Brownfields

Introduction
Contacts
Statutes
Forms
Additional Information
Related Program
Other Related Links

Introduction

In January 2002, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was signed into federal law. By definition, Brownfields are "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." Essentially a Brownfield site is a property where re-development is impeded because of contamination, real or perceived. The key benefits of Brownfields redevelopment include:

The protection of public health and the environment through cleanup of commercial/industrial properties;
Slowing of "urban sprawl" by encouraging reuse of properties;
Increased tax revenues;
Use of existing infrastructure (e.g. roads, rail, water, sewer);
The creation of new jobs; and
The revitalization of declining commercial/industrial based communities.

Contacts

For more information about the State of Maine 's Brownfields Program contact Jean Firth at (207) 287-2651 or (207)-287-7716 or e-mail at mailto:jean.m.firth@maine.gov

Brownfields Statutes:

Public Law 107-118 (H.R. 2869) - "Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act"

Voluntary Response Action Program Law - Most Brownfields sites also participate in the VRAP program.

Forms:

Municipal Brownfields Site Assessment Program Application (MS Word format) - Municipalities that have vacant industrial properties where redevelopment is impeded by contamination (real or perceived) may qualify for this program. (pdf format)

Municipal Brownfields Remedial Program Request for Assistance (MS Word format) - Municipalities that own properties they would like redeveloped where there is known contamination and remediation is necessary to make the property marketable may qualify for this program. (pdf format)

Additional Information

Updated! Brownfields Issue Profile - A general overview of the Brownfields Program
Maine Brownfields Success Stories – Several case studies of Brownfields sites in Maine
The Division of Remediation Sites List Database - The public record of sites in the Division of Remediation, including all Brownfields sites.
Maine 's Remedial Action Guidelines - guidelines for Hazardous Substances in soil may be used as cleanup levels for contaminated sites where the underlying assumptions are appropriate - View the Guidelines in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format (51KB)
(Updated May 20, 1997)
View the Technical Basis for Maine 's Remedial Action Guidelines - (MS Word) (pdf format)

Staff from the Brownfields Program are available to speak to interested groups or individuals about the program. If you would like to arrange a meeting or seminar contact Jean Firth at 207-287-7716 or e-mail at mailto:jean.m.firth@maine.gov.

Related Programs:

The Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP)

The Uncontrolled Sites Program

Other Related Links:

EPA Brownfields (Headquarters) Homepage

EPA Brownfields (Region 1-New England) Homepage

EPA's CERCLIS Database for Maine Sites

EPA's Superfund Web page

Interstate Technical & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Guidance documents and education materials on site characterization and remedial technologies.

The U.S. Housing & Urban Development(HUD) Brownfields Homepage

PROGRAMS

Brownfields