownfields stakeholders learn how to 

more efficiently and collaboratively prepare contaminated properties for reuse. 

Initiative / Program Available Resources / Additional Details 

Land Revitalization Program – The Land Revitalization Program's mission is 

to restore land and other natural resources into sustainable community assets 

that maximize beneficial economic, ecological and social uses and ensure 

protection of human health and the environment. The Land Revitalization 

Program promotes sustainable approaches to remediation as the norm across 

all EPA contaminated land programs, recognizing cleanup and reuse as 

mutually supportive goals. The program emphasizes that the consideration of 

anticipated property reuse should be an integral part of cleanup decisions. 

Resources, policies and guidance, success 

stories and details about the program are 

available online at www.epa.gov/ 

landrevitalization. Links to program-specific 

information, including details about grant 

and funding resources, are also provided. 

Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program – This program supports 

community involvement in locally based efforts to plan for the assessment, 

cleanup and reuse of brownfields sites within a defined area. Through grants 

and technical assistance, the program promotes land revitalization on a larger 

scale than a single brownfields site (for example, revitalization of a 

neighborhood, block or corridor affected by a brownfields site) and promotes 

community engagement in the planning for brownfields revitalization efforts. 

Details about the pilot program, including 

pilot project fact sheets and information 

about applying for funding, are available at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/ 

areawide_grants.htm. 

Petroleum Brownfields Action Plan: Promoting Revitalization and 

Sustainability – The EPA launched this program in 2008 to address the 

unique challenges associated with the cleanup and reuse of brownfields sites 

with petroleum contamination. 

Visit www.epa.gov/oust/ 

petroleumbrownfields to access the action 

plan, progress reports, success stories, 

grants information and other resources. 

Smart Growth – The EPA’s Smart Growth program provides tools and 

resources to help people implement sustainable development strategies that 

promote healthy, attractive and economically strong communities. 

Integrating community, environmental and the economic considerations, 

applying smart growth principles to brownfields sites can lead to the 

selection of more valuable and sustainable reuse alternatives. 

To learn more about the EPA’s Smart 

Growth program, visit www.epa.gov/ 

smartgrowth/. Resources, tools, technical 

assistance and examples of successful 

smart growth approaches are provided. 

Re-Powering America’s Land – Launched in 2008, this initiative encourages 

renewable energy development on current and formerly contaminated land 

and mine sites. Efforts focus on identifying the renewable energy potential of 

sites and providing useful resources for communities, developers, industry 

and state and local governments and others interested in reusing these sites 

for renewable energy development.

Visit www.epa.gov/oswercpa/ for 

information about funding sources, 

technical assistance, fact sheets, interactive 

mapping tools to identify sites with 

renewable energy potential, webinars and 

federal and state incentives. 

Superfund Redevelopment Initiative (SRI) – Since 1999, SRI has helped 

communities return some of the nation's worst hazardous waste sites to safe 

and productive uses. In addition to cleaning up these Superfund sites and 

making them protective of human health and the environment, the Agency is 

working with communities and other partners to consider future use 

opportunities and integrate appropriate reuse options into the cleanup 

process. The EPA is also working with communities at sites that have already 

been cleaned up to ensure long-term stewardship of site remedies and to 

promote reuse. 

Webinars, success stories, tools and 

resources, community support, 

demonstration project fact sheets, 

partnership information and complete 

details about the initiative are available 

online at www.epa.gov/superfund/ 

programs/recycle/. 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_ri.cfm. 
Learn the Basics Brownfields Road Map 

16 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Federally recognized tribes in the United States develop their own 

environmental policy, establish standards and manage their 

environmental protection and natural resource management programs. 

Tribes can establish a brownfields program or a Tribal Response Program 

to address and reuse contaminated lands. The EPA provides technical 

and financial assistance to tribes for the restoration of contaminated 

tribal lands and the implementation of more effective approaches to 

attaining productive reuse of sites. 

Financial and Technical Assistance Provided by the EPA 

 State and Tribal Response Program Grants can be used to establish 

new or enhance existing environmental response programs. 

 Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants (ARC Grants)

fund activities for sites contaminated by petroleum, hazardous 

substances, controlled substances or mine-scarred land. 

 Job Training Grants fund opportunities for residents to take 

advantage of jobs created by the assessment and cleanup of 

brownfields sites. 

 Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB) Grants provide 

technical or training assistance to increase community 

understanding and participation in the brownfields remediation 

process. 

 Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBA) provide direct technical support for environmental assessment activities, which 

may be an option for sites that are not strong candidates for competitive grants. 

 Limited funding also is available through Superfund cooperative agreements for program development and site 

assessment. 

Tribal Highlights 

 The Passamaquoddy Tribe used funds from the Tribal Response Program to create an inventory of contaminated 

properties. The tribe also received assistance from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Brownfields 

Program to assess the Sipiyak Corner Store property, which included a vacant gas station. Discovery of contaminated soil 

resulted in the removal of USTs, and the site is now ready for reuse. 

 The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has used funds from the EPA Brownfields Job Training grants to train more than 124 

students on topics ranging from asbestos remediation to Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 

(HAZWOPER) health and safety training. Graduates of the training program have been employed by the Tribe’s Office of 

Environmental Protection and other environmental firms and formed their own remediation company. 

For More Information 

Additional information about tribal grant funding guidance, tribal response program publications and tribal brownfields 

programs is available online at www.epa.gov/brownfields/state_tribal. 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_tr.cfm. 
Brownfields Road Map Assess the Site 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 17 

Collect and Assess Information about Your Brownfields Site 

The purpose of this phase is to evaluate the potential for contamination at a particular 

site by collecting and reviewing existing information. A site assessment includes a 

review of site and government records, a site visit to visually inspect existing site 

conditions and identify any potential releases of hazardous substances, and interviews 

with people who have direct knowledge about historical uses of the site, past and 

current operational practices, and any potential for related environmental concerns. 

A site assessment—typically beginning with a Phase I Environmental Site 

Assessment (ESA)—is essentially a compilation and review of available 

information. Efforts conducted during a site assessment to evaluate the 

history of a site and determine whether contamination is present also can 

be used to comply with the requirements of an AAI investigation. 

Conducting an AAI investigation is one element required for obtaining 

liability protection. See Spotlight 3, All Appropriate Inquiries, for details on 

the requirements for performing an AAI investigation. 

During the site assessment phase, it is important to consider the activities 

and requirements described in the subsequent chapters and determine 

how they may be affected by initial site assessment information. Because 

the information obtained in this phase will determine whether any future 

site investigation work must be done at the site, assessment activities 

should be thorough and tailored to meet site- and project-specific data 

objectives. The information collected during this initial phase of the 

brownfields project is extremely important for providing early indications 

of whether the property may need to be cleaned up to support its 

intended reuse and can provide a preliminary indication of the available 

cleanup technologies. 

The site assessment is a 

crucial step in the brownfields 

process because the need for 

any further environmental 

investigation and cleanup will 

depend on whether potential 

environmental concerns are 

identified. 

ASTM International 

Phase I ESA 

The site assessment is usually 

conducted consistent with ASTM 

International Phase I ESA practices, 

which are the generally accepted 

standard for evaluating a site for a 

potential release of hazardous 

substances or petroleum products into 

site structures, soil, groundwater, 

surface water, sediment and indoor air. 

Each instance when the available 

information suggests that a release of 

hazardous substances or petroleum 

products may have occurred is 

designated as a recognized 

environmental condition (REC). 

For more information about the ASTM 

International standard practice, visit 

www.astm.org/Standards/E1527.htm. 
Assess the Site Brownfields Road Map 

18 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

The information collected about the site is typically organized into a 

project life cycle conceptual site model (CSM). The CSM is a valuable 

planning tool and framework for designing site activities and facilitating 

communications of the project team and with stakeholders. See 

Spotlight 4, Project Life Cycle Conceptual Site Model, for details and access 

to examples of CSMs. 

All Appropriate Inquiries is the process of evaluating a property’s history and 

environmental condition to determine whether any contamination may be 

present. AAI investigations are required to be performed for a future property 

owner to be considered an innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or 

bona fide prospective purchaser under the Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund. 

Conducting AAI Investigations

AAI investigations must be performed within a certain time frame and manner and 

by individuals with specific qualifications to be considered compliant with the AAI 

final rule, published at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 312 (effective November 1, 2006). Specific requirements 

include the following: 

 An AAI investigation must be performed or updated within 1 year prior to acquisition of the property. 

 Specific activities required by the AAI final rule that must be performed or updated within 180 days before acquisition of 

the property include an onsite visual inspection, review of government records, interviews with previous and current site 

owners and searches for environmental cleanup liens. 

 AAI investigations must be performed or supervised by individuals who have specific certification or licensure, education 

or experience levels that meet the specified definition of “Environmental Professional” provided in the AAI final rule. 

 The findings of an AAI investigation must be documented in a written report. The report must include: 

1) An opinion as to whether the inquiry identified conditions indicative of releases or threatened releases of hazardous 

substances on, at, in or to the subject property, 

2) An identification of “significant” data gaps if they affect the ability of the environmental professional to identify 

conditions indicative of releases or threatened releases, 

3) Qualifications and signature of the environmental professionals, and 

4) An opinion regarding additional appropriate investigation, if the environmental professional has such an opinion. 

 AAI requirements may be met using the ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process or ASTM E2247-

08 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property. 

For More Information 

Visit the EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiries website at www.epa.gov/brownfields/aai/ for fact sheets about AAI, access to the EPA’s 

published final rule on AAI (40 CFR Part 312), and other information. 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_aai.cfm. 

Community Benefit 

The CSM is useful for sharing 

information with community members 

about the environmental conditions of 

the site, goals for the cleanup, data to 

be collected and decisions to be made. 
 

Brownfields Road Map 	 Assess the Site 


Consider These Questions 

Goals and Planning 

»	 Has a redevelopment plan 

been prepared or a 

proposed end use 

identified? 

»	 Is a residential development 

planned? 

»	 If located in an industrial 

area, will the site remain 

industrial or be rezoned for 

commercial use? 

»	 If the site shows evidence of 

contamination, who and 

what will be affected? 

»	 Will users of the property be 

exposed directly to the site 

soil, soil vapor, sediment or 

surface water? 

»	 Who will conduct long-term 

monitoring and oversight, 

particularly if residual 

contamination is left in 

place? 

Oversight 

»	 Is the site located in an area 

targeted for 

redevelopment? If so, is the 

site being considered for 

cleanup under a federal or 

state Superfund cleanup 

initiative? 

»	 Will the site be entered into 

a VCP? If not, what agency 

(federal, state, local or tribal) 

is responsible for managing 

oversight of cleanup? 

»	 Are there other federal, 

state, local or tribal 

regulatory requirements for 

site assessment? 

»	 Are there other regulatory 

requirements for specific 

contaminants likely to be 

present on the site (for 

example, lead-based paint 

or asbestos)? 

The needs and concerns of the community are also important considerations at this 

early step. For example, it may be beneficial to develop social and economic profiles 

and clearly identify what the community considers to be acceptable environmental 

risks. Discussions and planning for how to identify stakeholders and keep them 

engaged and actively participating throughout the entire project are important 

activities to be undertaken in conjunction with site assessment. 

Technologies that detect possible contamination in indoor air may be applicable at 

this stage, as well as some real-time measurement technologies useful for assessing 

contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water or other environmental media. 

Examples of sampling and analysis technologies that may be applicable during this 

phase are presented in the online Guide to Contaminants and Technologies at the 

Brownfields Road Map website. However, the use of technologies is limited, since 

much of the work at this phase typically involves a search of paper and electronic 

records and interviews with current and previous site owners and workers. 

Conduct Your Site Assessment 

Typical activities that may be conducted during the site assessment phase are 

indicated below. The list is intended as a general planning guide and is not a 

comprehensive listing of assessment activities required under state and federal 

regulations. Factors that should be considered are presented in the margin in the form 

of questions. For a better understanding of these requirements, such as the EPA’s AAI 

regulations, consult the references identified and work with appropriate regulatory 

authorities. 

	 Establish the core technical team and take advantage of the team’s expertise 

to evaluate the adequacy of existing site information and identify potential 

releases of hazardous substances or petroleum products. 

o	 Identify and secure experts in geosciences, chemistry, engineering, 

regulatory and field sampling. 

o	 As required, consider additional support from individuals experienced in 

risk assessment, biology, data management and quality assurance. 

	 Ensure that all brownfields stakeholders (such as regulators, community 

members, property owners and technical staff, such as chemists and 

engineers) are involved in the decision-making process. 

	 Identify future plans for reuse and redevelopment and goals of the site. 

	 Explore options for funding and technical assistance from the EPA. 

o	 Consider applying for a brownfields assessment grant. 

o	 Request technical assistance from the EPA’s Targeted Brownfields 

Assessment (TBA) program. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 19 
 

Assess the Site 	 Brownfields Road Map 


	 Assess the site through an ASTM International Phase I ESA or its equivalent and 

conduct AAI to determine whether contamination is likely present on site. In 

general, perform a records search, visit the site and interview individuals with 

knowledge of the site. The effort includes the following activities: 

o	 Search relevant environmental databases. Commercial firms can costeffectively conduct database searches on a fee basis. The search will 

consist of a review of federal and state databases, including but not 

limited to: (1) the EPA’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) of potentially 

contaminated sites, (2) RCRAInfo, a national program management and 

inventory system of hazardous waste handlers, (3) the National Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of permits issued for discharges 

into surface water and (4) state records of “emergency removal” actions 

(for example, the removal of leaking drums or the excavation of explosive 

waste). 

o	 Identify past owners and the uses of the property by conducting a title 

search and reviewing tax documents, city directories, sewer maps, 

topographic maps, aerial photographs and fire, policy and health 

department documentation related to the property. 

o	 Analyze city government and other historical records to identify past use 

or disposal of hazardous or other waste materials at the site. 

o	 Interview property owners, occupants and others associated with the site, 

such as previous employees, residents and local planners. 

o	 Perform a walking inspection of the site and a visual evaluation of adjacent 

and other local properties. 

o	 Potentially collect samples to test for the presence of various contaminants 

— for example, lead-based paint, asbestos and radon in structures. 

o	 Plan additional investigations at the site and collect information as 

necessary to investigate any releases of hazardous substances identified 

during the site assessment and resolve any other uncertainties related to 

the site. 

	 Coordinate with the project team to begin development of the project life 

cycle CSM. 

	 Review the applicability of government oversight programs: 

o	 Determine whether there is a state VCP and consult with the appropriate 

federal, state, local and tribal regulatory agencies to include them in the 

decision-making process as early as possible. 

o	 Select the approach (such as redevelopment programs, federal regulatory 

programs, property transfer laws or a state brownfields program) that is 

required or available to facilitate the cleanup of the site. 

o	 Identify whether economic incentives, such as benefits from state 

brownfields programs or federal brownfields tax deductions, can be 

obtained. 

o	 Contact the EPA regional brownfields coordinator to identify and 

determine the availability of EPA support programs and federal financial 

incentives (see Appendix B, Brownfields and Technical Support Contacts). 

Consider These Questions 

(continued) 

The Community 

»	 What are the special needs 

and concerns of the 

community? 

»	 How can meaningful 

community involvement be 

solicited? 

»	 What environmental 

standards should be 

considered to ensure that 

community stakeholders are 

satisfied with the outcome 

of the cleanup? 

Site Conditions 

»	 What is known about the 

site? 

»	 What records exist that 

indicate potential 

contamination and past use 

of the property and adjacent 

properties? 

»	 What information is needed 

to identify the types and 

extent or the absence of 

contamination? 

»	 Has a previous Phase I ESA 

been conducted? 

»	 Have other environmental 

actions occurred (such as 

notices of violation)? 

Funding 

»	 Who will pay for the site 

investigation and cleanup? 

»	 Are private, state, city or 

other federal agency funds 

available? 

20 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Assess the Site 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 21 

 Decide how to encourage and incorporate community participation: 

o Identify regulatory requirements for public involvement. 

o Assess community interest in the project. 

o Identify community-based organizations. 

o Review any community plans for redevelopment. 

 Examine factors that may impede redevelopment and reuse. 

 Identify environmental or other site conditions that the community would 

likely find unacceptable in light of the proposed reuse. 

 Begin identifying potential sources for funding site investigation and cleanup 

activities at the site, if necessary.

Find Helpful Resources 

Visit the Brownfields Road Map website to identify and review resources 

and tools that provide details about technology applications, methods and 

other site-specific concerns. 

Plan Your Next Step 

The next course of action is determined by the results of the site assessment and what 

has been learned about the site. Several possible outcomes and subsequent courses of 

action are explained below. 

Result of Site Assessment Course of Action 

No evidence of contamination is found 

and there is no evidence of possible 

contamination. Stakeholder concerns 

have been addressed adequately.

Confirm results with appropriate 

regulatory officials before proceeding 

with redevelopment activities.

Evidence of contamination is found 

that poses a significant potential risk to 

human health or the environment.

Contact the appropriate federal, state, 

local, or tribal government agencies 

responsible for hazardous waste. Based 

on feedback of the government agency, 

identify the cleanup levels required for 

redevelopment, and proceed to the 

Investigate the Site phase.

Contamination possibly exists, as 

indicated by the presence of RECs.

Proceed to the Investigate the Site phase.

Contamination definitely exists, but no 

site investigation has been conducted.

Proceed to the Investigate the Site phase.

Contamination definitely exists and a 

site investigation has been performed.

Proceed to the Investigate the Site phase 

if additional investigation is warranted; 

otherwise, proceed to the Assess and 

Select Cleanup Options phase.
Assess the Site Brownfields Road Map 

22 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

A Conceptual Site Model is a graphical and written summary of what is 

known or hypothesized about environmental contamination at a 

brownfields site. An effective CSM is easy to understand and helps 

technical teams, communities and stakeholders communicate with 

each other and learn about the nature, extent, exposure and risk 

associated with contamination. CSMs typically include graphical data 

and written content, and may also include information such as site 

features, geologic and hydrogeologic data, contaminant types, 

transport and exposure pathways and potential receptors. 

Benefits of CSM Use 

CSMs are an important tool for the assessment and cleanup of 

brownfields sites because they can assist stakeholders to: 

 More fully understand site conditions and features 

 Synthesize information from multiple sources 

 Identify which information is unknown or uncertain about the site 

 Define a plan for collecting additional information 

 Obtain stakeholder agreement on site conditions and related project investigation, design and cleanup plans 

Phases of the Project Life Cycle CSM 

There are six phases of a life cycle CSM. It is important to understand that a life cycle CSM does not require the creation of six 

individual CSMs, but rather the development of one CSM that evolves through all stages of site redevelopment. As additional 

information about the site is known, the CSM becomes a powerful tool to support technical and communication needs. 

For More Information 

More details, including tools to assist in developing and using a CSM, and examples of CSMs, are available on the Triad 

Resource Center website (www.triadcentral.org/tech/dsp_sub.cfm?id=13). 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_csm.cfm. 
 

Brownfields Road Map Investigate the Site 


Information collected during Confirm Contamination and Identify its Source, Nature and Extent the site investigation phase 

supports future decisions 

about potential cleanup Activities conducted during the site investigation phase are focused on confirming 

options and reuse whether any contamination exists at a site, locating the source of contamination, 

alternatives. characterizing its nature and extent and identifying possible threats to the 

environment or to any people living or working nearby. For brownfields sites, the 

results of a site investigation are used to identify and quantify the risks associated with 

potential contamination and to develop effective cleanup plans. The results may also 

be used to set specific goals for the cleanup and assess anticipated cleanup costs, 

which will help stakeholders evaluate the economic viability of the project. 

A site investigation, also referred to as a Phase II ESA, is designed based on ASTM International Phase II ESA 

the results of the Phase I ESA discussed in the preceding chapter. The Environmental site assessments are Phase II ESA includes the analysis of samples of building materials and conducted to evaluate existing 

environmental problems from past environmental media, such as soil and soil gas, groundwater, surface 

operations and potential water, sediment and indoor air. For sites where contamination is 

environmental problems from current confirmed, additional site investigation efforts are used to delineate the or proposed operations at a site. The 

primary objective of conducting a nature and extent, source locations and significance of contamination for 

Phase II ESA is to confirm and evaluate the purpose of supporting subsequent cleanup and reuse decisions. 

the RECs identified in the Phase I ESA. Contaminant migration pathways through media (for example, soil, 

For more information about the ASTM groundwater and air) are also examined in relation to potential receptors International standard practice, visit (for example, humans, animals and plants). A baseline risk assessment to www.astm.org/Standards/E1903.htm 

quantify risk to human health and or the environment may be conducted. 

Examples of investigation technologies that may be useful during this phase are 

presented in the online Guide to Contaminants and Technologies available at the 

Brownfields Road Map website. 

Many technologies are available to assist those involved in brownfields cleanup to be 

more effective in their efforts. In addition, BMPs for site investigation and cleanup 

have emerged in the last few years. These BMPs incorporate systematic project 

planning, dynamic work strategies and the use of real-time measurement 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 23 
Investigate the Site Brownfields Road Map 

24 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

technologies to accelerate and improve the cleanup process by reducing costs, 

improving decision certainty, and expediting site redevelopment. For example, 

effective systematic planning of the investigation can result in lower overall project 

costs, while dynamic work strategies can reduce or eliminate the need for multiple 

mobilizations to a site to complete investigations. 

Real-time measurement technologies provide information about contamination at the 

site that the project team can analyze while in the field. Used collaboratively with offsite laboratory analysis, the real-time data and field-based analytical methods can 

provide a more precise picture of the conditions at the site (for example, the extent of 

contamination and migration pathways). See Spotlight 5, Data Quality: The Key to 

Making Robust Site Decisions, for details about the benefits of using real-time 

measurement tools and methods. A thorough site investigation will improve 

understanding about the true conditions of the site, which reduces uncertainty and 

improves stakeholder confidence in the decisions made. 

Provided below is an overview of using BMPs to investigate a brownfields site and the 

benefits of their use. 

Preliminary Planning

Systematic Planning

Work Plan Development

Based on data gaps identified 

in the Baseline CSM

Investigation Using 

Dynamic Work Strategies

Conduct additional dynamic 

sampling as needed

Investigation Complete

Take appropriate action 

based on the decisions made.

Update CSM 

(Characterization Stage)

Update CSM (Baseline)

Create CSM (Preliminary)

Best Management Practices for Investigating a Brownfields Site

Linking Decisions, Data and Technologies

Update CSM to support 

remedy selection, design 

and implementation

Project Life Cycle CSM

Project Planning 

and Technical Performance

Preliminary Planning

• What are the site redevelopment goals?

Systematic Planning

• What decisions are needed to support site goals?

• What information is needed to make decisions?

• What level of data quality is required?

• What data gaps or uncertainties exist?

Work Plan Development

• How should data be collected?

• What are the appropriate sampling and analysis 

designs to generate data of acceptable quality?

• Can real-time measurement technologies be used 

to collect data at the level of quality required?

Investigation Using Dynamic Work Strategies

• What do the data indicate?

• Is the delineation of contamination complete?

• Can robust decisions be made? 

Benefits of Using BMPs

• Improved site investigation information to support better redevelopment decisions

• More effective communication with stakeholders and the local community

• Increased confidence (reduced uncertainty) that cleanup plans are protective of human health and the environment

• Achievement of cleanup goals faster and at lower cost

Decisions to be Made

Analytical Uncertainty

Methods, Quantity, Quality, 

Validation, Appropriate Use

Sampling Uncertainty

Media, Methods, Location, 

Distribution, Depth, Purpose

Site Decision Uncertainty

Risk, Action Levels, Remedy, 

Stakeholders, Acceptability

Resource Uncertainty

Funding, Schedule, Personnel, 

Logistics, Weather

Types of Uncertainty

Using BMPs helps to reduce a 

variety of uncertainties associated 

with brownfields projects.
Brownfields Road Map Investigate the Site 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 25 

Successful brownfields projects rely on environmental data that accurately 

represent actual site conditions. These data must be of defensible quality and 

provide sufficient detail to support robust decision-making so that a brownfields 

project can proceed in a manner acceptable to all stakeholders and in accordance 

with government regulatory and oversight programs (for example, EPA quality 

assurance and state voluntary cleanup programs). Thus, data quality should be 

considered during each redevelopment step, from determining the extent of 

contamination and assessing risks to implementing the best cleanup approach. 

Planning for Data Quality 

Planning efforts for a brownfields project should address factors that affect data 

quality, such as sampling design, sampling methods, analytical methods and 

quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols. To ensure that defensible 

quality data are collected, initial planning activities for brownfields projects should include: 

 Clarifying project and data quality objectives (DQO) 

 Identifying decisions and relevant supporting data that will be necessary to support project completion 

 Developing a CSM to understand site conditions and identify key site data gaps 

 Achieving consensus from project stakeholders on strategies and methods for data collection, evaluation and use 

Using Field-based Methods to Reduce Site Uncertainty 

Understanding the true conditions of the brownfields site reduces site 

uncertainty—which is the key to making successful decisions. Increased 

decision confidence among site owners, buyers and surrounding 

communities decreases the likelihood of errors and omissions that could 

negatively affect the site later. However, the cost of reducing uncertainty can 

vary considerably based on the contaminants of concern and the 

technologies and methods used to generate data. 

Using real-time direct sensing tools and field-based analytical methods may 

be a cost-effective way to reduce site uncertainty. They increase sampling 

density and precision by enabling lower per-measurement costs than sole 

reliance on conventional sampling and laboratory analysis methods. These 

tools and methods can also increase the quality and value of conventionally 

derived data by ensuring that samples are collected from the appropriate 

locations, thereby increasing the representativeness of those samples. Project 

teams can use data collected with field-based methods to make timely 

decisions rather than waiting weeks to months for laboratory results and 

formal project report generation. 

For each brownfields project, steps should be taken to confirm that the fieldbased methods to be used on the project site will provide adequate data quality to support decision-making. In addition, 

results from field-based sensing and analytical methods should be confirmed using appropriate laboratory analytical methods. 

For More Information 

Information about data quality is available at www.triadcentral.org/reg, including an overview of key concepts and 

considerations for using real-time measurement systems. Additional resources are provided by the Interstate Technology and 

Regulatory Council (ITRC) Incremental Sampling Methodology Team (www.itrcweb.org/teampublic_ISM.asp) and the ITRC 

Sampling, Characterization and Monitoring Team (www.itrcweb.org/teampublic_SCM.asp). 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_dq.cfm. 
 

 

Investigate the Site 	 Brownfields Road Map 


Conduct Your Site Investigation 

The following activities are typically conducted during the site investigation phase. 

Intended as a general planning guide, the list is not a comprehensive inventory of all 

site investigation activities required under state and federal regulations. Factors to be 

considered while planning the site investigation are presented in the margin in the 

form of questions. 

	 Contact the EPA regional brownfields coordinator to explore the potential for 

the project to qualify for a brownfields assessment grant and options for 

technical assistance through the EPA’s TBA program. 

	 If a Phase II ESA is warranted, consider funding sources (such as state 

brownfields programs and federal tax deductions) for site investigation and 

cleanup activities: 

o	 Contact your state’s brownfields program representative and the EPA 

regional brownfields coordinator to identify the availability of state and 

EPA support programs and federal financial incentives. 

	 In collaboration with stakeholders, use the results of the Phase I ESA to update 

the project life cycle CSM. Identify critical data gaps as the basis for the design 

of a Phase II ESA. 

	 Continue to work with regulatory agencies during the site investigation design 

and data collection phases to ensure that regulatory requirements are being 

properly addressed: 

o	 Identify and consult with the appropriate federal, state, local and tribal 

agencies to include their input as early as possible in the project. 

	 Invite community members to participate in discussions about the project 

goals and objectives and in decisions about the site investigation design. 

	 Identify the proper mix of real-time measurement technologies and 

conventional methods (such as off-site laboratory analysis) to investigate the 

site and meet the required level of data quality. 

	 Research and ensure that proposed real-time measurement technologies and 

the off-site laboratory can accurately detect all contaminants of interest to a 

concentration that is lower than or comparable to the screening level 

concentrations defined by the regulatory guidance and the agencies 

overseeing the project. 

	 Conduct a Phase II ESA to define the environmental conditions associated with 

the identified RECs at the site: 

o	 Identify potentially viable site sampling and testing methods to confirm 

geological and hydrogeological site conditions. For example, consider 

consulting with a geophysical survey service provider to evaluate 

approaches for cost-effectively addressing data gaps. 

o	 Confirm and refine as necessary the human health and ecological 

pathways for exposure to site contaminants. 

Consider These Questions 

Goals and Planning 

»	 Can the need for cleanup be 

assessed accurately from the 

site assessment or from a 

previous site investigation? 

»	 Who or what could be 

affected by the 

contamination or cleanup 

efforts? 

»	 What happens if 

contamination poses a 

"significant threat" to local 

residents? 

»	 What happens if the 

contamination is originating 

from an adjacent property 

or other off-site source? 

»	 What happens if sampling 

indicates that 

contamination is originating 

from a naturally occurring 

source? 

Oversight 

»	 Will the site be entered into 

a state VCP? If so, will the 

investigation plan be 

reviewed through the VCP? 

If not, are there applicable 

federal, state, local and tribal 

regulatory requirements? 

»	 What agency will oversee 

the investigation? Does the 

agency have suitable 

standards or guidelines for 

the proposed reuse? 

The Community 

»	 What issues has the 

community raised that may 

affect the site investigation? 

»	 How will the results of the 

site investigation be shared 

with the community? 

26 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
 

Brownfields Road Map 	 Investigate the Site 


Consider These Questions o Delineate the nature, extent, source and significance of any contamination 

confirmed to be present. (continued) 

o During the field investigation, evaluate results with other stakeholders to 

Site Conditions 	 achieve consensus that the associated data needs at each identified 

release have been addressed. »	 What are the potential 

exposure pathways? o If applicable, evaluate whether and how the infrastructure systems (for 

»	 Are the infrastructure example, roads, sewers and structures) are affected by contamination. 

systems (roads, buildings,  Update the Baseline CSM with data and observations obtained during the site sewers, public water 

systems and other facilities) investigation. Use the Characterization CSM to identify and evaluate potential 

contaminated? Could they cleanup options. 

be affected by efforts to  Assess the risks posed to human health and the environment. Depending on clean up contamination? the planned end use of the property, other potential exposure pathways or » Is the site likely to be a sensitive receptors may also require evaluation. Consider the human exposure “challenging cleanup”? See pathways of direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation of soil and dust, water and Spotlight 8 on page 35. indoor air. 

Options 	 Depending on state regulatory requirements, perform a risk assessment to 

identify site-specific cleanup levels when contaminant concentrations » Has the team explored the confirmed at the site exceed regulatory screening levels. full range of technologies 


that can produce data of the 
  Evaluate confirmed site contamination in all affected environmental media in quality required? terms of overall cleanup costs, including initial actions and long-term 

» What real-time technologies operation and maintenance. Include potential cleanup options and are available to facilitate site constraints that may affect redevelopment requirements, such as project investigation and support schedules, costs and potential for achieving the desired reuse. data collection efforts? 

» Can the technologies  Share the updated CSM with members of the community to promote 

selected limit the number of understanding of the site conditions. 

mobilizations to the site? 

»	 Will the site investigation 

involve iterative steps to Find Helpful Resources address data gaps that arise 


during the project?
 

Visit the Brownfields Road Map website to identify and review resources 

and tools that provide details about technology applications, methods and 

other site-specific concerns. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 27 
Investigate the Site Brownfields Road Map 

28 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Plan Your Next Steps 

The next course of action is determined by the results of the site investigation. Several 

possible outcomes and subsequent courses of action are explained below. 

Result of the Site Investigation Course of Action 

No contamination is found. Consult with appropriate regulatory officials 

before you proceed with redevelopment 

activities. 

Contamination is found, but does 

not pose a significant risk to human 

health or the environment. 

Consult with appropriate regulatory officials 

before you proceed with redevelopment 

activities. 

Cleanup of the contamination found 

probably will require a small 

expenditure of funds and time. 

Proceed to the Assess and Select Cleanup 

Options phase. 

Cleanup of the contamination 

probably will require a significant 

expenditure of funds and time. 

Residual contamination is 

determined not to pose a risk to 

local residents or the environment. 

Determine whether redevelopment 

continues to be practicable as planned, or 

whether the redevelopment plan can be 

altered to fit the circumstances; if so, proceed 

to the Assess and Select Cleanup Options 

phase. 

Contamination is found that poses a 

risk to local residents or the 

environment. 

Contact the appropriate federal, state, local or 

tribal government agencies responsible for 

hazardous waste. Compliance with other 

programs, such as the EPA’s RCRA and 

Superfund programs, may be required. 
Brownfields Road Map Investigate the Site 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 29 

The advent of innovative site characterization technologies and strategies and the 

development of more effective treatment methods may provide brownfields 

stakeholders with new options for faster and more effective site cleanup. 

New approaches to site cleanup, based on the use of in situ treatment technologies, 

promote more targeted or “surgical” options for cleanup by enabling a better 

understanding of subsurface features, contaminant distribution, volume, mass and 

behavior over time. 

Benefits of In Situ Treatment 

Treatment using in situ methods reduces the time required 

to clean up a site, decreases the amount of residual 

contamination left at sites and minimizes the need for 

long-term operations and maintenance. Together, these 

benefits directly serve the interests of brownfields 

stakeholders by: 

 Expediting site redevelopment and reuse 

 Reducing the requirement for engineering controls 

(EC) and ICs 

 Lowering or eliminating long-term expenditures 

related to environmental protection measures 

In situ treatments also provide the added value of supporting the goals of greener cleanups. For example, in situ treatments 

reduce the amount of treatment materials and waste generation and handling. 

Why High-Resolution Site Characterization? 

Design and implementation of in situ remedies requires an accurate 

understanding of the nature and extent of subsurface 

contamination, which can most efficiently and reliably be defined 

using HRSC strategies and technologies. In addition, HRSC data can 

be used to support the initial evaluation and selection of in situ

treatment technologies. 

HRSC supports more effective use of in situ remedies by: 

 Characterizing subsurface conditions critical to successful 

remedy design at a scale that conventional investigation 

methods are unable to attain 

 Providing greater confidence that a site is fully characterized 

by increasing data density 

 Enabling more accurate estimation of contaminant mass and 

volume through tighter source identification and delineation 

 Improving the cost and performance of remedy monitoring by minimizing monitoring network needs. 

As a targeted strategy or as an overall BMP, HRSC can be applied to sites of any size under any regulatory program. 

For More Information 

HRSC is a new EPA initiative, and a formal definition for HRSC strategies and technologies has not yet been finalized. The 

general concept and benefits of HRSC are being explained and communicated through a variety of EPA efforts. Technical 

resources and other information about HRSC are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/topics.cfm. 

High-resolution site 

characterization (HRSC) 

strategies and techniques define 

contaminant distributions in 

environmental media with 

greater certainty.

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_hr.cfm. 
Investigate the Site Brownfields Road Map 

30 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Vapor Intrusion (VI) occurs when toxic vapors enter structures, become 

concentrated and contaminate the indoor air. The vapors, which come 

from chemicals in contaminated soil or groundwater, migrate through 

foundation cracks, fractures in basement floors or walls, crawl spaces and 

small gaps around pipes and utility lines. VI poses potential chronic and 

acute health risks to anyone who breathes the air inside the affected 

buildings. 

Many contaminants can cause VI, including chemicals that readily 

evaporate (volatile) and those that evaporate more slowly (semivolatile). 

Vapor-causing contaminants are commonly referred to as volatile organic 

compounds (VOCs). Examples of VOCs include gasoline, degreasers, drycleaning solvents, naphthalene and some pesticides. 

VI should be evaluated for all brownfields projects with possible VOC 

contamination in the subsurface of the property or in the subsurface of nearby property. Because contaminated vapors can 

migrate laterally in the soil and groundwater, the source does not need to be on the property to create a VI risk. Even green 

spaces or properties with no history of industrial activity may be affected by VI if located near a contaminated property. Typical 

brownfields sites with VI concerns include former gas stations, dry cleaners, landfills, automobile repair shops and former 

manufacturing and chemical processing plants. 

Considerations for Brownfields Projects 

 Evaluating the potential for VI should begin early in the site assessment and investigation phases. Often, the only way VI 

concerns can be solved is to adequately evaluate them before cleanup begins. Solutions may be easier to implement 

and are generally less expensive if VI concerns are evaluated before construction is complete. 

 The movement of volatile vapors can be difficult to quantify and initial environmental site assessments may not 

accurately identify VI concerns. If a potential VI risk exists, appropriate sampling should be conducted during the site 

investigation to evaluate potential exposure pathways. 

 VI concerns should be incorporated into the project life cycle CSM to help define data quality objectives and identify 

considerations for the cleanup design. 

 Strategies to reduce or eliminate indoor air contaminant risks include: 

o Remediating or controlling the sources of contamination in the subsurface 

o Increasing natural building ventilation 

o Ventilating the affected buildings with properly operated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems 

o Restricting the use of the facilities of concern 

o Changing the location or altering the design of future buildings 

 Operations, maintenance and monitoring of mitigation systems are generally necessary. 

 Some states have specific VI guidance; environmental agencies should be consulted to ensure that up-to-date and 

appropriate guidance is followed. 

For More Information 

In 2008, the EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology Support Center published Brownfields Technology 

Primer: Vapor Intrusion Considerations for Redevelopment. This primer contains detailed information about assessing 

and mitigating VI concerns that will help stakeholders communicate with technical experts and contractors. 

The EPA’s VI website, www.epa.gov/oswer/vaporintrusion/, provides basic information and policy, guidance and technical 

documents. VI resources also are provided on the CLU-IN website at www.clu-in.org/issues/default.focus/sec/Vapor_Intrusion/. 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_vi.cfm. 
Brownfields Road Map Assess and Select Cleanup Options
 

The purpose of evaluating Evaluate Applicable Cleanup Alternatives for Your Site various cleanup alternatives is 

to identify technologies with 

the capability to meet specific Data collected during the site assessment and investigation phases are critical for 

cleanup and reuse objectives. moving to this phase of a brownfields project. The project team and stakeholders use 

the data and information known about a property to review and evaluate cleanup 

options applicable to specific site conditions and consistent with cleanup and reuse 

goals. Continuing to use the BMPs discussed in the previous sections ensures that 

stakeholders can contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process because 

they understand the site conditions and potential risks. 

Sharing details about the options under consideration and inviting comment from 

those in the community likely to be affected by the cleanup and reuse is an important 

activity and contributes significantly to long-term community acceptance and support 

of the selected cleanup alternative and the overall reuse goals. Encouraging Identifying the Best Options community involvement in these decisions ensures that the approaches taken for Challenging Cleanups 

to address environmental impacts remain consistent with stakeholders’ goals The cleanup of some brownfields and objectives. sites may be complicated by site 

conditions and the specific 

contamination found on or near After discussion and efforts to reach consensus among the various 

the property. See Spotlight 8, stakeholders, decisions are made about the selection of cleanup alternatives, 

Challenging Cleanups, for a more including the use of technologies with the capability to meet specific cleanup detailed discussion. 

and redevelopment objectives. For brownfields sites, it also is important to 

frame these discussions and decisions around budget considerations and work 

schedule constraints so that the project remains financially viable. 

Institutional controls are another important consideration during this phase. Examples 

of these legal and administrative tools include easements, covenants, zoning 

restrictions and posting advisories to increase community awareness of the 

environmental conditions and cleanup activities at the site. See Spotlight 9, 

Understanding the Role of Institutional Controls at Brownfields Sites, for more 

information about institutional controls. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 31 
 

 

Assess and Select Cleanup Options	 Brownfields Road Map 


Selecting the Cleanup Options for Your Site 

The following list identifies activities that are typically conducted during the evaluation 

and selection of cleanup options. The list is intended as a general planning guide and is 

not a comprehensive inventory of all activities to be undertaken during this phase. 

Factors to be considered are presented in the margins in the form of questions. 

	 Establish cleanup objectives that consider the end use and use applicable 

standards, published state or federal guidelines, risk-based corrective actions 

(RBCA), or site-specific risk assessment results. 

	 Communicate information about the proposed cleanup option to brownfields 

stakeholders, including members of the affected community. Solicit the input 

of the community in the site cleanup selection process and actively engage 

community members in decision-making. 

	 Review general information about cleanup technologies and approaches to 

become familiar with those that may be applicable to the contaminants and 

geologic and hydrogeologic conditions present at the site. Focus on 

identifying cleanup options that have a proven track record for sites with 

similar contaminants and conditions: 

o	 Use the resources available on the Brownfields Road Map website to 

identify technologies. 

o	 See Appendix A, Guide to Contaminants and Technologies, at the 

Brownfields Road Map website for examples of technologies that are 

appropriate for specific types of contaminants. 

o	 Search existing literature that further describes the technology 

alternatives. 

o	 Analyze detailed technical information about the applicability of 

technology alternatives. 

	 Enlist the help of a professional environmental practitioner with experience in 

applying these technologies at similar sites. 

	 Assess the need for using ICs as part of the cleanup approach. 

	 Narrow the list of potential cleanup options that are most appropriate and 

compatible for addressing site contamination and proposed reuse: 

o	 Network with other brownfields stakeholders and environmental 

practitioners to leverage their expertise. 

o	 Determine whether sufficient data are available to support 

identification and evaluation of cleanup alternatives. 

o	 Analyze in more detail the applicability of technologies to the 

contamination and conditions identified at a site. 

o	 Evaluate the options against a number of key factors, including their 

effectiveness, implementability and cost. 

o	 Consider the benefits that some cleanup options may offer; for 

example, less disruption to the community, potential reduction of 

liability and long-term sustainability. 

Consider These Questions 

Goals and Planning 

»	 Is there a consensus that site 

characterization 

uncertainties have been 

sufficiently reduced? 

»	 How is the appropriate and 

feasible level of cleanup 

identified? 

Oversight 

»	 Are there federal, state, local 

or tribal cleanup 

requirements? 

»	 Are there prescribed 

standards for the cleanup? 

»	 Is there a state 

environmental insurance 

program? 

The Community 

»	 How can the community 

participate in the review and 

selection of options? 

»	 What environmental 

standards should be 

considered to ensure that 

community stakeholders are 

satisfied with the outcome 

and process of the cleanup? 

»	 Are cleanup options 

acceptable in light of 

community concerns? 

»	 Are cleanup options 

compatible with regional or 

local planning goals and 

requirements? 

Site Conditions 

»	 Should risk-based 

approaches be considered 

for addressing exposure? 

»	 Will the cleanup facilitate or 

hinder the planned 

redevelopment? 

»	 Is there a need for ICs after 

cleanup? If so, will ICs 

facilitate or hinder 

development? 

32 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
 

 

Brownfields Road Map 	 Assess and Select Cleanup Options
 

Consider These Questions 

(continued) 

Options 

»	 Are the options acceptable 

in light of community 

concerns about protection 

and reuse of the site? 

»	 Are the cleanup options 

compatible with regional or 

local planning goals and 

requirements? 

»	 What are the short- and 

long-term effects of the 

cleanup technologies under 

consideration? 

»	 What options are available 

to monitor the performance 

of cleanup technologies? 

»	 Are proposed ICs 

appropriate in light of 

community concerns? 

»	 What plans, including 

financial assurances, are 

being made to ensure that 

ICs remain functional as 

long as contamination is 

present? 

»	 Does the proposed cleanup 

approach place burdens on 

future land owners or 

occupants? 

Funding 


» How long will cleanup take? 


» What will cleanup cost?
 

» Will schedule constraints or 


the estimated cost adversely 

affect the project’s viability? 

»	 Who will pay for long-term 

costs to maintain the 

cleanup, including any ICs? 

o	 Determine the effects of various technology alternatives on 

redevelopment objectives. 

	 Continue to collaborate with regulatory agency stakeholders to ensure that 

regulatory requirements are properly addressed: 

o	 Confirm that the agencies concur that site characterization 

uncertainties have been sufficiently reduced to allow the process of 

remedy selection and design to begin. 

o	 Obtain agency input regarding the range of cleanup options under 

consideration and input regarding any additional options. 

	 Contact the EPA regional brownfields coordinator to explore the potential for 

the project to qualify for a brownfields cleanup grant or TBA support. 

	 Integrate cleanup alternatives with reuse alternatives to identify potential 

constraints on reuse and time schedules and to assess cost and risk factors. 

	 To provide a measure of certainty and stability to the project, investigate 

environmental insurance policies, such as protection against cost overruns, 

undiscovered contamination and third-party litigation, and integrate their cost 

into the project financial package. 

	 Select an acceptable remedy that not only achieves cleanup goals and 

addresses the risk of contamination, but also best meets the objectives for 

redevelopment and reuse of the property and is compatible and sustainable 

with the needs of the community. 

Find Helpful Resources 

Visit the Brownfields Road Map website to identify and review resources 

and tools that provide details about technology applications, methods and 

other site-specific concerns. 

A wide variety of chemical contaminants may be present at brownfields sites. Use the 

online Guide to Contaminants and Technologies, available at the Brownfields Road 

Map website, to get detailed 

information about the applicability 

of technologies for particular types 

of brownfields sites. The table on 

the following page lists examples of 

brownfields sites and 

treatment technologies that are 

described in the online guide. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 33 
Assess and Select Cleanup Options Brownfields Road Map 

34 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Examples of Brownfields Site Types and Treatment Technologies 

Site Activities and Operations* Treatment Technologies (Media) 

 Agricultural 

 Battery recycling and disposal 

 Chemical and dye manufacturing 

 Chlor-alkali manufacturing 

 Cosmetics manufacturing 

 Drum recycling 

 Dry cleaning 

 Gasoline stations 

 Glass manufacturing 

 Hospitals 

 Incinerators 

 Landfills, municipal and industrial 

 Leather manufacturing 

 Machine shops and metal fabrication 

 Manufactured gas plants and coal 

gasification 

 Marine maintenance 

 Metal plating and finishing 

 Metal recycling and automobile salvage 

 Mining and mine-scarred lands 

 Painting and automobile body 

repair 

 Pesticide manufacturing and use 

 Petroleum refining and reuse 

 Pharmaceutical manufacturing 

 Photographic film 

manufacturing and development

 Plastic manufacturing 

 Printing and ink manufacturing 

 Railroad yards 

 Research and educational 

institutions 

 Semiconductor manufacturing 

 Smelter operations 

 Underground storage tanks 

 Vehicle maintenance 

 Wood preservation 

 Wood pulp and paper 

manufacturing 

 Air Sparging (G) 

 Bioremediation (G/S) 

 Chemical Treatment (G/S) 

 Electrokinetics (G/S) 

 Flushing (G/S) 

 Incineration (S) 

 In-Well Air Stripping (G) 

 Mechanical Soil Aeration (S) 

 Multi Phase Extraction (G/S) 

 Nanoremediation (G/S) 

 Open Burn/Open Detonation (S) 

 Permeable Reactive Barrier (G) 

 Physical Separation (S) 

 Phytoremediation (G/S) 

 Pump and Treat (G) 

 Soil Amendments (S) 

 Soil Vapor Extraction (S) 

 Soil Washing (G/S) 

 Solidification/Stabilization (S) 

 Solvent Extraction (S) 

 Thermal Desorption (S) 

 Thermal Treatment (in situ) (G/S) 

 Vitrification (S) 

G - Groundwater, leachate and surface water 

S - Soils, sediments and sludges 

* Depending on the type of site, level of contamination and risks posed, these 

sites may be subject to other laws and regulations other than state VCPs, and it 

may not be appropriate to manage them through the brownfields programs. 

Check with EPA or the state on a site-specific basic to ensure assessment and 

cleanup are conducted in accordance with the applicable statutory and 

regulatory authorities. 

Use the online Guide to Contaminants and Technologies to obtain more 

details about the applicability of technologies at brownfields sites. 

Plan Your Next Step 

After cleanup options have been selected for your site, consider the following options: 

Result of the Review of Cleanup 

Options Course of Action 

The proposed cleanup option 

appears feasible. 

Proceed to the Design and Implement the 

Cleanup phase. 

No cleanup option appears 

feasible in light of the proposed 

redevelopment and land reuse 

needs (such as project milestones, 

cost and intended reuse). 

Determine whether revising the redevelopment 

plan remains a practicable option; if so, proceed 

to the Design and Implement Cleanup phase. 

Compliance with other programs, such as the 

EPA’s RCRA and Superfund programs, may be 

required. 
Brownfields Road Map Assess and Select Cleanup Options 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 35 

The cleanup of some brownfields sites can be challenging 

because the property is contaminated with chemicals that 

are highly mobile, hard to find or difficult to treat. 

Contaminants may be hard to clean up because: 

 They are difficult to capture or separate 

 They are located in hard-to-reach areas (for example, 

fractured bedrock) 

 They do not degrade naturally in the environment 

Combinations of these factors present a variety of 

challenges during site characterization and cleanup, which 

can result in additional costs and time throughout a 

brownfields project. 

Types of Brownfields Sites with Challenging Cleanups 

Many brownfields sites — including former gas stations, 

electronics manufacturing facilities, auto service centers, 

dry cleaning facilities, electroplating plants, wood 

preservation sites and manufactured gas plants — have 

been affected by contaminants that are challenging to 

investigate and clean up. Some of the common 

contaminants found at these types of brownfields sites 

include dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), 

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins/furans, 1, 4-

dioxane, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), perchlorate 

and arsenic. 

Assessment Considerations and Cleanup Options 

Site assessment and cleanup should be designed with 

strategies and technologies that address the unique nature 

of the contaminants of concern. A solid understanding of 

contaminant behavior in the environment is critical to 

designing and implementing effective assessment and 

cleanup. For example, contaminants that are hazardous at 

very low concentrations may require costly, time-intensive 

laboratory analysis to detect, as compared with 

contaminants at higher concentrations, which might be 

well-suited for assessment using cost-effective screening 

technologies. 

For More Information 

The EPA provides reports and other informational materials 

about various contaminants on the Contaminant Focus 

section of the EPA’s Contaminated Site Clean-Up 

Information (CLU-IN) website at 

www.cluin.org/contaminantfocus. 

EXAMPLE: A Closer Look at DNAPLs 

Two factors make DNAPLs a contaminant that is difficult to clean 

up: (1) they do not easily dissolve in water (they are only slightly 

soluble) and (2) they are heavier than water. Being denser than 

water, DNAPLs tend to sink through groundwater and permeate 

into fine-grained soil units such as silt and clay. DNAPLs also can 

migrate in multiple directions through fractures in bedrock. 

Because of these properties, it can be difficult to predict DNAPL 

migration pathways. Subsequently, DNAPLs in bedrock and finegrained soils can act as continuing sources of contamination, 

which may cause long-term impacts to groundwater and pose a 

significant challenge to site cleanup. 

Used alone, traditional pump-and-treat systems may require 

years to decades to clean up the groundwater. In these cases, it 

is important to consider more effective alternatives, either 

individually or in combination (“treatment train” or “combined 

remedy”). Examples of such treatments include: 

 Using microorganisms to break down the contamination 

(bioremediation) 

 Extracting DNAPL compounds from soil in vapor form with 

a vacuum system and treating the gas to remove the 

contaminants (soil vapor extraction [SVE]) 

 Applying chemicals to the contamination to break down 

the DNAPLs into nonhazardous compounds such as water 

and carbon dioxide (in situ chemical oxidation injection) 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_cc.cfm. 
Assess and Select Cleanup Options Brownfields Road Map 

36 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Institutional controls are a broad spectrum of administrative and legal 

tools used to help minimize the potential for exposure to residual 

contamination and to protect physical cleanup measures at 

contaminated sites. ICs work by limiting land or resource use or by 

providing information that helps modify or guide human behavior at a 

site. ICs normally supplement ECs and are typically used in conjunction 

with the overall cleanup remedy to support reuse. Long-term 

considerations associated with IC use, such as impacts on reuse and 

funding requirements, must be carefully weighed against the costs and 

benefits of permanent removal of contamination. 

Types of ICs 

 Proprietary controls involve private agreements that impose 

restrictions on, or otherwise affect the use of, a property. Common 

examples of proprietary controls are covenants, deed restrictions 

and easements. 

 Governmental controls, such as zoning, building codes, 

groundwater use regulations and commercial fishing bans, restrict 

land or resource use by the authority of a government entity. 

 Enforcement and permit tools with IC components typically involve administrative orders, consent decrees and permits to 

limit certain activities at a site or require a specific activity, such as monitoring and reporting. 

 Informational devices, such as signs, markers and community outreach activities, provide notification and may 

communicate risks about residual contamination that may remain on a site after a cleanup remedy has been undertaken. 

Long-Term Considerations 

 Identify the long-term costs and administrative implications of maintaining and enforcing ICs. 

 Evaluate the potential use of ICs early in the cleanup process to plan appropriately for implementation, maintenance and 

enforcement challenges. 

 Consider and compare the costs of leaving contamination in place while maintaining ICs to the costs associated with 

treating or removing contamination. 

For More Information 

The EPA’s interim final guidance, “Institutional Controls: A Guide to Planning, Implementing, Maintaining, and Enforcing 

Institutional Controls at Contaminated Sites,” was published in the Federal Register in 2010 to request public comment. In 2009, 

the EPA released a fact sheet that provides general information about the costs of ECs and ICs at brownfields sites. The fact 

sheet, which includes an example of the use of ICs as part of a site cleanup, is available online at www.epa.gov/brownfields/ 

tools/lts_cost_fs.pdf. Another EPA fact sheet, “Addressing Long-Term Stewardship: Highlights from the Field,” provides three 

examples that highlight long-term considerations for maintaining and enforcing ICs. It can be viewed online at 

www.epa.gov/brownfields/tools/lts_fs_04_2008.pdf.

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_ic.cfm. 
 

Brownfields Road Map Design and Implement the Cleanup
 

The final phase of preparing a 

brownfields property for 

reuse is designing and 

implementing the cleanup. 

During this phase, the 

discovery of additional 

contamination may require 

further site investigation or 

reassessment of available 

cleanup options. 

Maintaining stakeholder 

participation during cleanup 

promotes long-term 

community acceptance and 

support of the planned reuse 

of the brownfields site. 

Develop and Carry Out Your Detailed Cleanup Plans 

During the cleanup design and implementation phase, the property is prepared for 

redevelopment and reuse by carrying out the selected cleanup options, as described 

in the preceding chapters. The design of the cleanup plan and implementation of the 

chosen remedies involves close coordination with all other redevelopment efforts in 

the immediate vicinity of the site. 

Building on the comprehensive understanding of site conditions that has evolved 

during the project, real-time technologies and dynamic work strategies can be used to 

monitor and assess the results of cleanup activities. As in the site investigation phase, 

these field-based methods can be used to evaluate progress toward the achievement 

of the cleanup goals. Precise monitoring data help to minimize uncertainty and form 

the basis for long-term monitoring strategies, including the use of institutional 

controls. 

In some cases, implementing the cleanup may lead to the discovery of additional 

contamination or may reveal other complicating factors that require the project team 

to conduct further site investigation and characterization. Additional site investigation 

results may demonstrate that no practical alternatives exist for cleaning up the site to 

meet the reuse goals of the project; if so, the site owner may need to consider 

modifying the proposed land reuse plan or identifying other land use alternatives. See 

Spotlight 8, Challenging Cleanups, for details about sites affected by contaminants 

that are difficult to investigate and clean up. 

Design and Implement Your Cleanup 

Typical activities that may be conducted during this phase are outlined below, along 

with factors to consider. The list is intended as a general planning guide and is not a 

comprehensive inventory of all activities to be undertaken during cleanup of a 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 37 
 

Design and Implement the Cleanup	 Brownfields Road Map 


brownfields site. Factors to be considered are presented in the margin in the form of 

questions. 

	 Review all applicable federal, state, local and tribal regulations and regulatory 

guidelines to identify all specific requirements, including guidelines for state 

VCPs. 

	 Continue to engage regulatory stakeholders to ensure that regulatory 


requirements are being properly addressed: 


o	 Confirm that the agency concurs with the design of the selected 

remedy. 

o	 Obtain agency input and concurrence on remedy assessment metrics 

and alternative exit strategies. 

	 Contact the state brownfields program and the EPA regional brownfields 

coordinator to identify and determine the availability of state and EPA support 

programs. 

	 Develop conceptual plans for cleanup and subsequent monitoring that 

incorporate technology options and consider the effect of any cleanup 

activities on the proposed reuse of the property and the schedule for project 

design or construction: 

o	 Develop or review the schedule for completion of the project. 

o	 Obtain a final amount for the grant funding available for project 

development. 

o	 Coordinate renovation and construction of infrastructure with cleanup 

activities. 

o	 Coordinate activities with developers, financiers, construction firms 

and members of the local community. 

	 Establish contingency plans to address the discovery of additional 


contamination during cleanup, including tools such as environmental 


insurance policies. 


	 Continue to maintain stakeholder consensus and active community 


participation during cleanup: 


o	 Conduct public outreach meetings on a regular basis. 

o	 Provide updates about the progress of cleanup activity. 

o	 Share successes when important cleanup milestones are achieved. 

o	 Inform the community about changes in activity that could affect 

reuse plans. 

	 Implement, document and monitor the performance of the cleanup using the 

accepted assessment metrics. 

	 Work with the state VCP, if applicable, and county or local officials to facilitate 

the placement and implementation of institutional controls. 

Consider These Questions 

Goals and Planning 

»	 How will the cleanup be 

monitored and assessed? 

»	 Will long-term monitoring 

be required? 

»	 Have alternative land use 

strategies been developed? 

Oversight 

»	 Are there federal, state, local 

and tribal requirements for 

the design, installation and 

monitoring of cleanup 

activities? 

The Community 

»	 How will the community 

participate in this phase? 

»	 Are there examples of 

effective community 

engagement? 

Site Specifics 

»	 Can redevelopment and 

cleanup activities be 

performed concurrently? 

»	 Will ICs facilitate or hinder 

redevelopment? In the 

future? 

Options 

»	 How will the cleanup design 

affect long-term liabilities or 

future use of the site? 

»	 What can be done to protect 

the community and other 

property during cleanup? 

Funding 

»	 What are the tradeoffs 

between cost and meeting 

project deadlines? 

»	 How will long-term 

monitoring be funded and 

managed? 

38 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 
Brownfields Road Map Design and Implement the Cleanup 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 39 

Find Helpful Resources 

Visit the Brownfields Road Map website to identify and review resources 

and tools that provide details about technology applications, methods and 

other site-specific concerns. 

Plan Your Next Steps 

After the cleanup is completed, consider the following courses of action: 

Result of Cleanup Course of Action 

Contamination has been adequately 

removed, contained or controlled. 

Consult with the appropriate regulatory 

officials before you proceed with 

redevelopment activities. 

Additional contamination has been 

discovered. 

Consult with appropriate regulatory 

officials to determine how to proceed 

with cleanup activities. You may need to 

return to the Investigate a Site phase to 

conduct additional sampling to delineate 

the extent and nature of the 

contamination and assess the impact of 

additional characterization and cleanup 

costs on the overall viability of the project. 

Long-term site monitoring and 

operation and maintenance (O&M) of 

the site remedy is required. 

Return to the Investigate a Site phase to 

evaluate options, including cost 

considerations, for long-term monitoring 

and O&M, and as necessary collect afterperformance samples for monitoring 

cleanup. 
Design and Implement the Cleanup Brownfields Road Map 

40 Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map 

Cleanup actions, while protective of the environment, also have their own 

“environmental footprint”—they use energy, water and materials. To reduce this 

footprint, cleanups can be performed in a “greener” manner by considering the 

environmental effects of remedy implementation and incorporating options to 

minimize the impact of cleanup actions. Principles of greener cleanup can be applied 

throughout the site cleanup process, although it can be advantageous to consider 

these options early to reduce the overall footprint of the project. The manner in which 

these technologies or approaches are implemented can produce greener cleanups. 

Greener cleanup BMPs can reduce environmental impacts while maintaining cleanup 

objectives and ensuring that the remedy is protective of human health and the 

environment. 

Core Elements of Greener Cleanups 

 Reduce total energy use by improving energy 

efficiency and increasing use of energy from 

renewable resources. 

 Reduce air emissions of greenhouse gases and 

criteria pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen 

dioxide and sulfur dioxide. 

 Protect water resources and reduce water use. 

 Reduce waste and improve materials management. 

 Safeguard the land and ecosystem during site cleanup. 

Examples of Greener Cleanup BMPs to Consider for Brownfields Projects 

 Buy local equipment and materials to minimize transportation costs. 

 Use energy-efficient machinery or vehicles that use alternative energy. 

 Provide an on-site collection and storage area for compostable materials for use 

on site or by the local community. 

 Use uncontaminated wastewater or treated water for tasks such as wash water, 

irrigation, dust control and other uses. 

 Consider renewable energy generation source development as a land reuse 

option. 

 Reuse salvaged building materials in redevelopment construction. 

 Explore production of energy on site to operate remedial systems. 

 Perform a renewable energy assessment to identify how renewable resources 

could provide future energy needs. 

 Incorporate low impact development (LID) techniques that view stormwater as a 

resource rather than a waste source. 

Examples of Sites Implementing Greener Cleanups 

 Nitrate-contaminated groundwater at the Apache Powder site in Arizona was 

treated by recirculating it through a gravity-driven, constructed wetland system 

using a pump powered by solar energy. 

 At the Grove Landfill site in Texas, salvaged site materials such as concrete and 

wood were reused on site for erosion control, mulch and fill, and a tractor 

powered by vegetable oil was used to remove on-site debris. 

Government Support of Greener 

Cleanups 

The U.S. government encourages the 

consideration of environmental 

footprint reduction at many levels 

ranging from Presidential Executive 

Orders to Agency policies. Through 

The Principles for Greener Cleanups, 

issued by EPA’s OSWER, the EPA 

advances efforts to perform site 

investigation and cleanup in a 

manner that reduces the 

environmental footprint while 

maintaining primary cleanup 

objectives. In addition, each of the 

EPA’s 10 regional offices has its own 

“clean and green” policy encouraging 

the integration of green remediation 

practices into the cleanup process 

within their states and territories. 

Footprint Assessment Tools 

A variety of tools, such as software 

models and calculators, are available 

to evaluate the environmental 

footprint of remediation processes. 

The Green Remediation Focus 

Footprint Assessment website 

(www.cluin.org/greenremediation/ 

subtab_b3.cfm) provides a summary 

of available tools, which includes the 

greener cleanup core elements 

addressed by the tool, the form in 

which the tool is available (webbased, decision software or decision 

matrix) and provides a link to 

additional information. 

For More Information 

The Green Remediation Focus section 

of the EPA’s CLU-IN website at 

www.cluin.org/greenremediation

provides information on integrating 

green remediation into cleanups and 

case studies that describe green 

remediation implementation. 

Resources for this spotlight are available at www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap/spotlight_gc.cfm. 
Brownfields Road Map Appendices
 

Appendix A – Guide to Contaminants and Technologies 

The guide contains detailed information about the types of contaminants 

typically found at brownfields sites and the range of technologies that 

may be appropriate for assessing and remediating them. The guide will 

help stakeholders answer the following questions: 

 Which contaminants are associated with brownfields sites? 

 What technologies may be used to investigate contamination? 

 What technologies may be used to treat contamination? 

Information about site types, investigation technologies and treatment 

technologies is cross-referenced by contaminant group. Stakeholders can 

look up details about 7 general contaminant groups and more than 30 

types of brownfields sites, explore technology options for investigating 

contamination and review many treatment technologies. 

Appendix B – Brownfields and Technical Support Contacts 

The Brownfields and Technical Support Contacts page includes links to upto-date information for individuals at state, tribal and EPA national and 

regional levels who are available to assist cleanup and redevelopment 

efforts at brownfields sites. The individuals are a valuable resource for 

brownfields stakeholders by providing support and guidance on 

applicable laws, regulations and policies and technical assistance 

associated with the selection of technologies. 

Appendix C – Acronyms and Glossary of Key Terms 

A list of acronyms and a detailed glossary of specialized terms used in 

discussing and describing brownfields cleanup efforts is available on the 

Brownfields Road Map website. 

Visit www.brownfieldstsc.org/roadmap for the complete Brownfields Road Map A-1