What is Brownfield?

The US EPA defines the brownfield as 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. Typically, brownfields were home to industrial or commercial operations that are known or suspected to have contaminated the area due to improper removal of hazardous materials. This makes it hard to redevelop lands that are classified as brownfields. Contaminants must be removed from the site before construction can begin to make the land safe for people to inhabit. Many times, the redevelopment process is extremely expensive and requires heavy oversight by the US EPA.

Brownfields can be redeveloped by private developers, local governments, or through public-private partnerships. The US EPA encourages brownfields to be redeveloped as solar installations because the land has less strict clean-up and maintenance requirements and regulations, which will eventually lower the total cost of development.