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What is a Brownfield?

Why are Brownfields Important?

Brownfields need to be redeveloped and put to productive use because they are a barrier to economic development and a threat to the environment. Building on a brownfield instead of "raw" land also prevents urban sprawl and it can help revitalize a community.

What is the difference between a Superfund site and a Brownfield site?

Superfund sites are formally designated under EPA's Superfund program and pose a significant threat to human health and/or the environment. Brownfields are managed through state and local programs.  

How do I find out if I have a qualified Brownfields?

The site might be listed in a database. Check with your Brownfields Coalition partner. If it is not listed, you might need an initial assessment to find out if it is in fact contaminated. 

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund

The Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund facilitates public and private sector cleanup and redevelopment of commercial or industrial brownfield properties that are idled, underutilized or abandoned as a result of contamination (real or perceived).

 The objectives of the loan fund are to:

• Support self-sustaining efforts by local government and private owners by offering low-interest loans for site cleanup.
• Leverage funds by linking loan recipients with assistance offered through related brownfields programs
• Strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders
• Create sustainable jobs through new or expanded businesses
• Increase tax base to local areas.

Loan eligibility is based on the site situation, the urgency of the project, the threat of the contamination and the timeframe in which a cleanup can be done. The cleanup must be approved through the Department of Ecology’s Voluntary Cleanup Program .

Some factors that determine eligibility include:

• The applicant did not cause or contribute to the site’s contamination
• A site reuse of redevelopment plan with near-term economic viability
• The project will result in job creation and retention
• The project will improve existing environmental conditions.

Applicant's credit worthiness, the social and economic benefits of the redevelopment, including an evaluation of the property's marketability and land value, visability, neighborhood conditions and physical infrastructure are all considered as part of the loan evaluation.

A Brownfields Redevelopment Loan may be used for prevention, abatement or removal of hazardous substances or contaminants that threaten public safety, drinking water or sensitive ecosystems.

Brownfield Coalition

The Brownfields Coalition is a partnership of the Departments of Commerce and Ecology, the cities of Tacoma and Spokane, and  King County. The partnership works together to make it easer for local governments, property owners and developers to return brownfields to a useful purpose by helping with the logistics and funding.

The Coalition:

• Makes low-interest loans to eligible local governments, developers and property owners to clean up brownfields.
• Links loan recipients with other brownfields programs for help with assessments and more.
• Streamlines the process of clean up and redevelopment by collaborating with federal, state and local agencies. 

Coalition Members:

Commerce:  Bill Mandeville bill.mandeville@commerce.wa.gov or 360.725.3051

Ecology: John Means jmea461@ecy.wa.gov or 360.407.7188

City of Tacoma: Ellen Walkowiak Ellen.walkowiak@cityoftacoma.org or 253.591.5209

City of Spokane: Scott Chesney schesney@spokanecity.org or 509.625.6013