Step 3: Deciding on Cleanup Options
The review and analysis of cleanup alternatives rely on the data collected during the site assessment and investigation phases, which are discussed in the preceding sections. The purpose of screening various technologies is to evaluate those technologies for their capability to meet specific cleanup and redevelopment objectives. For Brownfields sites, it also is important to consider budget requirements and to maintain a work schedule so that the project remains profitable. The role of institutional controls, such as zoning and deed restrictions, posting of safety signs, and efforts to increase community awareness of the environmental conditions and cleanup activities at the site, also is an important consideration during this phase.
Questions to Ask:
- How do we determine the appropriate and feasible level of cleanup?
- Are there Federal, state, local, and tribal requirements for cleanup?
- Are there prescribed standards for cleanup?
- Are there provisions for using presumptive remedies?
- What factors are associated with the implementation of cleanup options?
- Will the cleanup facilitate or hinder the planned redevelopment?
- How long will cleanup take?
- What will cleanup cost?
- What are the short-term and long-term effects of the cleanup technologies under consideration?
- Are the cleanup options compatible with regional or local planning and development goals and requirements?
- Can redevelopment activities (such as construction or renovation of buildings) be conducted concurrently with cleanup?
- How can the community participate in the review and selection of cleanup options?
- Are the options acceptable in light of community concerns about protection during cleanup and reuse of the site?
- Is there a need for institutional controls after cleanup?
- Are proposed institutional controls appropriate in light of community concerns and access to and use of the property?
Steps to Take
- Establish goals for cleanup.
- Educate members of the community about the site cleanup selection process and actively involve them in decision making.
- Review general information about technologies to become familiar with cleanup technologies that may be applicable to a particular site:
- Conduct searches of existing literature that further describes the technology alternatives.
- Analyze detailed technical information about the applicability of technology alternatives.
- Narrow the list of potential alternatives to those technologies that are most appropriate for addressing the contamination identified at the site and that are compatible with the specific conditions of the site and the proposed reuse of the property:
- Network with other Brownfields stakeholders and environmental professionals to learn about their experiences and to tap their expertise.
- Determine whether sufficient data are available to support identification and evaluation of cleanup alternatives.
- Evaluate numerous factors, including toxicity levels, exposure pathways, associated risk, future land use, and economic considerations.
- Analyze the applicability of a particular technology to the contamination identified at a site.
- Determine the effects of various technology alternatives on redevelopment objectives.
- Continue to work with appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure that regulatory requirements are addressed properly:
- Consult with the appropriate state, local, and tribal regulatory agencies to include them in the decision-making process as early as possible.
- Contact the EPA regional Brownfields coordinator to identify and determine the availability of EPA support programs.
- Integrate cleanup alternatives with reuse alternatives to identify potential constraints on reuse and time schedules and to assess cost and risk factors.
- Select an acceptable remedy that not only addresses the risk of contamination, but also best meets the objectives for redevelopment and reuse of the property and is compatible with the needs of the community.
- Communicate information about the proposed cleanup option to Brownfields stakeholders, including the affected community.
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