On Sept. 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a short 15-page guide on how to determine if green infrastructure should be used on a particular brownfield site. Brownfields can be attractive areas to implement stormwater management features. However, the potential to mobilize pollutants and contaminate groundwater must be considered when looking at infiltration-based practices.

The document, Implementing Stormwater Infiltration Practices at Vacant Parcels and Brownfield Sites, is intended to assist communities, developers, and other stakeholders. It outlines six key questions that can help these entities determine if green infrastructure is right for a specific brownfield property. According to the document, stormwater management must be considered in the early phases of planning and must be integrated with site investigations, state approvals, remediation approaches, and site improvements.