Browsing by Subject "Brownfields"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Assessing the potential for greater solar development in West Texas, USA
(Energy Strategy Reviews, 2020-05-13) Devitt, D.A.; Young, Michael H.; Pierre, J.P.
As population and economies continue to grow on a global scale, so too does the demand for energy. To improve reliability and independence of energy supplies, the U.S. and many other countries are seeking internally-sourced renewable energy; solar is one such renewable-energy source that meets these criteria. However, all energy sources exert some environmental impacts. In the case of solar, direct impacts stem mostly from alteration of land needed to host infrastructure. Understanding the environmental upside and downside potential of solar energy systems allows a more comprehensive, side-by-side comparison with different energy sources. In this article, we focus on the solar energy potential of West Texas, USA, a large arid to semi-arid region with a rural population and favorable climatic conditions. Texas is an interesting and important region to study given its unregulated and independent grid operation and the additional (and substantial) sources of regionally produced energy. Herein, we assess the geographic and environmental attributes, constraints to (e.g., incoming solar radiation, slope, habitats, ecoregion, water availability, etc.), and the potential environmental impacts on land resources from utility-scale installations of different types of solar energy generation systems. Our assessment points to the balance needed to expand solar energy to gain flexibility in energy sourcing on the one hand, while carefully considering future locations and technology to avoid regional impacts to land and environmental resources.
Brownfield redevelopment in Rockford, Illinois
(2011-05) List, Kathleen Marie; Sletto, Bjørn; Paterson, Robert
Small and mid-size cities often struggle with the financial and social costs of brownfield redevelopment, even when they receive funding for environmental remediation from federal and state governments. This paper examines how cities can address the gap between administering technical funding for environmental remediation and creating local economic and social opportunities on redeveloped brownfields sites. Specific attention is paid to mid-size cities, and Rockford, Illinois will be used as an example of a city struggling to attract investors to its abandoned industrial brownfields.
The role of collaborative planning in contaminated site redevelopment and plan implementation
(2010-05) Marsh, Eric Lane; Paterson, Robert G.; Oden, Michael; Mueller, Elizabeth; Reible, Danny; Wernstedt, Kris
The following dissertation examines the role of collaborative planning in the redevelopment of National Priorities List Superfund sites and the implementation of Superfund site redevelopment plans. To examine the effect of collaborative planning, two models were constructed: one to predict Superfund site redevelopment and one to predict implementation of Superfund site redevelopment plans. Two test the two models, data was collected primarily from a survey of federal cleanup managers conducted between August 2008 and April 2009. Variables were then constructed and tested using bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results from the statistical analysis suggest that use of collaborative planning is positively and significantly associated with Superfund site redevelopment. Collaborative planning’s effect on Superfund site redevelopment plan implementation was inconclusive. To further explore the role of collaborative planning on Superfund site redevelopment and plan implementation, four case studies were developed that describe redevelopment planning at four Superfund sites. Overall, results suggest that collaborative planning is an important tool for the facilitation of Superfund site redevelopment. The effect of collaborative planning on plan implementation is somewhat ambiguous. Additional research is necessary, however, to draw firmer conclusions regarding both phenomena.
The third sector : the missing piece of the brownfields puzzle
(2006-05-05) Lytle, Zachary John; Paterson, Robert G.
The US Environmental Protection Agency defines brownfields as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” The existence of brownfield presents enormous challenges for cities across the United States. This report explores the possible roles nonprofits can play in brownfield development. As part of this investigation, the problems and opportunities brownfields offer socially, environmentally and economically are examined through literature review. Further on, three existing brownfields-specific nonprofit corporations are discussed through case studies. Each of these organizations The Guardian Trust, The Brownfields Stewardship Fund, and The Center for Creative Land Recycling, provide unique services facilitating the redevelopment of brownfields across the country. The lessons learned are then applied to the City of Dallas. The report concludes by exploring the potential roles the third sector could play in the redevelopment of brownfields in Dallas. With increased involvement, nonprofits can help convert brownfields back to their highest and best use for the benefit of the community.