ABSTRACT
Brownfields redevelopment, or the cleanup and development of former industrial sites that are or are perceived to be contaminated by pollutants, has been discussed as a means of fostering urban revitalization, an alternative to sprawling development of open land, and promoting spatially efficient living patterns that reduce automobile traffic and air pollution. According to U.S. EPA’s website, for every acre of brownfields redeveloped, an estimated 4.5 acres of gree is preserved, so that brownfields redevelopment is an “integral component to smart growth.” Beyond minimal grant assistance, the federal government’s efforts to foster brownfields development has been through limitation of federal CERCLA/Superfund liability for new land owners taking on cleanup and redevelopment responsibilities (Cohn 2004: 674). 1 State environmental protection and development agencies typically provide technical and financial assistance, loans and tax credits, and limitation of state liability.
