Brownfields Program

"Brownfield" properties are frequently underused or abandoned due to historic industrial or commercial use, documented contamination, or the perception of potential contamination.  Some brownfields properties have been reported to MassDEP because of known contamination, while others may not have been assessed and the extent of potential contamination remains unknown.

Brownfields Resources

The Massachusetts Brownfields Program works closely with other state agencies federal and local government partners, non-profits, and the private sector to assist in the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of these properties.  MassDEP provides funding opportunities and technical assistance, maintains a brownfields inventory, and conducts outreach and community engagement. 

Parties who conduct site assessment or cleanup at any property in Massachusetts must do so under the state's cleanup law, Chapter 21E, and cleanup regulations, the Massachusetts Contingency Plan ("MCP", 310 CMR 40.0000). Brownfields sites require the same level of investigation and remediation as any other site in the MCP system.

Parties undertaking site assessment and cleanup activities in Massachusetts must hire a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) to oversee the work. LSPs are licensed and regulated by the Board of Regulation of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals (aka, the "LSP Board")