Re: Use of Urban history to identify Brownfields

["Dan Durett" <ddurett@oncon.com>]

The concept for using the historical record to determine /document
brownfields is one that I have held for quite awhile.   My background is
training as an urban historian.  However, the marketing and receptivity of
"the industry" has yet to bear fruit.  Would welcome additional dialogue on
the use of maps, city directories, assessment records, land use plans, and
other primary sources to assist in the revitalization of sites now called
brownfields. 


---Original Message-----
From: Emery Graham <egraham@dca.net>
To: cpeo-brownfields@igc.org <cpeo-brownfields@igc.org>
Date: Monday, March 01, 1999 12:15 PM
Subject: Brownfield to NPL - Need for Caution


>
>Has anyone considered the process of implementing the brownfield
>assessment process; the searching of the historical record, deed and
>title searches, reviewing old maps. The primary outcome from this
>process is the discovery of likely candidates for more indepth
>assessment and site testing for the presence of hazardous materials that
>
>the historical research suggested might exist. Another, in action,
>process that leads to using brownfield assessment funds is the site
>development process that accompanies economic and housing development
>projects. In this case investors call for "due diligence" actions
>inorder to reduce their potential liabilities and protect their
>investments. In both of these instances the newly participating
>municipality usually not taken the structural and legal precautions
>needed to protect the workers and the financial interests of the
>taxpayers. In the final analysis if the municipality does something that
>
>triggers a major lawsuit or exposes a major hazardous waste liability,
>most likely the reserve accounts will not be able to finance the costs
>of a major problem. This typically will be addressed by insurance and/or
>
>capital funds. In any event the "good faith and credit" of the
>municipality, which is based on its ability to impose taxes on its
>citizens, is the fall back source of financing.
>
>I suspect that some municipalities have addressed this problem already
>and I'd like to hear from anyone who can speak from experience. I hope
>no municipality is taken by surprise in these matters.
>
>Emery
>