A brownfield is a property, typically previously developed for industrial or commercial use, that is abandoned, idle, or underused and whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. These contaminants often result from past industrial activities and can include substances like hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, asbestos, and heavy metals such as lead
. Examples of brownfields include former gas stations, dry cleaning establishments, auto repair shops, factories, warehouses, and vacant lots where contamination might be real or perceived. The presence of contamination can make redevelopment costly and legally complex, which often leads to these sites remaining unused or underutilized
. Brownfields are significant because their cleanup and redevelopment can improve environmental and human health, increase tax bases, create jobs, and reduce urban sprawl by making use of existing urban land rather than developing untouched areas. Programs and laws, such as the U.S. EPA Brownfields Program and the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, provide grants and tools to assist in assessing, cleaning up, and revitalizing these sites
. In summary, brownfields are previously developed lands complicated by contamination concerns, posing challenges but also opportunities for urban redevelopment and environmental restoration
