Brownfields

On January 11, 2002 the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (Brownfields Law) was signed into law. The Brownfields Law includes provisions to establish, enhance and, empower tribal response programs which will play a critical role in the successful cleanup and revitalization of Brownfield sites. A “Brownfield” is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutant or contaminants.” The purpose of the Brownfields Program is to encourage re-development at these properties. For the purposes of the Navajo Nation Brownfields Program the term “real property” is synonymous with “site” and the term “redevelopment” is synonymous with “restoration”.

A brownfield is a property where the restoration, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Many former business or industry sites lie dormant or underutilized due the presence of real or even perceived contamination. The Navajo Brownfields program supports communities by assessing and assisting with the restoration of these sites.

Common examples of sites that can be Brownfields sites are abandoned dry cleaners, industrial properties, and commercial properties where chemicals have been used, transported, or stored.