Ecological/Recreational Reuse of Remediated RCRA Sites

The following are sources of information about, and links to, projects where ecological or recreational redevelopment has occurred on remediated RCRA corrective action sites. The primary reuse objective for most of the sites in this compilation is ecological or recreational. However, in some cases, ecological or recreational reuse may be secondary to another primary use such as commercial.

BP Amoco Casper Refinery, Casper, Wyoming. The proposed reuse for this 800-acre former refinery along the North Platte river includes a business park, golf course, riverfront park, recreation park, kayak course, lake and wetlands. Corrective action, such as groundwater pumping and treatment, will need to be done for many years into the future. (Contacts: Felix Flechas, U.S. EPA Region 8, 303-312-6014, flechas.felix@epa.gov).

BP/Amoco, Wood River, Illinois. This former refinery site is being developed into the American Commons retail and commercial development and the Deer Park wildlife habitat, which will be open to the public. Brief information available at: http://www.epa.state.il.us/news-releases/2002/2002-159-bp-brownfield.html.

Dupont Glasgow, Newark, Delaware. The State of Delaware, U.S. EPA, and two private companies have succeeded in protecting 300 acres of sensitive wetlands, habitats, and greenspace in an area south of Newark that is rapidly losing open space to development. Also as a result of this effort another 150 acres will be developed for compatible, non-threatening, light industrial use that will allow a Delaware-based company to expand within the state. Through this cooperative effort, the stakeholders have been able to create recreational opportunities, provide a corridor connecting other open spaces, allow access to a very popular fishing and boating area, and bring new jobs to the area. At the same time, Dupont, the original site owner, continues to retain the corrective action responsibility for this parcel, plus an additional over 600 nearby acres that it once owned. http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/ca/pdf/glasgow.pdf.

Sporting Goods Properties, Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut. The owner of a 435-acre former munitions manufacturing site is planning to develop a high-end business park, while preserving wetlands and other wildlife habitats on the site. The Lake Success Business Park is expected to include 2 million square feet of office, light industrial, and retail space that will boost the local economy. At the same time, approximately half of the site's acreage will remain open space. This combined commercial/ecological reuse of the property was facilitated by the joint efforts of a determined site owner, local communities, U.S. EPA, and the State of Connecticut. (Contacts: Stephanie Carr, U.S. EPA, Region 1, 617-918-1363, carr.stephanie@epa.gov).

Harbor Park, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Sixty-nine underutilized, contaminated and blighted acres in downtown Kenosha has been transformed into an integrated center of activity with residential, recreational, cultural, commercial, and transportation facilities. Recreational features will include parkland, museums, and other cultural attractions. The center's efficient design complements the site's waterfront location and the adjacent marina and downtown area. (Contacts: Pam Mylotta, Wisconsin DNR, 414-263-8758; mylotp@dnr.state.wi.us).

Ford Rouge Center, Dearborn, Michigan. A diversity of flora and fauna is being reestablished on this heavy industrial site, after completion of source removal, building demolition, and phytoremediation. The site is now subject to institutional controls, monitored natural attenuation, and innovative storm water management techniques. (Contacts: Kimberly Tyson, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; 517-373-2487; Jeff Hartlund, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126, 313-322-0700, jhartlun@ford.com).

Bethlehem Steel Commerce Center, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. A 110-acre greenway has been identified along the eastern boundary of the 1,600-acre former steel manufacturing center. A local team led by Bethlehem Steel, the state, and local interested parties is developing the greenspace to enhance upland habitat diversity, wildlife conservation, preserve and enhance wetlands, and provide recreation and education. Most of the remainder of the development on the site will be commercial and industrial. http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/ca/pdf/bethworks.pdf.

Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Plant, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After completing final closure under RCRA, this site will be used for habitat corridors, public access to a light recreation area, and mixed uses. (Contacts: Blake L Atkins, U.S. EPA Region 6, 214-665-2297, atkins.blake@epa.gov).