Brownfields

Brownfields are previously developed land with real or perceived environmental challenges. Conversely, greenfields refers to land that has not been previously developed. Brownfield redevelopment programs have helped restore abandoned, obsolete, and vacant properties to productive use in communities throughout Michigan.

Bringing property back to productive use helps revitalize communities. Brownfield redevelopment helps local communities attract new businesses and jobs, improves the tax base, and protects natural resources.

It is more expensive to fund brownfield projects compared to greenfield projects. Therefore, there must be sufficient incentive to redevelop brownfields.

Redeveloping brownfields has several benefits to the region:

• redevelopment of older areas;
• efficient use of existing infrastructure; and
• clean-up of the environment.

Brownfield resources for local governments

Policy Issues and Advocacy
The Michigan Department of Environemental Quality (DEQ) convened a group of key stakeholders in 2006-2007 to review the state's Part 201 brownfield program. Four work groups addressed different aspects of the state brownfield program; complexity, program administration, liability, and brownfield redevelopment. The final report of recommendations was issued in April 2007.

Legislative initiatives are being considered in both the House and Senate for improvements to the Michigan brownfield program. SEMCOG supports legislation that provides resources and incentives to local communities.

SEMCOG Universities addressing brownfields

Redeveloping Brownfields and Greyfields 

Brownfield Redevelopment — Where from here?

Brownfield Resources

Brownfields Definitions
Nationally, a brownfield site means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

In Michigan a “facility” refers to any area, place, or property where a hazardous substance in excess of the residential cleanup criteria set under Part 201, or in Core Communities (i.e. qualified local units of government) where real property is blighted or functionally obsolete.

Federal Resources
Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) Resources:
The EPA Brownfield Resource page provides information on grants and funding, tools and technical information, and other initiatives.

National Brownfields Conference:
The EPA and International City/County Management Association (ICMA) sponsor the national brownfields conference every 18 months. Their website provides a wealth of information. SEMCOG was a co-sponsor of the 2008 conference held in Detroit

State of Michigan Brownfield Program Resources 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Community Assistance Team has resources on brownfields. The MEDC provides information on tax initiatives, brownfield redevelopment authorities and other tools on its website.

Additional Michigan Brownfield resources available throught the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

For more information on SEMCOG’s efforts in brownfield redevelopment, contact Kevin Johnson.