[CPEO-BIF] WASTE PROPERTIES TO COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, OTHER USE

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

WASTE PROPERTIES TO COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, OTHER USE

EPA has launched a new website to promote the cleanup and reuse of 
brownfield properties across the nation that are regulated by the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Called the RCRA 
Brownfields Prevention Initiative website, it will provide state and 
tribal governments and the public easy access to useful information 
about the reuse of brownfield properties where hazardous waste was 
generated, treated, stored or disposed. Despite the existence of 
redevelopment potential for residential, industrial, commercial, 
recreational or greenspace (undeveloped property) use, many of these 
RCRA properties are not in full usage because of real or perceived 
concerns about actual or potential contamination, legal liability and 
RCRA requirements. EPA established the initiative to encourage the reuse 
of potential RCRA brownfields so the land better serves the needs of the 
community. RCRA gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from 
"cradle-to-grave," including generation, treatment, storage and 
disposal. RCRA generally focuses on active and future facilities and is 
designed to prevent future Superfund sites and brownfields. The RCRA 
Brownfields Prevention Initiative links RCRA facilities with the 
brownfields program to help use economic redevelopment as an engine that 
drives environmental cleanup. Brownfields are properties whose 
expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or 
potential presence of a hazardous substance. For more information about 
the initiative, see: http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/rcrabf/index.html .