Photo taken from US Army Corp of Engineers Environmental Community of Practice
Brownfields & Portfields website:  http://hq.environmental.usace.army.mil/programs/brownfields/brownfields.html 

Brownfields Outreach

Keokuk Outreach Day

Brownfields Introduction

Brownfields, as defined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties, where resale or redevelopment has been hindered by known or suspected environmental contamination at the site. Many properties are not reused based on the fear of environmental problems and the cost of regulatory actions that come with them.

A variety of abandoned sites can potentially be classified as a brownfield. Brownfields can be quite large. Inactive steel foundries, rubber plants and other large industrial factories also create environmental problems. On the other hand, they can occupy a small area. Closed gas stations, dry cleaners or auto repair shops may all have environmental complications from the materials used while the business was active.

Regional Brownfield Mission

The four southeastern Iowa Counties comprising the SEIRPC service territory are among the poorest in Iowa. SEIRPC has secured EPA Assessment funds that have enabled them and participating communities to begin to address the needs of mitigating the adverse impacts associated with the large number of brownfield properties located in southeastern Iowa. Results of these environmental site assessments (ESA's) will help communities and SEIRPC to facilitate the acquisition of targeted sites knowing the significance of the environmental impairments and the cost implications of those environmental concerns. Results from the ESA's will also help in reuse planning and redevelopment efforts within these communities - ensuring that the plans envisioned for these area eliminate or manage the environmental concerns, while integrating land use concepts that are consistent with market needs.

Regional Brownfield Additional Information

Recycling Our Cities

Phase I ESA's

SEIRPC Initiative

Public Involvement

Info for Children