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PA EPA/HUD REPORT FINDS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS NOT A MAJOR IMPEDIMENT TO BROWNFIELDS
Release Date: 04/24/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1998
EPA/HUD REPORT FINDS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS NOT A MAJOR IMPEDIMENT TO BROWNFIELDS
EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a report that provides insight into some of the most basic issues confronting brownfields redevelopment. EPA and HUD jointly funded the Urban Institute and its subcontractors -- the Northeast-Midwest Institute, University of Louisville and Northern Kentucky University -- to research the effect of environmental hazards and regulations on brownfields redevelopment compared with other non-environmental barriers. Brownfields are abandoned commercial or industrial properties that have real or perceived contamination. The report, “The Effects of Environmental Hazards and Regulation and Urban Redevelopment,” examines the views of developers, property sellers, lenders, public agencies, environmental consultants and others from 12 cities in four states (Oregon, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Virginia). The report concludes that environmental issues, while often important, were never the single critical obstacle on failed development deals. Other non-environmental factors such as potential demand, extraordinary costs, availability of greenfields (areas not previously developed) and other local circumstances also contributed to redevelopment decisions. The report explores the circumstances under which environmental concerns gained prominence in development decision-making. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling Edwin Stromberg, HUD, at 202-708-4370 or via the Internet at: http://www.huduser.org under “news.”R-47 ###
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