These are former industrial or commercial sites where past operations may have resulted in environmental contamination. These properties are often underutilized or abandoned due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. For example, an old gas station with leaking underground storage tanks or a defunct factory that released heavy metals into the soil could be categorized as such.
The remediation and redevelopment of such sites offers numerous benefits. It can revitalize urban areas, create jobs, increase property values, and reduce pressure on undeveloped land. Historically, their cleanup and reuse were often hampered by liability concerns and the high cost of assessment and remediation. However, government programs and incentives have been implemented to encourage their transformation into productive assets.