GEC Brownfields Services

Could Contamination Be the Key to Your Project's Success?

GEC's Environmental Services Division is well-positioned to help our clients with Brownfield Redevelopment.

What is a Brownfield?

According to Florida state law, a brownfield site is defined as: "real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination." 376.79137 F.S.

A brownfield area is defined as:
a contiguous area of one or more brownfield sites, some of which may not be contaminated, and which has been designated by a local government by resolution. Such areas may include all or portions of community redevelopment areas, enterprise zones, empowerment zones, other such designated economically deprived communities and areas, and Environmental Protection Agency-designated brownfield pilot projects. 376.79(4), F.S.

Why Brownfields Redevelopment?

Various financial and economic incentives are available for both brownfield areas and actual brownfield sites and the administrative process will vary for each type of designation.

While a Brownfields designation does not necessarily mean that the site is impacted with chemical contamination, there is sometimes confusion in the marketplace about the appropriateness of Brownfields redevelopment. It is largely a perception issue. Our firm can help interpret the pros and cons that accompany complex site issues. You may be surprised to learn that proper due diligence can yield a bonus for the project budget, should a level of contamination be present. Yes, Brownfields can be good for business by offering both economic incentives and liability protection. Further, Brownfield redevelopment projects are heavily backed by local and state governments and regulatory agencies, which provides powerful stakeholders in the development approval process.

How can GEC help?

We offer expertise in building the project team necessary for a successful Brownfield project. Additionally, our professionals can help weigh the economic benefits and schedule requirements for taking a project through the regulatory and development stages. There are plenty of ways to make a project successful under the Brownfields designation program.

GEC can bring together a partnership of technical team members to make sure your questions about your site and project are addressed in methodical and logical steps. Our roadmap for preliminary Brownfields evaluation is simple, cost-effective and quick.

Is the Brownfields program a match for your project?

Contact us to see how we can help you:

Thomas Mulligan, P.E.
tjmulligan@g-e-c.com
(407)-898-1818

Helpful links

Anatomy of Brownfield Redevelopment - EPA overview of a Brownfield Redevelopment process from conceptual analysis to implementation.

Florida's Brownfield Redevelopment Overview - Provides an overview of financial and economic incentives for Brownfield Areas and Brownfield Sites and defines common terms used in the Brownfield industry.

Common Myths and Facts - Myths and facts associated with Brownfield Redevelopment.

Liability Protection Overview - General summary on the key advantages of Brownfield Redevelopment.

Environmental Insurance Summary - Environmental insurance is a very important piece to financing contaminated or potentially contaminated real-estate and is a very important piece to evaluate Brownfield Redevelopment. This link provides an overview to environmental insurance and typical policies available.

Florida's Brownfiled's Success Stories

City View, Orlando
Willa Carson Community Health Resource Center, Clearwater
Depot Park Stormwater Management Facility, Gainesville
Magnolia Pointe, Cocoa
Supermarket to Document Center, Ocala