"Brownfields" are abandoned or underused industrial and commercial properties where redevelopment or expansion is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, building deterioration, and/or inadequate infrastructure. Brownfields can include sites from old landfills and abandoned factories to dry cleaners and print shops. Most Brownfields are located in urban areas and have good potential for redevelopment. Before a Brownfield site can be redeveloped, an Environmental Site Assessment must be completed to determine the extent, type and level of contamination. If the site is determined not to be clean enough for the proposed use, then site remediation or a method to manage the contaminants is required. In Ontario, contaminated sites that are being redeveloped must be assessed and remediated in accordance with Ontario Regulation 153/04. This Regulation specifies maximum concentrations for various chemical compounds in soil and groundwater depending on the intended use of the property. Ontario Regulation 153/04 requires filing of a Record of Site Condition (RSC) in a publicly accessible Environmental Site Registry for sites where there is a change in land use to a more sensitive use (i.e. commercial to residential). In order for redevelopment of a Brownfield site to occur the site must be remediated to a point which meets the criteria set forth by the Ministry of Environment. The criteria set by the MOE indicate whether the presence of a contaminant is above or below an accepted limit which may affect human health.
Our team of professionals will assist you through this process and determine a cost-effective solution.
If you would like any additional information on our Brownfield programs, would like a proposal, or would like to discuss your project please contact us.
Ask our Team