A brownfield is a property, where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases; facilitates job growth; utilizes existing infrastructure; reduces blight; takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands; and both improves and protects the environment. States and EPA support a variety of brownfields programs that advance proper cleanup and development of these sites.

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