Brownfields

What is a Brownfield?

Brownfields are properties that are contaminated, or thought to be contaminated, and are underutilized due to perceived remediation costs and liability concerns. California recognizes that cleaning up brownfield properties frees previously unavailable land for productive reuse, while taking development pressures off undeveloped open land, thereby improving and protecting the environment. Timely investigations and cleanups of brownfield sites promotes economic development and reinvestment in California through post-cleanup development and sustainable reuse. 

All sites are subject to the same standards; these standards were developed to protect human health and the environment as set forth in state and federal laws, regulations, and policies. Additionally, because DTSC recognizes stakeholder and public information needs, DTSC remains committed to promote and maintain public participation in project decisions for all sites, including voluntary projects.

To learn more about Brownfields, watch DTSC's video and visit the U.S. EPA Brownfields website.