Fact Sheet on Title VI and Brownfields

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
None of the Title VI complaints filed with EPA have been related to brownfields redevelopment.
In July 1998, EPA participated in a US Conference of Mayors' Forum on Title VI in Detroit, Michigan. In her letter to the group, EPA Administrator Carol Browner committed to conduct studies to determine whether EPA's Interim Guidance for Investigating Title VI Administrative Complaints Challenging Permits proved to be a barrier to the redevelopment of brownfields.
In June 1999, EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response issued the report entitled "Brownfields Title VI Case Studies."
EPA conducted case studies at seven of its Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilots to determine the relationship between the Title VI and brownfields activities.
The objectives of the case studies included:

helping EPA understand why Title VI complaints about permit decisions for brownfields projects are or are not filed;
providing a context to understand the influence the Interim Guidance may have or has had on redevelopment; and
determining whether Title VI or the Interim Guidance has impeded Brownfields redevelopment.

Community residents interviewed felt no need to file Title VI complaints. They reported feeling comfortable with their involvement in the redevelopment efforts and the sites' proposed new uses.
Most community residents interviewed emphasized two areas of concern: economic opportunities from which their communities can benefit (e.g., jobs for local residents), and the function of the proposed facility. For instance, if the proposed use for the brownfields site is cleaner or more economically appealing than the property's former use, the community is likely to be supportive of the redevelopment.
Most municipal government personnel and developers working on redevelopment have become aware of the need for and the value of meaningful, early, and ongoing community involvement. Most of these groups are incorporating community participation, outreach, and education in their redevelopment plans and activities.
Throughout the case study effort, respondents referenced the usefulness and necessity of community input in the redevelopment process.