EPA cites problems implementing Brownfields program.

Originally developed as a way to help manufacturers cut overhead costs and move into low-cost empowerment zones, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfield Initiative is facing problems.

A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. It is estimated that more than 450,000 brownfields exist in the U.S. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment.

Upon passage of the Brownfields Revitalization Act in 2002, EPA's investment in the program has resulted in many accomplishments, including leveraging more than $5 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment funding from the private and public sectors and creating approximately 25,000 new jobs. However, the EPA has run into complications that may create further challenges if left unaddressed.

A recent review by the EPA inspector general suggests several areas for improvement exist within the Brownfields Initiative. The most significant is that the site eligibility determination process at the regional level lacks sufficient documentation and that some regions' processes are not clear. According to the review, several sites that received funding in 2003 may have actually been ineligible, but the agency does not currently require regions to document the sources used to make eligibility decisions.

Other problems cited include: long time extensions on deadlines for cleanup grant applicants; the questionable environmental performance of the Brownfields Initiative; and congressional authorizations for grants and program management fell short in fiscal years 2003 and 2004.

EPA's inspector general offered several recommendations for improvement after the review. First, regions should be forced to clearly document the eligibility determination process and clarify its rules for appropriate uses of brownfields funding. Second, the EPA was urged not to extend ownership deadlines for cleanup applicants to prevent funding for other applicants from being reduced because money is being held up for others waiting to gain land ownership.

A follow-up review of the program is planned to take place this fall.