New HUD/EPA report on Brownfields

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New HUD/EPA report on Brownfields
Headquarters Press Release
Washington, DC
Date Published:
04/24/98
Title: 
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."