Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where there is known or suspected contamination. Brownfields are found in every community in Minnesota. They include abandoned gas stations, former dry cleaners, old factories, grain elevators no longer in operation, and more.
Brownfields can be a challenge to redevelop and often sit idle for years. This can lead to neighborhood blight, unsafe structures, and contaminated spaces that can harm people and the environment.
Benefits of brownfield cleanup and redevelopment
Investigating and cleaning up brownfields allows for redevelopment while protecting human health and the environment. Redeveloping brownfield properties can benefit local communities by:
- improving public health
- enhancing the livability of neighborhoods
- reducing urban sprawl
- creating new businesses and jobs
- adding to the tax base
Brownfield investigation
Before redeveloping a potentially contaminated property, it’s important to investigate the property to:
- establish all historical uses of the property to identify potential sources of contamination by doing a Phase I investigation.
- identify the presence and extent of contamination in the surrounding soil or within any on-site buildings by doing a Phase II investigation.
- if necessary, create a plan to safely redevelop or reuse the property that includes proper management of contaminated soil excavated during redevelopment and other steps to prevent people from exposure to contamination.
Advice for property owners and purchasers
Do you currently own a property or are you thinking of buying a property where environmental contamination is suspected?
- If you currently own a property and were aware of the presence of confirmed environmental contamination at the time of purchase, you could be responsible for any required cleanup actions. If you have questions about this, contact program staff for more information.
- If you plan to buy a property, investigate past uses of the property before you purchase it. Hire an environmental consultant experienced in brownfield redevelopment to conduct a Phase I investigation, which will identify historical uses of the property that may be of environmental concern. The Phase I investigation may recommend a Phase II investigation if historical uses suggest potential contamination.
- Investigating past uses of a property before purchasing it protects you and your lender. Understanding if contamination is present, the extent of contamination, and what actions may be necessary to safely redevelop the property may allow the MPCA to issue liability protection to purchasers and lenders when appropriate. Learn more about MPCA liability assurance letters and Brownfield Program services.
- Investigation and cleanup grants to support redevelopment of brownfield sites may be available from county, state, and federal agencies.
Grants for brownfield investigation
MPCA has a grant program that funds Phase I and Phase II investigations of brownfield properties to support safe redevelopment and reuse.
Supporting communities in identifying and cleaning up brownfields
Brownfields are found in every community, but their presence is not felt equally among all residents of a community. Brownfields are often located in neighborhoods that are disproportionally impacted by the cumulative effects of commercial and heavy industry.
The MPCA is committed to supporting environmental justice communities and Tribal Nations in accessing resources for brownfield investigation and cleanup. If you are a Tribal Nation, community organizer, nonprofit, first-time developer, or small developer, we’d like to hear from you to help you access resources.
Brownfield success stories
Brownfields are located in cities and towns all across Minnesota. Check out these success stories for a sample of site redevelopment work around the state.