Brownfields
Houston could have hundreds or even thousands of brownfields left from the recession of the oil industry in the mid-1980’s when many plants were closed and the properties abandoned. Now brownfields are an important element in the city’s downtown revitalization.
Once thought of as wasted parcels of land, advances in technology and remediation methods along with public programs are making it possible for brownfields to be transformed into spaces of vitality and beauty. Minute Maid Park, the Downtown Aquarium and the Federal Reserve Bank are all examples of how the City of Houston is cleaning up and reusing local brownfields.
The program is funded by EPA grants awarded to the city. In order to receive assistance, developers and local property owners voluntarily enter their property into the program. Program benefits include free environmental site assessments and facilitated participation in the State’s Voluntary Cleanup Program. Currently, there are more than 40 sites enrolled in the program.
The Environmental Protection Agency has designated the City of Houston as a Brownfields Showcase Community. Through this program more than 550 acres of brownfields have been reused while creating more than 2,700 jobs.