Liability Issues and Related Uncertainty Associated With Cleanup Cleanup Standards. To the extent that developers cannot accurately ascertain cleanup standards, they cannot fairly estimate costs associated with remediation, thereby creating even greater uncertainty. Many developers fear that future changes in environmental laws or improvements in technology may force more stringent, costly revisions to remediation plans after they are underway, or even well after work is complete. Length of Cleanup. Uncertainty about the time needed for cleanup is also a deterrent.
Delays are costly.
They undermine the profitability of a project by extending completion deadlines and increasing overall project expenses. Moreover, uncertainty as to how long it will take to complete a remediation process encourages the use of a greenfield site which makes strategic planning easier. Concern About Future Environmental Liability. Another barrier to redevelopment of urban sites is the lack of protection against future environmental liability after remediation is complete. Even if liability issues can be resolved, environmentally squeamish lending institutions may engage in increased scrutiny of industrial re-use projects or even avoid doing business with certain types of companies or properties carrying environmental risks.