Brownfields Project Description
brownfield n : abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial facility where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.[1]
Introduction. The National Science Foundation awarded Carnegie Mellon University a $900,000 three-year interdisciplinary project titled “Brownfield Development: the Implications for Urban Infrastructure" beginning January 1996. The project was awarded as part of the National Science Foundation's Civil Infrastructure Systems initiative's program on “Systemic Change for Urban Infrastructure."
Problem Statement. Both brownfields and infrastructure issues are of national importance but are of particular relevance to the economic growth and development of cities, counties and states. For both older and newer cities, brownfield industrial sites are both a resource and a liability. They are a resource in that they are usually well situated and possess some existing infrastructure, and they are also a liability in that they often have some environmental problems. Environment and other economic concerns have become obstacles to development for many sites. Recent changes in environmental regulation and public perceptions have lead to renewed interest in brownfield redevelopment. Brownfield site redevelopment can provide an opportunity to build the tax base and rejuvenate decaying infrastructure and depressed communities. With ever increasing pressures on existing infrastructure from development, time, and limited resources for renewal, more rational approaches to brownfield site remediation, and their associated infrastructure, are needed. Such rational treatment of brownfields is especially needed since interest in urban renewal remains strong, and increasing restrictions and public opposition to greenfield development limits other options.
Project Objectives. Our objective is to develop a rational, consistent and systematic approach to decision making related to infrastructure renewal in the context of brownfield development. The development of such a tool will facilitate the introduction of systemic changes in urban infrastructure.
To achieve this objective, the research tasks include: (1) transfer of general decision making tools to decision makers for urban infrastructure; (2) integration of computer-based collaborative environments into the decision-making process; (3) collection of data, and improvement of access to and management of data related to physical infrastructure and brownfield sites; (4) identification and implementation of appropriate analyses including integration of qualitative and quantitative information, infrastructure and site assessment, and optimal decision making; (5) inclusion of the historical process and context for industrial site development and redevelopment in the decision-making process; and (6) exploration of alternative financing schemes.
Proposed Approach. The research will address the issues related to infrastructure from a systems perspective, facilitating technology transfer and recognition of the issues inherent in a public policy formulation. While a general methodology will be developed, case studies from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania will be used as brownfields are of particular importance to their economic growth and development. The first phase of the research will emphasize information management. Special issues such as long-term site monitoring and data longevity will be considered. This part of the research will build on an existing database and GIS for site information developed at Carnegie Mellon. The result of this phase will be a data and inventory requirements analysis and the implementation of the data collection strategy. The second phase will emphasize rational decision making. This will include site analysis, infrastructure assessment, impact assessment and strategy selection. Issues to be considered include the relationship of growth and economic development, risk assessment, perception and communication, tradeoffs between infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation and the impact on existing systems and communities. The result of this phase will be a framework for decision making, the delineation of policies for the provision and renewal of infrastructure related to brownfield development, and the creation of appropriate computer-aided support.
Research Team. An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering and Public Policy, Social and Decision Sciences and History has been assembled to tackle this problem that is critical to economic development. The research involves collaboration with the Planning Department of the City of Pittsburgh. This is supported by an advisory group with members from Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Parsons Brinckerhoff (representing consultant and contractors involved in the provision and rehabilitation of infrastructure and site remediation,) and academia. To add breadth of analytical skills and the perspective of a more modern city, researchers from Florida International University in Miami, a minority institution, will participate in the research. The team also involves researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, building on an existing project funded through the Heinz Endowments. Finally, both graduate and undergraduate students will participate in the research to facilitate long-term issues of technology transfer and training of the workforce of the future.
For More Information Contact:
Professor Sue McNeil
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
PHONE: (412) 268-5675
FAX: (412) 268-7813
EMAIL: mcneil+@andrew.cmu.edu
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In addition, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or admission of its programs on the basis of religion, creed, ancestry, belief, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or in violation of federal, state or local laws, or executive orders. However, in the judgement of the Carnegie Mellon Human Relations Commission, the Department of Defense policy of, “Don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue," excludes openly gay, lesbian and bisexual students from receiving ROTC scholarships or serving in the military. Nevertheless, all ROTC classes at Carnegie Mellon are available to all students.
Web Page Created By: Laura
Rosensteel,Carnegie Mellon University.
Questions or Comments: Send E-mail to: dlange+@andrew.cmu.edu
Last Updated: July 30, 1999
