Re: LAND USE AND CLEANUP STANDARDS

[Peter Strauss <pstrauss@igc.org>]

Lenny,
In considering the relationshiop between reuse and cleanup standards, its 
important to look at some real life examples. You probably know of more
than I do, but my experience at Moffett and the Tucson International Airprort
both provide some insight into what could go wrong if land is not cleaned up
to the strictest standards in a timely manner. At the TIA site, there are a 
number of PRPs. There is a zone which is called the Tucson Airport industrial
zone, which was contaminated by the practices of a number of parties. Some
have gone Chapter 11, others have leased their property, --all before cleanup
has started. In one instance, a lessor using similar chemicals found in the
groundwater may become a PRP; in another instance, someone bought property
not knowing that they would possibly be liable. With experiences like this
it will not take long before no one will want to touch this industrail zone.
Which could mean that it may turn into a sacrifice zone.
At Moffett, I see the same potential if the Navy takes the no action 
approach to clean-up of a parcel with contaminated groundwater. With the 
federal government possibly leaving the site, what would it be good for? 
Industry is unlikely to want it; housing would probably be out. In the
past, I have seen contaminated property be deeded to cities, which turn
the area into parks or schools, or low-income housing. 

peter strauss