After decades of remediation of contaminated properties funded by the federal Superfund program, some important lessons have emerged for reusing these sites.
Involving the local community and creating a vision for reuse early in the cleanup process is vital. It’s also critical to perform the right level of remediation for the intended use.
For example, a site intended for a new school or residential development needs more thorough cleanup than one meant for a new parking lot. Solar energy generation has become a popular choice for reuse, as this option takes land that was out of use instead of more valuable farmland or forestland.
Based on EPA analysis of 487 of the 888 Superfund sites in reuse, there were about 6,600 businesses in 2017 located on remediated properties. Their operations employed more than 156,000 people and generated annual sales of $43.6 billion.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
California is the first state to phase out incandescent light bulbs
In two years, the rest of the U.S. will follow suit.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
Automated tool assists in design of force transfer around openings
Engineered Wood Assn. offers free calculator and technical note.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2018
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to achieve zero energy
Publication is joint effort by ASHRAE, AIA, IES, and USGBC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2018
Flying drones while inebriated now illegal in New Jersey
Violators could be sentenced to six months in jail.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2018
Green Building Initiative acquires global rights to Green Globes from JLL
Transaction allows GBI to expand operations to Canada and elsewhere.