Before a Brownfields property can be redeveloped, community members need to investigate the site, examine past land use and test soils where contamination is likely. Contaminants found at levels that may pose health risks to community members are generally removed, treated, capped or contained in ways that limit exposure risks appropriate to the planned reuse. Community-supported and urban agriculture projects may be appropriate for properties or structures that are not contaminated, contamination was limited and below levels requiring a response or properties where contaminants are capped or contained to limit exposure and certain forms of gardening or growing would be permitted.
The addition of soil amendments can help improve soil structure, balance pH and in some instances can help bind contaminants and reduce exposure, providing further benefits to the property and surrounding community. A farm or community garden with good soil management practices can improve the environment and stormwater management, expand green infrastructure, reduce greenhouse emissions, and improve access to healt
hy, locally grown food. Other possible benefits include promoting health and physical activity, increasing community connections, and attracting economic activity.
Please see the Know Before You Grow info guide to see the steps to consider when creating urban agriculture and community garden reuses in former vacant areas. For more information, visit the EPA Website.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the City of Alexandria will host the 2023 Louisiana Brownfields Conference on October 25-26, 2023 in Alexandria, LA. This FREE two-day conference is packed with information, resources, and expert insights on significant Brownfield topics including:
How to prioritize Brownfield sites and build an inventory
How to attract developers to rural communities
EPA guidance on the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funding
How to navigate the adjudication process for blighted tax delinquent properties in your community
Federal, State, and Local resources to support Brownfield projects, AND MORE!
Date: October 25-26, 2023
Location: Convention Hall - 915 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA
Hotel Accommodations: Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria - 701 4th Street, Alexandria Hotel Block: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Brownfield Conference Group Code: LDE Book a room on the IHG Website or call (318) 541-8333 to make your reservation over the phone.
REGISTER TODAY by completing the registration form on the LDEQ Website. The event is free but registration is required to reserve your spot as space is limited.
The EPA National Brownfields Training Conference is coming on August 8 to 11, 2023 in Detroit, MI. This will be the 20th National Brownfields Conference.
The conference will include 180 panels, town halls, roundtables, and topic talks where attendees can learn directly from experts in the field and interact with federal, state, and local decision-makers. In these sessions, speakers will discuss new practices, share success stories, and mulate new ideas.
Previous conferences have attracted as many as 2,000 attendees interested in community revitalization.
Individuals who may be interested:
Local, state, tribal, and federal government leaders
Federal and state contractors
Real estate developers and investors
Financial and insurance providers and risk management practitioners
Economic development officials and community development organizations
Construction and building firms
Environmental and civil engineers, planners and public works officials
Information technology professionals
Academic institutions & students
Attorneys
To register or find more information on the conference, visit the EPA 2023 Brownfields Conference website.
