In Risk Assessment and Brownfields: A Tool for Evaluation and Communication. J. S. Applegate, Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, IN
"Brownfields" are abandoned or underutilized industrial areas whose redevelopment is hindered by the presence of hazardous contamination which will require substantial environmental remediation. There has been a great deal of recent interest in the redevelopment of brownfields as a way to "recycle" land and as a way to revitalize urban areas. Brownfields development initiatives generally include some relaxation of the otherwise applicable clean-up standards as a way to encourage reuse of such facilities. Risk assessment plays a central role in determining the appropriate clean-up levels, but it is also important to use risk analysis to evaluate whether the relaxed standards are appropriately protective. Risk information is also central to acceptance of a brownfields initiative by neighboring residents. A good risk assessment will reveal residual risks, risk distribution, uncertainties and variability, and key assumptions. One particularly useful area for analysis is the risk profile (residual risk, risk distribution, etc.) of the assumed future use of the property. By rendering these elements of the plan transparent, risk analysis can assist both in the risk evaluation and risk communication that is essential to successful redevelopment of brownfields.
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