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Connecticut Brownfield Sites. Ms. Mandel 2014. Learning Target. I can explain what a Brownfield site is. I can explain how a Brownfield site is restored to a usable piece of property. What are ‘Brownfield Sites’?.
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Connecticut Brownfield Sites Ms. Mandel 2014
Learning Target • I can explain what a Brownfield site is. • I can explain how a Brownfield site is restored to a usable piece of property.
What are ‘Brownfield Sites’? Brownfields are “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant…" – CT DEP
What are ‘Brownfield Sites’? • 1990’s- Fed. And State Government decided to take action on land that was sitting unused because of the potential hazards that they contained. • Unknown liabilities were preventing communities from restoring these sites. • Jan. 11, 2002- Federal Law expands assistance for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revitalization , and job training. • This opens the door to allow real change to take place in these areas.
What is a Brownfield Site? • Piece of land that was once used for industrial purposes and is now typically abandoned because of suspected contamination. • Can you name one Brownfield site in Newington? • What has this property been used for that led to it being • identified as a Brownfield (contaminated) site?
What is a contaminant? • A contaminant is a toxic chemical that can harm humans and/or the environment. • Contaminants can pollute water, air, and/or soil. Arsenic Mercury Benzene
Contaminants of Major Concern • Asbestos - Causes respiratory problems • Benzene - Causes cancer • Lead and Copper – Neurotoxins which cause nervous system problems • Mercury – Causes neurological problems. Greatly affects fish populations.
Why Redevelop Brownfield Sites? • Discounted real estate cost • Valuable location • Reduce pressure on undeveloped land • Preserve historical or architecturally significant buildings • Eliminate health and safety hazards • Improve community
Detecting Soil and Groundwater Contamination • Usually a portable drilling rig is brought to the site • A well is installed. Soil is sampled as the well is drilled. • Groundwater is sampled and analyzed for the suspected pollutants.
How to make a Brownfield site usable again… • Get rid of contaminants • Excavation techniques • Removing tainted soil • Testing groundwater • Stop the contaminants from spreading • Refurbish or rebuild on the newly cleaned site
Considerations of Brownfield Remediation • Inventory of Site - what’s there and how much? • Assessment - Can reclamation occur? • Funding - Federal and/or Private • Amount required for each stage of redevelopment • Remedial Design and Construction • Apply appropriate technology to clean or contain pollution • 13 approved clean-up technologies • Each site clean-up is specific to the pollutants and geology of that site • Package site for sale or development
Assessment • Develop understanding of: • Type of pollutants • Horizontal & vertical extent of pollution • Impact on the environment: • Are streams, lakes, rivers polluted? • Is the underground water table polluted? • Is the pollution localized or widespread? • Are plants/animals affected?
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center Mall • The long defunct, brass manufacturing center, once comprised of more than 90 decaying buildings • Processed brass until alternate/cheaper alternatives available • 100-acre downtown site, was prepared for a rebirth.
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center Mall • Removal of asbestos, lead paint, metals, solvents, oil, machinery, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contaminated materials. • Over 200,000 cubic yards of debris was removed or recycled • Soil vapor extraction and on-site treatment were used to treat the 155,000 tons of tainted soil.
Case Study: Waterbury, CT Development – Brass Mill Center Mall • The entire demolition and remediation was completed well ahead of schedule and under budget • Now the location is a 1,300,000 square foot mall
Pfizer Global Development Facility New London
Vacant Riverfront Property in New London – Impacting Water Quality
Learning Target Checkpoint • What is a Brownfield site? • How are Brownfield sites restored to usable property?