A brownfield is a former commercial or industrial property where redevelopment may be complicated by contamination. A coastal brownfield, also called a “portfield,” is a brownfield in a port or harbor area. Industries were historically located in these areas for access to the water for transportation, power, and cooling. 

Coastal brownfields can be contaminated by hazardous substances and can pose a threat to the marine environment and sensitive coastal resources. Contaminated areas may cause an increase in human health problems. Instead of re-using old industrial areas, new development may move away from city centers, resulting in urban sprawl. Coastal brownfields can lead to lower property values and unemployment in surrounding neighborhoods. Before they are re-used, these sites must be cleaned up and determined to be safe from contamination. 

Coastal brownfields can become environmentally sound port facilities or revitalized waterfront areas and expand local economies. They can also provide locations for manufacturing, shipping, international trade, and tourism. Redeveloped coastal brownfields can preserve valuable green space and restore coastal resources.

This description is based on the information found in the Web links listed with this topic.

Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Hazardous Waste

More Links
Brownfield Activities (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Portfields: Charting a Course for Port Revitalization (Environmental Protection Agency) (PDF — 1.42 MB)

Chemicals in Brownfields
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Acetone
Ammonia
Arsenic
Asbestos
Benzene
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Cadmium
Chlorine
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chromium
Crude Oil
Diesel
Dioxins
Endocrine Disruptors
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene Oxide
Formaldehyde
Gasoline
Lead
Mercury
Methane
Methanol
Perchlorate
Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC)
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Pesticides
Phthalates
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Propane
Solvents
Styrene
Toluene
Uranium
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Last Updated: November 14, 2012