From brownfield to greenfield : a social and environmental remediation project

摘要

Brownfields, prevalent in nearly all urban landscapes, are often defined as underutilized sites and/or sites with contaminated soil or water. This project explores how biological methods can be applied to remediate brownfields, and how the neighboring communities can take part in the process and develop a long-term sense of site ownership. Using GIS mapping and unique project design criteria, multiple registered brownfields in Muncie were assessed for their suitability. The Peloquin property emerged as the best fit with the criteria, and was selected as the project site. The site is contaminated with heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons, and VOCs as a result of automobile servicing on-site and the nearby steel foundry using it as a dumping ground. Qualitative research conducted on the subject of brownfield remediation found that, depending on the types of contaminants, biological remediation techniques are successful, often less costly, and less invasive ways of removing contaminants. A site inventory & analysis was completed using a combination of the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment created for the brownfield site in 2008, site visits, and quantitative research. Case studies of brownfield remediation and sustainable urban renewal projects were researched for process and design inspiration. A phased remediation plan over a period of ten years was created, addressing the individual conditions and types of contaminants found on site. Using bioremediation, mycoremediation, and phytoremediation processes, the project addressed the heavy metal and aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil and groundwater. Soil vapor extraction was used to remove the VOC found in a limited area on the site. Materials harvested from the site in the preparation and remediation process were kept on-site and reused to reduce potential spread of contaminants, or sent to local industries for metal extraction and reuse. The design layout and phasing was based on the location of contaminants, an organizational grid layout, and projected safe public access to the site. The final design outcome of the project is a remediation demonstration park that highlights urban agriculture and a native successional forest and prairie, provides a better sense of connection to nearby parks, and offers amenities not provided by neighboring parks. By engaging the community in the remediation process, the completed/remediated park will foster a stronger sense of pride and ownership while improving their overall quality of life.