"The Brownfields Title VI Case Studies"

[Tony Chenhansa <tonyc@cpeo.org>]

GROUP PRESS 202-260-4355
PRESS@epamail.epa.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CASE STUDIES OF BROWNFIELDS
FOR RELEASE:  FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 1999

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CASE STUDIES OF BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT SITES

   EPA conducted a series of case studies to determine whether the
redevelopment of brownfields have been impeded by Title VI environmental
justice complaints and to address concerns that these complaints may
deter businesses from redeveloping brownfield sites.  The study, "The
Brownfields Title VI Case Studies," showed that community residents were
not likely to file Title VI complaints because they were actively
involved in the redevelopment process and could identify and address
their concerns; and residents were more interested in the economic
benefit.  Also, most brownfield sites did not require environmental
permits, therefore limiting the chance of a Title VI complaint being
filed.  Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, a person can file a
complaint alleging discriminatory environmental and health effects from
actions taken by recipients of EPA financial assistance, including
environmental (pollution control) permits.

The cases studies were conducted in Miami, Fla.; Chicago, Ill.;
Lawrence, Mass.; Detroit, Mich.; Camden, N.J.; and Charlotte, N.C.  The
selected cities had to meet the following criteria:  was an EPA
Brownfields Assessment pilot; had a minority population greater than 10
percent; listed a proposed redevelopment activity that seemed likely to
require an environmental permit; had a high number of existing
facilities with environmental permits; identified at least two sites for
redevelopment in its application; and, had provided quarterly reports on
its Assessment Pilot to EPA.  Additionally, two Pilots were selected for
each population range of (a) greater than 500,000, (b) between 100,000
and 500,000 and (c) less than 100,000.  Copies of the case studies can
be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields or by calling the hotline
at 1-800-424-9346.


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[EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: CPEO'S PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED
TO 415-405-7751. OUR FAX NUMBER IS STILL THE SAME]

Tony Chenhansa,  Program Coordinator
Center for Public Environmental Oversight (CPEO)
425 Market Street 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA  94105
ph: 415-405-7751 fx: 415-904-7765
e-mail: tonyc@cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org

A program of the San Francisco Urban Institute