Reuse Considerations for Data Centers on Superfund Sites
Pursuant to the Executive Order on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program has assembled information, tools and resources to help interested parties assess the viability of Superfund site properties as possible locations for data centers.
The redevelopment of Superfund sites has helped communities reuse thousands of acres of formerly contaminated land. Superfund sites have significant redevelopment potential, and many Superfund sites are suitable for redevelopment even if cleanup is still ongoing. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program and site staff work with communities, stakeholders, and other interested partners to consider and integrate future use opportunities into Superfund cleanup plans.
The information on this page directs community members, interested parties, developers, and owners or potential owners to considerations and tools for assessing Superfund sites with redevelopment potential as data centers.
On this page:
- Site Information
- Criteria and Considerations for Data Center Development
- Data Center Redevelopment Guidance and Tools
Site Information
Redevelopment Mapper for Superfund and Brownfield Sites
Search potential Superfund sites using EPA’s Redevelopment Mapper for Superfund and Brownfield Sites. This web-based mapping tool helps stakeholders explore potential reuse opportunities. It provides users with Superfund site locations and options for adding data layers that highlight site features and site surroundings.
Quick start instructions for using the mapper.
Sites Ready for Reuse
EPA provides developers, prospective purchasers and other parties interested in Superfund Redevelopment with lists of sites that are ready for reuse. Fact sheets are available for some of these sites that detail when and how a site is (or will be) ready for reuse.
Criteria and Considerations for Data Center Development
Superfund sites with existing infrastructure and zoned for industrial reuse may be attractive candidates for redevelopment into data centers.
Responsible siting, thoughtful planning and engagement, careful alignment to site cleanup standards, proper maintenance of engineering controls (e.g. caps, barriers), and incorporating conservation and environmental protection practices are critical for making such projects a success.
The resource below summarizes initial criteria to consider when evaluating whether a Superfund site can be redeveloped into a data center.
Data Center Redevelopment Guidance and Tools
- Redevelopment Tools and Resources for Site Owners, Developers, and Prospective Purchasers – Provides tools and resources that can assist site owners, developers and prospective purchasers with site-related information and decision-making when considering data centers at Superfund sites.
- Top 10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Superfund Site (also available in Spanish) – This document addresses many of the most common questions prospective purchasers have when considering property acquisitions at Superfund sites.
- Superfund Redevelopment Mapper – EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Mapper provides the key information for stakeholders and land managers to help them make timely business decisions, address reuse barriers and plan for the future use of Superfund sites. It includes site information, community context and links to relevant resources. Use this mapping application to explore development opportunities at Superfund sites.
- Prospective Purchaser Inquiry Process – EPA’s Regions offer a Prospective Purchaser Inquiry Process, a free information service available to prospective purchasers, sellers, lessees and other stakeholders interested or involved in the redevelopment of a current or former Superfund site.
- Superfund Reuse Planning Support and Technical Assistance – EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program provides technical assistance services to support the productive reuse and redevelopment of Superfund sites.
- Redevelopment Opportunities – this EPA webpage provides developers, prospective purchasers and other parties interested in redevelopment of Superfund sites with more information about sites that may be ready for reuse.
- Ready for Reuse Determination – EPA’s Ready for Reuse Determination provides a technical determination that a site is “ready for reuse” and will remain protective of human health and the environment for that use, so long as any use limitations established by EPA continue to be met.
- Revitalization-Ready Guide: A Guide to Revitalizing Land in Your Community – this EPA webpage is designed to provide information for local and county governments, Tribes, quasi-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations interested in facilitating the cleanup and reuse of brownfield properties.
- Comfort/Status Letter Guidance – EPA’s comfort/status letter policy provides recommendations and model letters for EPA Regions to use when responding to parties interested in reusing and/or redeveloping contaminated, potentially contaminated, and formerly contaminated property (“impacted properties”).