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Superfund Redevelopment Initiative

Superfund Redevelopment Basics

On this page:


The Program

Superfund Redevelopment has helped communities reclaim and reuse thousands of acres of formerly contaminated land. Through an array of tools, partnerships, and activities, Superfund Redevelopment continues to provide local communities with new opportunities to grow and prosper.

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Getting Started with Superfund Redevelopment

Becoming involved in the redevelopment of a Superfund site requires considerations different from other contaminated sites (e.g., brownfields). However, successful Superfund site redevelopment projects from around the country demonstrate that the barriers and challenges can be overcome.

  • Getting Started with Superfund Redevelopment (PDF)(1 pg, 380 K)
    The steps for Getting Started with Superfund Redevelopment  highlight key issues and considerations to think about while planning and undertaking the redevelopment of a site. The redevelopment process will vary depending upon the specific characteristics of the site you are interested in redeveloping.

Additional helpful resources include:

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Site-Specific Reuse Support

Superfund redevelopment works with communities to provide site-specific reuse support and help return Superfund sites to productive use. Browse sample reuse plans, reuse assessments and other reports.

This fact sheet describes EPA’s technical assistance services that are available to support the productive reuse and redevelopment of Superfund sites.

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Partnerships

Partnerships between EPA, states, tribes, other federal agencies, local governments, communities, land owners, lenders, developers, and parties that are potentially responsible for contamination are a critical factor in the reuse of Superfund sites. 

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Reuse Success Stories

Communities who have reused sites share their stories so others seeking to reuse sites or address problems can benefit from their experiences.  

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Policy, Guidance & Resources

EPA has a number of policy and guidance tools that can help stakeholders understand the Superfund program and resources that can help communities return sites to beneficial use.

Learn more about sites addressed by EPA’s Superfund Program and EPA Initiatives and Programs that can help.

  • Cleanups in my Community
    Cleanups in my Community is a searchable, site-listing tool that provides cleanup progress profiles for sites and facilities and properties.
     
  • Clu-In
    Provides information about innovative treatment and site characterization technologies while acting as a forum for all waste remediation stakeholders.
     
  • Environmental Justice 
    Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) at EPA works with all stakeholders to constructively and collaboratively address environmental and public health issues and concerns.
     
  • Green Buildings 
    The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal of buildings takes enormous amounts of energy, water, and materials, and generates large quantities of waste, air, and water pollution, as well as creating stormwater runoff and heat islands.
     
  • National Cleanup Databases 
    Summary of a wide range of environmental information on sites and site cleanup made available by EPA.
     
  • Smart Growth 
    Through EPA's Smart Growth Program, EPA is helping states and municipalities better understand the impacts of development patterns. "Smart Growth" seeks to preserve greenfields and encourages infill development where pre-existing infrastructure supports reuse.

     
  • Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) 
    TASC is a national EPA program that provides technical assistance services to communities. To support healthy communities and strengthen environmental protection, EPA works closely with communities to make sure they have the technical help they need.

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