The EPA defines a Brownfield as a "Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."

The Challenge

Like many older industrial cities, Lowell, Massachusetts has little green space or vacant land available for redevelopment. Therefore, the City identified the return of its Brownfields properties to productive use as critical to economic development and job creation efforts.

The Lowell Brownfields Program has been funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This program is currently at work as part of several city planning efforts, including the Acre Plan, the Tanner Street Initiative, JAM Plan, and Northern Canal Redevelopment area. The City's Division of Planning and Development (DPD) uses environmental site assessments (ESAs) to help revitalize vacant and potentially polluted sites throughout the City of Lowell. Once site assessments are complete, it allows for real costs to be determined and removes the issues and perceptions of possible contamination. The Brownfields program is integrated with the Economic Development office in the Division of Planning & Development because it is a necessity in fostering future business growth and vitality in Lowell. The Lowell Brownfields Program has prospered as a national example of redevelopment through such signature Brownfields projects as the Paul Tsongas Arena and LeLacheur Park. The success is a credit to successful partnerships with the EPA, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and MassDevelopment among others.

Highlights of Lowell's Brownfield Redevelopment Program Since 1996

• Identified sites with the greatest reuse potential - an inventory of 52 vacant or underutilized industrial properties.
• Developed a $30 million sports arena and a $15 million professional baseball stadium on the former Lawrence Mills site.
• Awarded the Brownfields Showcase Community designation, pilot funding, revolving loan fund, and a Superfund Redevelopment Initiative grant.
• Attracted developers who have invested more than $10 million into the 400,000 square-foot Wannalancit Mills project, and $36 million into the 700,000 square-foot Boott Mills project.
• Leveraged $9 million in funding from the U.S. DOT for the Riverwalk Project that connects Lowell's National Historic Park, by a walkway to UMass Lowell and the two new sports facilities.

Redevelopment Funds available to Developers/Business Owners

• MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund: Interest-free financing of up to $50,000 is available per project for environmental site assessments. Site assessments are unsecured with no interest charged.
• Brownfields Site Assessment : Financing of up to $500,000 is available for environmental clean-up. Loan terms are flexible and determined on a case-by-case basis. The remediation must be part of a redevelopment project.
• Brownfields Remediation Loan : This low-interest loan program comes from the state's $30 million Brownfields Redevelopment Fund administered by MassDevelopment. Funds will be used for site cleanup.

For a complete list of Programs and Financing options, please go to the Governor's Office for Brownfields Revitalization.