The DNREC Brownfields Development Program encourages the cleanup and redevelopment, reuse or expansion of properties which may be perceived to be environmentally contaminated.

The program certifies properties as brownfields, making them eligible for grant funding and tax credits as applicable. Financial assistance is available as reimbursement to eligible parties in the form of brownfields grants funded by the Hazardous Substances Cleanup Act (HSCA) and low interest loans from the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund. The brownfields grants and loan fund help eligible borrowers pay for the cleanup of brownfields.

The first step in participating in the brownfields program is to submit an application for brownfields certification to the Remediation Section, attention.

Cleanup and Development of Brownfields

For purchasers considering acquiring and redeveloping potentially contaminated sites, the program negotiates brownfields development agreements to guide investigations and, if necessary, a remedial action to address human-health and/or environmental risks posed by past releases of hazardous substances at the brownfield site.

The Delaware Brownfields Marketplace provides an interactive database of brownfield sites available for redevelopment in Delaware. The inventory is designed to make it easier for potential buyers and developers to locate available brownfield properties. Current property owners can certify their properties as brownfields, and may also submit their properties for listing on the marketplace. Current property owners, however, are not eligible for the Brownfields Development Program, but can clean up their contaminated sites through DNREC’s Voluntary Cleanup Program.

HSCA Advisory Committee

The Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA) Advisory Committee (HAC) represents the public and community interest in Delaware’s Brownfield Program by providing advice and assistance to DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances. The advisory committee is open to the public, and includes consultants, developers, public entities, local business leaders, residents, as well as representatives from the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances.

Benefits of Brownfields Redevelopment

DNREC has certified over 300 sites as brownfields which have been successfully remediated and redeveloped and placed back into productive use. The brownfields program has produced significant environmental, economic and social impact in Delaware.

The University of Delaware has conducted a series of studies of the economic and social benefits of the brownfields program:

Economic Impact on Delaware’s Economy: The Brownfields Program 2015

UD Social Impact Assessment Report – Sharon Merriman-Nai

Related Documents

Turning Brownfields Green, State Resources and Federal Grants to Invest in Your Community

Brownfield Process Flowchart

Brownfields Development Agreement Template

Application for Brownfield Certification and Grant Funding

Brownfields Grant Funding Policy

Brownfields Grant Eligible Expenses Manual and Reimbursement Application Instructions

Certified Brownfields List

Related Topics:  brownfields, cleanup, HSCA, remediation, waste and hazardous substances