What is a Brownfield?

A brownfield is a commercial or industrial property which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Many brownfield sites are victims of changing economic factors, such as the loss of large-scale manufacturing operations. It is difficult to find viable new uses for older mills and factories, due to the costs of environmental cleanup and other challenges of working with older structures. However, public investment in brownfields typically has tremendous payoffs, leading to a cleaner environment, leveraged private investment, and vibrant communities.