Earlier decades of industry and manufacturing have left some properties in Michigan environmentally degraded, contaminated with heavy metals, organic and inorganic chemicals, petroleum constituents, and containing dilapidated buildings and debris. Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or under-used industrial and commercial properties, often in urban areas, where expansion or redevelopment is hindered or complicated by real or perceived environmental conditions. Brownfield problems are not limited to large cities with long histories of heavy industry and large-scale manufacturing activity. Small towns and villages in Michigan also have properties suspected of contamination, or old buildings which have become eyesores in need of demolition. Revitalization of brownfields is critically important to Michigan. Brownfields present challenges to potential developers, whether contamination is discovered or suspected. Michigan legislation encourages solutions to historical contamination while protecting human health and natural resources. Michigan has developed several incentives for redevelopment, including cost-effective cleanup options, causation-based liability, liability protection for new owners, and grants and loans available to local units of government. Innovative use of available federal, state, and local resources can be incorporated into redevelopment incentives to support expansion and to encourage new businesses to locate in Michigan. Reusing our brownfields makes sense economically and environmentally. Natural areas and greenspaces are less likely to succumb to urban sprawl and development when properties are available with existing infrastructure and ready to meet other business needs.

The Brownfields Home Page contains information about incentives and resources for brownfield redevelopment in Michigan provided by the Department of Environmental Quality, with links to more detailed information and to other services. The information contained in this web site are summaries and do not include details one may need to know to determine applicability or eligibility. Please contact the appropriate agency or contact person for complete information before beginning response activities or applying for funding.