“Eight-fold Path” and Brownfield Redevelopment
The visit of the Dalai Lama to Atlanta though has had me thinking on many levels, and yes, on brownfields and redevelopment too. The model of the “Eight-fold Path” is presented as a baseline for living. So in a way this Path can be extrapolated to consider how to handle clean up and subsequent revitalization of contaminated properties. For your consideration, I present these thoughts using that model:

• Having the right view: As we analyze properties in our communities, through assessments funded in part by EPA, we need to seek credible technology which will provide useful information.
• Having the right intention: We need to understand that presence of analytical data is but the start as we, in partnership with many stakeholders, develop a vision for revitalization.
• Doing the right action: Building on the vision, a master plan, we seek options on how we might best address the future use of this or that property.
• Using the right speech: We need to make sure that stakeholders understand what is being proposed. Technical or legal explanations must be tailored to the audience to ensure understanding, if not buy-in.
• Living a right livelihood: We need to ensure that the proposed reuse does not increase contamination in the community. Environmental Justice measures should be integrated into our decision-making, to ensure communities do not experience environmental harm in pursuit of economic gains.
• Making the right effort: Revitalization is a complex objective, relying on private investment to execute a public goal. Community leaders and the public must take steps to ensure “right” reuse, through possible green alternatives leading to sustainable redevelopment. Developers and funding institutions must make sure the project contributes to the vitality of the community.
• Having right mindfulness: Revitalization of brownfields depends on cooperative efforts by many partners, in both the private and public sectors. We need to continue to focus on the vision throughout the process.
• Maintaining right concentration: The goal of effective revitalization is the protection of human health and the environment throughout the design and construction of the effort.  This involves patience, cooperation, and work.

Often when we think of brownfields and redevelopment, we do it in terms of federal, state and local governmental requirements. I thought this might be an innovative way to think about our partnering efforts.

We at EPA will keep all informed of policies and procedures impacting brownfields. We look forward to working with you in Georgia to meet the goals of the chapter. For further information, we recommend our brownfields website (www.epa.gov/region4/waste/bf) and our revitalization website (www.epa.gov/region4/landrevitalization).

Matthew Robbins is the Regional Revitalization Coordinator in EPA’s Region 4 Office. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Georgia Chapter of the NBA.
You can reach him at 404-562-8371, and robbins.matt@epa.gov.