EPA Brochure – Brownfields Redevelopment and Local Agriculture – How Does Your Garden Grow?

“Communities nationwide use brownfields funding to assess and clean sites for a variety of uses, including community gardens and farmers markets. Brownfields are properties that are vacant or abandoned due to concerns about real or perceived contamination on the property. Using funds from EPA, states, tribes and other sources, communities can assess sites and clean brownfields, creating safe spaces where people can grow their own food, or buy locally-grown food. The cleanup and redevelopment process helps to ensure safe and healthy garden and market areas.”

Steps from Brownfield to Community Garden

Site Preparation

• Contact your State Environmental Agency, agricultural extension office or EPA Regional Brownfield coordinator, Tribal, or State brownfield team to learn if they have assessed or cleaned prospective sites or have targeted brownfields assessment (TBA) funds to support your efforts.

• Apply for Brownfield grant funds if you need help to assess and clean a site.

• Talk with your city or town about gardens as an interim or permanent use for vacant land.

• Assess sites before you buy, lease or borrow to ensure the site is safe for food.

• Learn how to use greener materials when establishing your garden from the Sustainable Sites Initiative at:
www.sustainablesites.org/.

• Bring clean fill or mulch from certified sources for raised beds and cover.

See complete EPA brochure here.