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MODULE-6 Smart Growth Opportunities
Brownfields Redevelopment
Redevelopment or Re-Use of Brownfields provides an opportunity to clean up and revitalize contaminated properties through remediation and rezoning. Brownfields can include automobile service stations and small-scale construction businesses. Brownfield developments have two advantages: 1) contaminated sites are cleaned up, and 2) the impact of new development is minimized by using an existing footprint. Developers are often offered financial incentives by state and federal governments as a reward for the environmental merit of their efforts, and to help deter the potentially high costs of clean up.
Washington State Brownfields Regulations and Incentives
Washington State provides Brownfields developers technical and financial assistance in the form of site assessments, revolving loan programs, and technical assistance via state agencies and private consultants. Site assessments are provided by the Department of Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program for most Brownfields redevelopment sites. Prior to development, Ecology staff can review an independent cleanup report and determine the eligibility of the proposed project for a particular site.
A Brownfields revolving loan fund is managed by Washington's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to assist developers in redeveloping a Brownfields property. CTED also works with King County, City of Seattle, City of Tacoma, and the City of Spokane to supply technical assistance for loan applications, site assessment coordination, and site clean up.
State funding available for cleanups:
- Remedial Action Grants and Loans (only available to local governments)
- Brownfields Loan Guide (includes loan application)
- Washington State Department of Ecology Remedial Action Grants
Brownfields Tax Incentives and Tools
- Washington State
- Private Right of Action - The right of an individual to recover cleanup costs from those who contributed to the site contamination.
- Model Toxics Control Act Cleanup Regulation Chapter 173-340 WAC
- Owner/Agency Certification of Environmental Remedial Action
- Professional Certification Confirming Environmental Remedial Action
- Federal Government
- Federal Brownfields Tax Incentive and its modification - Under the Brownfields Tax Incentive, environmental cleanup costs are fully deductible in the year they are incurred
- EnviroMapper for Brownfields - This U.S. EPA tool combines interactive maps and aerial photography to locate, display and query brownfields grant types by the areas/jurisdictions of city, county, state, and tribe.
Laws, policies, and other information on Hazardous Materials Clean Up
- Regulations and Related Information for toxic cleanups in Washington State.
- Policies and Guidance Page for toxic clean ups in Washington State.
- Hazardous Waste Cleanups - Selecting an Environmental Consulting Firm (1992)
- Hazardous Waste Considerations in Real Estate Transactions (revised September 1999)
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