Features
Guide to Contaminants and Technologies
Learn about contaminants typically found at brownfields sites and technologies that are used to investigate and treat them.
HRSC focus area on CLU-IN
Highlighted as a “spotlight” in the Road Map, HRSC is a new EPA focus area that reflects the state-of-the-science for environmental site characterization. Visit the HRSC website to learn more and to access resources and available support.
Contents
The contents of the Brownfields Road Map publication are available at the links below. Order: EPA 542-R-12-001
Introduction
The Brownfields Road Map is designed to help non-technical stakeholders understand options for site investigation and cleanup and communicate effectively with technical professionals.
Follow the Road Map
Learn how the Road Map publication and this website correspond to general phases of the site investigation and cleanup process, as illustrated in the road map illustration.
Learn the Basics
Begin here to learn about factors and considerations that affect cleanup and reuse. These “basics” are integral to the cleanup process and the overall success of the brownfields project.
Assess the Site
The site assessment is a crucial step in the brownfields process because the need for any further environmental investigation and cleanup will depend on whether potential environmental concerns are identified.
Investigate the Site
Information collected during the site investigation phase supports future decisions about potential cleanup options and reuse alternatives.
Assess and Select Cleanup Options
The purpose of evaluating various cleanup alternatives is to identify technologies with the capability to meet specific cleanup and reuse objectives.
Design and Implement the Cleanup
Maintaining stakeholder participation during cleanup promotes long-term community acceptance and support of the planned reuse of the brownfields site.
Spotlights
The “spotlights” provide a quick look at topics relevant to brownfields projects and give readers access to resources.
All Appropriate Inquiries
Challenging Cleanups
Data Quality: The Key to Making Robust Site Decisions
Greener Cleanups
High-Resolution Site Characterization and In Situ Technologies
Project Life Cycle Conceptual Site Model
Redevelopment Initiatives: Connecting Cleanup and Reuse
Supporting Tribal Revitalization
Understanding the Role of ICs at Brownfields Sites
Vapor Intrusion
Disclaimer
The Road Map is not an official guidance document. Rather, it draws on the EPA’s experiences with brownfields sites, as well as Superfund sites, corrective action sites under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and underground storage tank (UST) sites. Specific conditions—such as the nature and extent of contamination, the proposed reuses of the property, the financial resources available, and the level of support from neighboring communities—vary from site to site. Readers of the Road Map are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the best management practices described in the following pages in accordance with applicable regulatory program requirements.
This document provides general information and guidance regarding facilitating reuse of properties. It does not address all information, factors or considerations that may be relevant. This document is not legally binding. The word “should” and other similar terms used in this document are intended as general recommendations or suggestions that might be generally applicable or appropriate and should not be taken as providing legal, technical, financial or other advice regarding a specific situation or set of circumstances. This document may be revised at any time without public notice. Any references to private entities, products or services are strictly for informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement of that entity, product or service.
This document describes and summarizes statutory provisions, regulatory requirements and policies. The document is not a substitute for these provisions, regulations or policies, nor is it a regulation itself. In the event of a conflict between the discussion in this document and any statute, regulation or policy, this document would not be controlling and cannot be relied on to contradict or argue against any EPA position taken administratively or in court. It does not impose legally binding requirements on the EPA or the regulated community and might not apply to a particular situation based on the specific circumstances. This document does not modify or supersede any existing EPA guidance document or affect the Agency’s enforcement discretion in any way.
How to Submit Comments
The EPA invites comments from members of the brownfields community to help ensure that any future versions of the Road Map meet their needs. Please submit comments to:
Carlos Pachon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
[email protected]
(703) 603-9904
How to Obtain Additional Copies
A printed or hard copy version of this document can be obtained from the following source:
National Service Center for Environmental Publications
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419
(800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190
Fax: (513) 489-8695
When you order the Road Map, please refer to document number EPA 542-R-12-001.
Order: EPA 542-12-001
