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Fact Sheet on Title VI and Brownfields
- Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial
and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment
is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
- None of the Title VI complaints filed with EPA have been
related to brownfields redevelopment.
- In July 1998, EPA participated in a US Conference of Mayors' Forum
on Title VI in Detroit, Michigan. In her letter
to the group, EPA Administrator Carol Browner committed to conduct
studies to determine whether EPA's Interim
Guidance for Investigating Title VI Administrative Complaints Challenging
Permits proved to be a barrier to the redevelopment
- In June 1999, EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response issued
the report entitled "Brownfields
Title VI Case Studies."
- EPA conducted case studies at seven of its Brownfields
Assessment Demonstration Pilots to determine the relationship
between the Title VI and brownfields activities.
- The objectives of the case studies included:
The findings of the case studies included:
- helping EPA understand why Title VI complaints about
permit decisions for brownfields projects are or are
- providing a context to understand the influence the
Interim Guidance may have or has had on redevelopment;
- determining whether Title VI or the Interim Guidance
has impeded Brownfields redevelopment.
- Community residents interviewed felt no need to file
Title VI complaints. They reported feeling comfortable
with their involvement in the redevelopment efforts
and the sites' proposed new uses.
- Most community residents interviewed emphasized two
areas of concern: economic opportunities from which
their communities can benefit (e.g., jobs for
local residents), and the function of the proposed facility.
For instance, if the proposed use for the brownfields
site is cleaner or more economically appealing than
the property's former use, the community is likely to
be supportive of the redevelopment.
- Most municipal government personnel and developers
working on redevelopment have become aware of the need
for and the value of meaningful, early, and ongoing
community involvement. Most of these groups are incorporating
community participation, outreach, and education in
their redevelopment plans and activities.
- Throughout the case study effort, respondents referenced
the usefulness and necessity of community input in the
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