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Sustainability Aspects of Brownfields and Greenfields

Sustainability Aspects of Brownfields and Greenfields. AIChE Sustainable Engineering Forum. Presenter J. Andrew Irwin, PE, LSP, CPEA, AIChE Fellow IRWIN Engineers, Inc. Natick, MA (508) 653-8007 x12 www.irwinengineers.com. Background information.

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Sustainability Aspects of Brownfields and Greenfields

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  1. Sustainability Aspects of Brownfields and Greenfields AIChE Sustainable Engineering Forum

  2. Presenter J. Andrew Irwin, PE, LSP, CPEA, AIChE Fellow IRWIN Engineers, Inc. Natick, MA (508) 653-8007 x12 www.irwinengineers.com

  3. Background information • Past AIChE efforts related to Greenfields and Brownfields • Need for decision tools – based on Sustainability • Total Cost Assessment tool and site selection costs • “Land use” Sustainability Metric • CWRT project teams • Value of Environmental Insurance • Siteing Urban Plants

  4. Background information What is a Brownfield (vs. Greenfields and Greyfields)? Some limit the definition of greyfields to enclosed, climate-controlled shopping centers that contain at least 400,000 square feet of retail space. Others consider strip centers, power centers (a center once dominated by a few large anchors like Kmart or Walmart), even neighborhood centers that serve smaller geographic units usually anchored by a grocery store to be greyfields. http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/index.html Greyfields are old, obsolete and abandoned retail and commercial sites.

  5. Cost Issues Related to Brownfield Redevelopment • Investigation • Remedy Implementation • Design • Time • Perception • Financing and Insurance

  6. Dealing with Demolition and Construction Debris • Disposal Restrictions • Opportunities for Recovery/Reuse http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/const/cdrpt.pdf

  7. Smart Growth Policies • Economic Revitalization • Existing Infrastructure • Eliminating “blight” • Avoidance of Sprawl The Limitless City, A Primer on the Urban Sprawl Debate by Oliver Gillham, Island Press, 2002.

  8. Identifying Brownfields “All Appropriate Inquiry “ 40 CFR 312 Final Rule Nov. 1, 2005 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WASTE/2005/November/Day-01/f21455.pdf

  9. Identifying Brownfields ASTM Standard Practice E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment • Professional Qualification • Specific Inquiry • Shelf Life – 180 days prior to acquisition http://www.astm.org

  10. Role of Insurance in Brownfield Redevelopment • Pollution Legal Liability • Stop Loss or “Cap” Coverage

  11. Application to Land at the Edge of Cities and Towns Municipal experience with high maintenance costs of growth and development teaches a telling lesson. County, township or city now has many new streets to maintain and more homes for which to provide garbage, emergency and utility services. These costs may pale in comparison to the taxes required to support a growing school system.

  12. Greyfields and Infill • Infrastructure • Transportation • Highest & Best Use

  13. Looking at Brownfields from a Community Perspective • State Government • Liability Covenants • Funding Programs • Cities & Towns • Incentives • Restored Income • Lenders

  14. Brownfields and Historic Preservation • Community Incentives for Preservation • Restoration/Vitalization

  15. Casting Brownfields in the “Proper” Light • Every obstacle can be approached as an opportunity • Confidence of Public Health & Safety • Achieving the “win/win” solution

  16. Importance of Location • The three principles of real estate • Location, location, location

  17. Involving the Public in Decision-Making Many public organizations, both federal and state, as well as nonprofits, have obligations to involve the public and encouraging community participation. This may be part of their agency mission statement or mandate as a public agency. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) -- January 1, 1970 – is regarded as initiating and mandating citizen involvement in environmental issues and decisions.

  18. Questions and Discussion Past AIChE efforts related to Greenfields and Brownfields What Brownfields vs. Greenfields and Greyfields Cost Issues Related to Brownfield Redevelopment Smart Growth Policies Identifying Brownfields Role of Insurance in Brownfield Redevelopment Application to Land at the Edge of Cities and Towns Dealing with Demolition and Construction Debris Brownfields and Historic Preservation Looking at Brownfields from a Community Perspective (including lenders), Casting Brownfields in the "Proper" Light, importance of Location, Involving the Public in Decision-Making

  19. Discussion of Resources • Websites • USEPA materials • Professional Organizations • Posting on SEF and AIChE websites

  20. Closure Discussion of this means of SEF Virtual Meetings Upcoming SEF Meetings Thank you!

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