Local Governments and Contaminated Property

• Brownfields Basics
• Liability Tools
• Financial Resources
• DNR Assistance
• Locating Contaminated Properties
• Frequently Asked Questions

Brownfields Basics

What are brownfields?

Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where development is hindered due to real or suspected environmental contamination. They are also real estate resources that can be investigated, cleaned up and redeveloped. Brownfield redevelopment can lead to new jobs, increased property tax collections and additional earnings circulating in the local economy.

To learn more about brownfields, visit our brownfields overview page.

Benefits of acquiring a brownfield

• A local government unit (LGU) can take control of a brownfield without incurring liability for environmental investigation and cleanup if it follows certain acquisition methods, which are listed on our LGU Liability Tools page.
• In many cases ownership by the LGU is a “plus” for interested developers who don’t have time to negotiate with private owners who may over-value contaminated properties.
• Owning a brownfield can help the LGU obtain grants for brownfield investigation and cleanup, making the property more attractive for development.

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Liability Tools

There are a variety of state and federal tools to help local governments limit their liability in order to clean up and redevelop brownfields.

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Financial Resources

The Wisconsin Legislature and the federal government have established numerous brownfield financial incentives for LGUs, including grants and no-interest loans. There are also numerous tax deductions and tax credits that LGUs can point out to interested developers.

For more information, please see our financial assistance page, or download our Financial Resource Guide for Cleanup and Redevelopment [PDF, 2,219].

Also, please read about Local Government Cost Recovery.

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DNR Assistance

Need help? Call our Green Team! The RR Program offers help to local government officials in understanding the liability limitations and financial assistance available for the investigation, clean up and redevelopment of contaminated properties.

If you would like to schedule a green team meeting to discuss options for one or several properties, please contact Laurie Egre (608.267.7560). Laurie will coordinate a meeting with the appropriate DNR staff, and other agencies if needed.

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Locating Contaminated Properties

Local government officials who want to know which properties are contaminated should use the RR Program's Contaminated Lands Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) - an on-line database of all the contaminated and cleaned up properties that have been reported to DNR.

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