Brownfields
The focus of the program is to collaborate with communities in the Kuskokwim River watershed to:
- inventory potential brownfield sites
- foster public participation in clean up and reuse of contaminated sites
- provide relevant training
- maintain a watershed-wide record of contaminated sites for the public to access
- assist with an environmental assessment of sites
What is a Brownfield?
In short brownfields are contaminated sites which could be targeted for cleanup and redevelopment. According to the EPA, a ‘brownfields site’ is defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.
In 2002 Congress passed the Small Business Liability Protection and Brownfields Revitalization Act which authorized funding for states and tribes to develop response programs to address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields. Since its passage, the Brownfields Law has presented new and exciting opportunities for the cleanup and reuse of contaminated lands.
- Examples of potential Brownfields:
- Old or illegal dumps
- Petroleum spills
- Abandoned or idle structures with lead paint, asbestos or other hazardous materials
- Old fuel storage areas or former gas stations
- Mine scarred land
- Types of reuse
- Community center
- Open / green space
- Park
- Staging area
- Transfer site
- Restoring habitat
- Housing
Public Record
To see a list of registered contaminated sites on the Kuskokwim River Watershed and the last actions performed in them, CLICK HERE . If you can't see the excel document, CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION