Case Studies

I am working on a project involving the remediation of brownfields and vacant industrial parks.  I was wondering about the details of capping contaminated soil mounds.  Does there need to be a concrete or clay base layer under the mound of contaminated soil to prevent any seeping of the toxins?  Or, can the soil mound just be capped?  If the mound consists of only contaminated soils (relocated from other areas of the site), does the mound have to include a gas collection well?

- Michael, Architecture student

I’m working on developing an affordable housing project in the bay area and the city wants me to assess the impact of existing air quality on my project’s future residents as part of my CEQA review. Is this necessary?

I’ve heard of some projects that want to put solar power on brownfield site. Why would we want to do this, and is it even possible? Have any projects succeeded so far?

I’ve heard that some cleanups of landfills and other toxic sites just put a cap over the contamination! Is this safe? Shouldn’t all the hazardous waste be removed instead?

We are considering putting a community garden or farmer’s market in a site contaminated with asbestos. What issues should we consider? Is this eligible for EPA brownfields funding?

– Kathy A.

How does the LEED certification rating system currently consider brownfield and infill redevelopment in its scoring criteria? – Donna D., project manager