Brownfields - Overview

What Are Brownfields?

Indiana defines a brownfield site as a parcel of real estate that is abandoned or inactive; or may not be operated at its appropriate use; and on which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated; because of the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, a contaminant, petroleum, or a petroleum product that poses a risk to human health and the environment. Brownfields can include the remains of industrial and commercial uses, such as factory chemical operations, gas stations, landromats and drycleaners, auto repair, and any other use that may leave contaminants on or beneath the site.

What is being done about Brownfields?

The City has formed a Brownfields Advisory Team to coordinate a comprehensive strategy for handling potential brownfield sites; conducted a preliminary inventory of brownfield sites; and completed major revisions to Anderson's Comprehensive Plan - the first updates in 40 years which specifically include action steps for addressing brownfield issues and initiating strategies for economic redevelopment of these sites.

How are Brownfields prepared for reuse?

The reuse of of brownfield sites is recommended, especially in urbanized areas, because of the existing city services and utility lines that are readily available to that site. However, prospective redevelopers are generally uninterested in these sites due to the liability of having potentially hazardous material on the site and the cost of the required site cleanup. By making brownfield cleanup and preperation a city policy, it will be easier to attract developers to these sites while minimizing the amount of utility extension the city would otherwise need to undergo to serve more remote sites.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) handles brownfield-associated issues and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) manages the grant financing programs. The City has the ability to apply for state grants via the Brownfield Assessment and Remediation programs. If accepted, IFA can assist in funding either one or two phases of studies, depending on site-specific circumstances.

Phase I involves historical research of the brownfield property and a site reconnaissance to determine if a threat of contamination may exist. If it is determined that contamination may exist, the next step is to conduct Phase II, which may include the collection and analysis of environmental samples (e.g. soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, drums/non-drum containers, tanks, building materials) on-site, and possibly off-site. Contaminant migration (movement off-site) and possible exposure pathways (means by which persons may become exposed to contaminants; for example, soil, air, water, inhalation, ingestion, etc.) may be evaluated to help determine the potential risk the site may pose to human health and the environment.

IDEM will then issue a Brownfield Environmental Assessment Report which will include a site description and history, soil and geological characteristics, site sampling results (if applicable), conclusions, and cleanup recommendations, if it is determined that a cleanup is necessary. If it is determined that there is on-site contamination, IDEM will discuss funding options, removal options, cleanup standards, and whether any land use restrictions may apply to the site after cleanup is completed.

If IDEM determines that a cleanup is required, the responsible parties will have the opportunity to participate in IDEM's Voluntary Remediation Program, which could result in a Certificate of Completion and a Covenant Not To Sue for the property.

What does the Comprehensive Plan say about Brownfields?

Prepare Brownfields Sites for Future Development:
Some sites in Anderson have been left behind by departed businesses. The City should consider proactively preparing such sites for new users, including clearing them of structures and debris that are not compatible with potential redevelopment.

Conduct a Brownfields Study
Create an inventory of brownfields and investigate feasibility and funding options (such as EPA grants or public/private partnerships) for cleanup and infrastructure improvements.

Initiate cleanups for all potentially hazardous commercial and industrial infill sites.

Encourage the Redevelopment of Brownfield Properties for New Uses:
There are many sites within Anderson that were used by various industrial operations, but are now vacant. These sites would require minimal infrastructure investments to become feasible for use by new operations, providing an alternative to green field sites that would require infrastructure extensions.

Remove Barriers to the Development of Properties in the City:
One of the main barriers to redevelopment of brownfield properties is environmental concerns. The City could take the initiative by clearing abandoned buildings and conducting environmental studies to determine the level of remediation that may be required.