The word brownfield is an important term in this age of environmental awareness and conservation that many may not be familiar with. A brownfield is a plot of land previously utilized for industrial or commercial purposes that is now no longer in use and contains varying amounts of pollution. This contamination can result in significant environmental damage as well as human health problems. Improperly disposed of toxic chemicals can seep through soil and into our ground water systems, eventually making their way into our drinking water. Not only do these sites pollute our land, brownfields remain as useless eyesores to local communities.

So much can be gained through brownfield cleanup programs. Our environment becomes safer and healthier as previously undesirable land can be made beneficial to a community. Cleaned land can be used for anything from new residential or business locations to public parks local residents can enjoy.

New York City is currently doing just that, making great strides in brownfield revitalization. In Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC proposal, he made brownfields a major area of focus with his creation of the Office of Environmental Remediation (OER). OER is currently concentrating on launching its Local Brownfield Cleanup Program (LBCP) by December of this year. This revolutionary program will be the country’s first municipal cleanup initiative, and will become a template for cities across the nation to emulate. The main objective of the LBCP is to bridge communication between various cleanup programs in order to quickly and safely turn local brownfields into clean, usable land.

I am very proud to say that I will be taking part in the brownfield cleanup movement. This fall I will intern with the Office of Environmental Remediation to help launch the Local Brownfield Cleanup Program. I am excited to help my community by taking an active role in creating a more sustainable and healthier environment for New York City.

For more information on OER or LBCP, visit http://nyc.gov/oer.