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
• 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
Background information
What is a Brownfield (vs. Greenfields and
Greyfields)?
Greyfields are old, obsolete and abandoned retail and commercial sites.
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
Cost Issues Related to Brownfield
Redevelopment
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Investigation
Remedy Implementation
Design
Time
Perception
Financing and Insurance
Dealing with Demolition and
Construction Debris
• Disposal Restrictions
• Opportunities for Recovery/Reuse
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/
const/cdrpt.pdf
Smart Growth Policies
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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.
Identifying Brownfields
“All Appropriate Inquiry “ 40 CFR 312
Final Rule Nov. 1, 2005
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPAWASTE/2005/November/Day01/f21455.pdf
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
Role of Insurance in Brownfield
Redevelopment
• Pollution Legal Liability
• Stop Loss or “Cap” Coverage
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.
Greyfields and Infill
• Infrastructure
• Transportation
• Highest & Best Use
Looking at Brownfields from a
Community Perspective
• State Government
– Liability Covenants
– Funding Programs
• Cities & Towns
– Incentives
– Restored Income
• Lenders
Brownfields and Historic
Preservation
• Community Incentives for Preservation
• Restoration/Vitalization
Casting Brownfields in the
“Proper” Light
• Every obstacle can be approached as an
opportunity
• Confidence of Public Health & Safety
• Achieving the “win/win” solution
Importance of Location
• The three principles of real estate
– Location, location, location
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.
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
Discussion of Resources
• Websites
• USEPA materials
• Professional Organizations
• Posting on SEF and AIChE websites
Closure
Discussion of this means of SEF Virtual
Meetings
Upcoming SEF Meetings
Thank you!