TABLE OF CONTENTS The intent of this credit is twofold: to reduce developing on undeveloped land and to appropriately redevelop those sites listed as brownfields. The site is first evaluated via a site assessment to determine if there are complications by environmental contamination. Brownfields can be designated for both "real" and "perceived" contamination. A risk assessment is also used to determine if and what remediation may be needed as applicable for proposed development. Remediation means the removal of hazardous materials from the groundwater or the soils. Typical remediation methods include in situ (in place) or ex situ (off-site) technologies. Sometimes the contaminated soils or waters remain on-site and are remediated with facilitated on-site processes such as "pump and treat" or are left in place and allowed to be treated by natural attenuation methods if their presence is not expected to be a liability if left in place for an extended period. They can also be encapsulated if appropriate. The ex situ processes involve many types of options but must be carefully manifested for shipment off-site. It is possible to become liable for pollution on another site if the waste material is sent off-site and not properly remediated or disposed of. With in situ processes, the owner must carefully consider the liability of contaminants potentially migrating off-site. With ex situ processes, the owner must carefully consider the proper disposal costs and the potential for off-site liabilities.
The two applicable federal laws are CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and...
