What must brownfields be assessed for?

Brownfields are properties that may be contaminated due to previous industrial or commercial activities, and they require careful assessment to determine their environmental safety before any redevelopment can occur. The primary concern with brownfields is the potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that could pose risks to human health or the environment.

Assessing brownfields for environmental contamination is crucial because it helps identify the level and types of contaminants present, the extent of contamination, and the necessary remedial actions that may be needed to make the site safe for future use. This process is vital for protecting public health, ensuring safety in surrounding areas, and enabling informed decisions about how to manage and redevelop these properties.

While considerations such as architectural potential, residential development, and market value are important in the broader context of development planning, they rely on the outcome of environmental assessments. Without first addressing the environmental contamination, any future development could face legal issues, health risks, and financial burdens, indicating that the assessment of contamination is foundational to progressing safely with any potential uses of brownfield sites.