Revitalizing commercial districts within metropolitan areas has topped urban redevelopment recovery agendas across the country, affecting everything from local community recovery strategies to national economic growth programs. In an effort to preempt large-scale industrial construction in rural areas, government agencies are stepping in to encourage the reuse of dormant industrial properties. Often left abandoned or underutilized due to identified or perceived environmental problems, these “brownfield” properties present opportunities for economically viable projects in urban areas that are also consistent with national “smart growth” initiatives. 

While the term “brownfield” is relatively new, GZA has been helping clients redevelop environmentally impaired sites for over 20 years.


Our services include:

• Environmental Site Assessments
• Property Condition Assessments
• Hydrogeologic Investigations and Analyses
• Human and Ecological Risk Assessments
• Natural Resource Evaluation & Permitting
• Natural Resource Damage Evaluations
• Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies
• "Brownfields" Redevelopment Evaluations
• Risk-Based Remedial Design and Construction
• Fixed-Price “Contract to Closure” Program
• Remedial System Operation and Maintenance
• Permitting and Licensing Assistance
• Brownfield Grant & Financial Assistance Services 
• LEED™ Support Services

GZA works actively with state and federal regulatory agencies and legislative bodies to promote the revitalization of these properties.  This has included assisting in the development of recent laws and regulations intended to make the development of so-called "brownfield" sites feasible.  Our understanding of the environmental risks and geotechnical engineering challenges associated with these former commercial and industrial sites, as well as the resultant financial impacts, allows us to assist the development of projects in a way that both meets regulatory standards and limits the liability of owners and operators.