Sustainability measures in GreenerSites Pilot Actions
Economic Institutional Environmental Social PREFACE
More than half of the European population lives in the urban areas. The relatively recent trends, however, such as economic globalization, changes in political systems, new regulations, growing awareness about our impact on climate and the environment have immensely changed the function and character of the European cities. Those changes though have also created a legacy of abandoned, frequently contaminated post-industrial areas in prime urban locations. Such areas create a considerable environmental and social challenge but at the same time, a tremendous opportunity for redevelopment.
The GreenerSites project aim is to address those challenges, working hand in hand with municipalities, helping them with sustainable redevelopment of the brownfield sites. We are already completing two years of our works starting with a Pilot Project which goal was to improve the management of the brownfield sites in Central Europe by defining strategies and management tools based on sustainable development approach. Nine Functional Urban Areas in five countries were selected for the Pilot Actions.
The document presents sustainable measures and deliverables undertaken through eleven Pilot Actions. It demonstrates that the work accomplished provided an extensive economic, environmental, institutional and social value. The research though has also pointed out the major obstacles encountered in most countries that hinder the redevelopment of the brownfield sites, with the most notable being the lack of coherent regulations concerning the definition and accountability for those sites.
We hope that with the research results, knowledge sharing, creation of important databases and management tools we will contribute to smart and inclusive growth of the urban areas with sustainable strategic approach.
I would like to thank, in this place, all the partners and people involved in the project for their valuable work input and great commitment.
ARMSA WP T3 leader
3 Environmental Rehabilitation of brownfield Sites in central Europe CONTENT The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that polluting activities have occurred in about 3 million sites in Europe and that “data on the redevelopment of brownfields are patchy and hard- ly comparable, reflecting the lack of a common definition of the problem across Europe”. Territo- rial analyses carried out by prominent networks (e.g. Cabernet) show that the issue of brownfield 1. Introduction...... 3 development outlines a core topic for the central Europe area. 2. The GreenerSites Project ...... 4 3. Pilot Sites ...... 6 GreenerSites seeks to improve the environmental management of un- or underused industrial ar- 4. Sustainable Measures of the GreenerSites Pilot Actions...... 14 eas. The project aims to achieve this through the definition of strategies and tools that are based 5. Economic Sustainability Measures...... 16 on a sustainable, integrated approach to make Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) cleaner, healthier 6. Institutional Sustainability Measures...... 19 and more liveable places. Project Partners will bring about a shared and enhanced knowledge on 7. Environmental Sustainability Measures...... 23 integrated environmental management of brownfields. 8. Social Sustainability Measures...... 27 9. Conclusions...... 32 They will also reinforce capacities of the public sector to plan and carry out brownfield regen- 10. Partners ...... 36 eration and produce well-defined sustainability measures and tools to ensure the effectiveness of environmental planning. GreenerSites will build on know-how from previous EU projects and existing networks.
Main outputs of the project will be:
• A common tool for brownfield regeneration stemming from the preliminary analyses conducted in 9 central European FUAs; • 9 Strategic Action Plans defined in two steps (joint concept and full definition at FUA level after pilot phase); • 11 Pilot Actions testing more sustainable and novel technical solutions in brownfields to improve their environmental performance; • A full training package for public employees and stakeholders; • A Common transferability manual. Duration of the project: June 2016 - July 2019
GREENERSITES IN NUMBERS
11 Partners 5 Countries 11 Pilot Actions 9 Strategic Action Plans 85% level of funding 3 795 769,00 Euro Project value 3.117.919,00 Euro Amount of European Union aid
4 5 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: actually between 120 to 200 economic activities The site is located within the borders of the borough which employ more than 3500 employers. 2000 ha City of Bydgoszcz, in the south- eastern part of the city, at a distance of approximately 7 km from the Contamination/environmental condition: center. Chemical Plant is bounded on the north and The site presents specific contamination of soil east by Vistula and Brdarivers drainage bases. In and ground water from industrial waste dumps close vicinity there is a residential residential area. and installations. Actually ground water and soil atlarge part of formal “Zachem” plant is highly Ownership: contaminated by organic pollutants (carcinogenic The main part of the area is managed by a trustee and mutagenic) with relatively high concentrations. in bankruptcy. The ownership is divided by the Until now 27 supposed pollutants sources have State Treasury administered by State Forests, been identified and 7 plumes of groundwater the State Treasury in perpetual usufruct of the pollutants. Main organic contaminants are Cl- Kapuściska Infrastructure JSC in liquidation – the and Na+, inorganic contaminants: phenol, AOX legal successor of “Zachem” Chemical Plant in substances, diphenylsulfone, hydroxybiphenyl, Bydgoszcz, the State Treasury in perpetual usufruct octylphenoland ethoxylatedoctylphenolesters of other entities, the State Treasury - Municipality and chlorinatedethenesand methanes. Further of Bydgoszcz. investigations are necessary for the area.
No. of active economics and employment: At the former chemical plant territory there is
Main challenges: and hydrogeological modelling. Pilot activity will The main requirements for future needs related be supplemented by series of local trainings and to the planning and implementation of effective stakeholders meetings that are necessary for long remediation include: term remediation of the area. Foto: archiwum GreenerSites • execution and current operation of groundwater monitoring network in order to gather reliable Impact on the environment and human health FUA poulation: FUA size: data for the optimal selection of techniques (alternatively): and methods of effective remediation including In the immediate vicinity of the former “Zachem” 785,000 3199 km2 in particular the impact on local residents, Chemical Plant there are areas inhabited by the • remediation project execution based on Bydgoszcz citizens, including the Emergency advanced numerical models, Housing Estate, Łęgnow, Brdyujście and towns • raising funds for the often long-term Plątnowo and Otorowo. Any environmental Former chemical plant “Zachem” remediation, where due to its high cost is pollution has always direct impact on the local in Bydgoszcz, Poland necessary participation of the government at community. It is associated with the migration the level of voivodeship and even central, of plumes of contaminated groundwater, • to take effective remediation to bring its contamination of new residential areas, inflow Situation of brownfields: parameters to an acceptable level. of contaminated water to farm wells and the In Poland there is no official catalog of contaminated areas, including brownfields. Such actions potential gas exhalation in the river valleys. are not taken at national or regional level in contrast to policies in countries such as Italy or Planned pilot action: Citizens of the town Łęgnowo are subjected to Germany. However, there are systems containing fragmentary inventory of contaminated areas. The pilot action aims at assessing environmental the greatest threat, as they are exposed to direct Unfortunately, these data are only available for selected administrative staff and do not represent and human risks associated with the ground contact with organic chemicals, often toxic and the public domain. and groundwater contamination of the former of carcinogenic and mutagenic character. chemical factory. It is planned to install an innovative monitoring ground and groundwater system including series of the laboratory tests
6 7 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: N/A. The area is located in the eastern part of Solec 16,44 ha Kujawski, in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship Contamination/environmental condition: at 2 Kujawska Street, in the neighbourhood A major problem for the environment is poor of a multifamily housing estate, ‘JuraPark’ quality of groundwater. Existing here earlier for entertainment and education park, objects of decades hot spots created so-called secondary Sport and Recreation Centre with a swimming pool, hot spots in the saturation zone, before they have sports and entertainment hall and sports stadium. been removed or significantly reduced. They Strategic position of the area in the central part of cause the current long-term contamination of the town surrounded by streets and railway tracks. groundwater. As for the soil, after three years of remediation its quality has improved greatly. The Ownership: hardest to eliminate organic compounds (PAHs) The land was purchased in 2008 by Municipality of were greatly reduced. Currently the quality Solec Kujawski. improvement is monitored – the bioremediation of soil and subsoil phase takes place. No of active economics and employment:
Main challenges: of test holes and a monitoring network have been Contamination such as creosote oil (impregnate expanded. Research is carried out using standard used in railway sleepers) can diffuse deep into methods (analysis of water samples) and passive the aquifer and it causes permanent pollution of samplers - measurements are currently in progress. groundwater. Currently, it has been detected that at a depth of 16-20 metres below the ground level, Impact on the environment and human health: the dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), i.e. The plume of concentrated pollutants which creosote oil, is very slowly migrating from the have flown out of the brownfield area is a threat area of former contamination sources. Because to the inhabitants living in the neighbourhood this process has been ongoing for decades, the housing estate. Moreover, it strongly pollutes the plume of concentrated pollutants has flown out groundwater flowing into the Vistula River, thus of the brownfield area and threatens to degrade threatening the areas belonging to the European the areas designated for housing. Also, it pollutes ecological network “Nature 2000”. strongly the groundwater flowing into the Vistula River - the main river in Poland, astride which city Best practices in different disciplines: Solec Kujawski lies. In the period of 2013-2016 the area was subjected to remediation of soil and partially groundwater Planned pilot action: due to the work of co-financing from EU funds
Foto: archiwum GreenerSites One of the tasks is the diagnosis of this specific (Operational Programme Infrastructure and contamination in waters, monitoring of changes in Environment). A conceptual design of an ‘in situ’ concentration, directions of migration, composition decontamination method was developed. etc. and development of a method to stop and FUA poulation: FUA size: eliminate the threat. For this purpose, a network
785,000 3199 km2
Former railway sleepers preservation plant in Solec Kujawski, Poland
8 9 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: section, surface soil samples were collected, from It’s located in the northern part of Radom, Radom a depth of 0 - 0.25 m bgl. A comparison of the 10,0627 ha county, Mazovia Region, in the area of the former obtained test results with allowable concentrations Radom CHP plant located ca. 6 km north-east from determined in the a/m regulation indicates that the city center 9/177, 9/231, 9/188, 9/106, 9/103 the sum of C12 - C35 hydrocarbons (mineral oil and 9/110, area 0290 Nowa Wola Gołębiowska. fraction) and PAH (benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a) pyrene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene) were exceeded in Ownership: the sections 11, 12 and 14. The rest of samples The owner of the site is the city of Radom (100%) from other sections did not indicate an exceeding of any of the tested parameters against threshold No of active economics and employment: concentrations specified for soils of group I and No economic activity is carried out in the zone. result none of the tested parameters has been exceeded in the tested soil samples. Results of Contamination/environmental condition: laboratory analyses of groundwater exceeding The analyzed site have data based on which it would is allowed for the threshold calcium value when be possible to assess the level of its degradation, determining the quality class of groundwater at as well as directions for further actions. In each the measuring point.
Main challenges: • intensification of investing selected areas A suitably prepared and executed process of (according to the findings SUiKZP), preparing the site for investment (including the • improving the investment attractiveness required remediation, recommended restoration of the city and create jobs by increasing with a dismantling of existing developments), the supply of land for production and coupled with an analysis of potential social and service functions. economic risks, should ensure the safety of future activities, both in the context of the development Impact on the environment and human health: Foto: archiwum GreenerSites of the analyzed area, as well as of the people Due to the lack of data of impact on the environment frequenting the area in relation to conducted and human health it is necessary to carry out tests FUA poulation: FUA size: business activity. to development on its post-industrial areas .
2,7 mln 2730,23 km2 Planned action: Best practices in different disciplines: For the area of the former CHP plant the study Post-industrial area management system suggests the following recommendations for the introduced in Silesia (Śląsk) can be a good plan: practice example. The Silesian Regional Assembly Former CHP plant • enable investment activities, service and (Sejmik Województwa Śląskiego) adopted the in Radom, Poland industrial areas and power plants on the Regional Assembly Post-industrial and Degraded plots adjacent areas by increasing the Areas Transformation Act, no III/31/11/2008, on function of service and production, December, 17, 2008, dedicated to the regional Situation of brownfields: • realization of the objectives of the public database of post-industrial areas. The aim of the In the Mazovia Region information on its post-industrial areas and environmental conditions is in the field of construction of basic program is to create tools enabling the preliminary scattered, incomplete and fragmentary. It’s also difficult to get reliable data on the degree of the transport system (road a collective move and full valorisation of areas and their classification given area degradation. There is lack of comprehensive information about environmental hazards to the western side of the line PKP), as well as application of these tools for areas of the degraded areas due to industry and utility categories for the future economic potentials. In • revitalization of degraded brownfield and included in the regional base. the FUA Warsaw, Płock, Radom and Pionki there are identified brownfields, main environmental change of use of agricultural land for the concerns are related to specific contamination of: purposes of building and service industry, • air quality, quality of surface and ground water, soil quality, natural heritage and its potential • implementation of applicable laws on the impact, land consumption in urban areas. protection of the environment,
10 11 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Photo credits: Giorgio Bombieri, City of Venice Size: Main challenges: Best practices in different disciplines: Porto Marghera is, by Law, since 1998 (Law • Phytoremediation of 150 ha has been developed 16,44 ha n. 426/1998), a “Sito di Bonifica di Interesse in the area to treat civil waste water in order Nazionale”, which means a remediation site of to reuse it for industrial purposes. national interest because of its potential impact • Between 1993 and 2014 a sustainable on the environment given its surface extension regeneration process took place to develop and risk posed by contaminants. In particular the Science and Technology Park, called VEGA. the second industrial area - the main brownfield This process depended on bioremediation - mainly hosting settlements related to the raw (biopile), which, for that time, represented chemical industry, needs a deep requalification or an innovative solution as the excavated soil, a strong reconversion. with amendment, formed into compost piles (a basic bio-pile system includes a treatment Planned pilot action: bed, an aeration system, an irrigation/nutrient 3 different pilot actions will be implemented in the system and a leachate collection system. area by the respectively by the City of Venice, the Moisture, heat, nutrients, oxygen, and pH are Veneto Region and the North Adriatic Sea. controlled to enhance biodegradation). Port Authority • ENI, the greatest Italian oil and gas company • reviewing the remediation plans taking which has been present in Porto Marghera Situation of brownfields: into account the new regulations and the since the twenties, converted a traditional oil In the FUA there are 101 brownfields. Main sustainability of the interventions and defining refinery into a biorefinery, transforming organic environmental concerns are related to specific measures and fiscal instruments to raw materials into high-quality biofuels. The sspecific contamination of soil in active attract new investments in the area; company invested €200 million to transform FUA poulation: FUA size: or dismissed industrial areas, as well as • setting up a system for monitoring the air the petrochemical plant into an integrated areas affected by illegal or environmentally quality in the sites subject to remediation and green chemical hub with the aim to guarantee 855,696 2,472.91 km2 improper waste disposal. Pollutants are future reuse. The definition of a site specific an economically sustainable future for the site various depending on past activities. soil-gas reference level will help to select and protect employment levels and at the same adequate remediation procedures with a view time ensure the environmental sustainability to their functional reuse; of the whole reconversion project. Porto Marghera Industrial area • testing the capping method in a selected site • An example of completed remediation works in Venice, Italy which, thanks to a cost-effective investment are those ones that allowed the redevelopment and an environmental-friendly approach, of a vast area in Venice-Porto Marghera, the Name: No of active economics and employment: could guarantee sustainable remediation of so called Ex Alumix Area, which now is used as Porto Marghera Industrial area 780 economic activities are currently settled in the excavated material. a port logistics area. The investment only for Size: 1828 ha. Porto Marghera is, by extension, area with a total of 10.060 employees. remediation consisted in 11.250.000 €. environmental critical issues and development, Impact on the environment and human health: the main brownfield located. Contamination/environmental condition: The presence of 9 factories that use dangerous The site presents specific contamination of soil and substances still impacts on the population. Location: ground water as a result from active or dismissed According to a risk assessment document, shared It is located on the edge of Venice lagoon (northern industrial activities. The water body in front of between relevant actors and institutions, 3 areas Adriatic sea): the entire lagoon was designated Porto Marghera should be considered in a poor were defined by a different level of risk. Special Protection Areas (SPA) for endangered and ecological status. The status of contamination is migratory species in accordance with the European known is for the 19% of the area but remediation Bird directive. procedures have not yet started. However, in circa 49% of the total area the remediation projects Ownership: have been approved by relevant public authorities. 35% public area (City of Venice, Venice Port Remediation procedures have been completed Authority); 65% Private area. only in 241 ha (14%).
12 13 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: Contamination/environmental condition: Refinery Rijeka is situated in the west cost of the The water surrounding area Mlaka is poor to 20 ha City of Rijeka (area Mlaka), and is one of the main moderate quality. There are no information brownfield located within the FUA Rijeka. And also available about ground water contamination in one of the biggest pollutants within the area. The the area of Rafinery Mlaka, but considering the soil location is very close to City centar. contamination it is asumed that the main pollutants are the remains of the raw materials used in the Ownership: past. Contamination caused by former industrial The largest share of the area belongs to private activities; used raw materials in the tanks; oil owner, app. 98%. The traffic area surroundig the derivates, petrol, fuel etc. rafinery are state roads and some small part of the area is state property.
No of active economics and employment: In the larger area of Mlaka, app. 117 bussiness entities are currently operating. Most of the 117 subjects are registered as small businesses.
Main challenges: revitalization of Refinery Mlaka, of course, with all The Mlaka Plateau is of utmost importance for necessary tests, analyzes, elaborations etc. the city. The area has its own port which can be one of the most important and feasible way out of the city to the sea. Problems related to this area are mainly connected to the ecological status, Foto: archiwum GreenerSites due to the industry that was there for years (oil refinery), ownership relations and consequently responsibilities for its rehabilitation and future FUA poulation: FUA size: purpose.
Planned pilot action: 128,384 44 km2 Fundamental research of soil, water and air pollution of the old industrial port Mlaka and study on future use of pilot area. Old Refinery Impact on the environment and human health Rijeka (alternatively): Refinery Mlaka is closed, so currently there are not any impacts on the environmental or human health.
Situation of brownfields: Best practices in different disciplines: In the FUA there are 16 brownfields. Main environmental concerns are related to chemical reactions An example of good practice was the former of ozone precursors, local sources (transport, inadequate waste disposal, contamination of soil in military base on Trsat, which was overhauled and dismissed industrial areas). Pollutants are various depending on past activities. completely restored to the University campus. This example and model could also be applicable to
14 15 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: Ownership: Stara Cinkarna is located on the north-eastern 100% public area (Minicipality of Celje) 17 ha edge of the town in a triangle, which is roughly bounded by the Mariborska road to the west, No of active economics and employment: Tovarniška road to in the north, Hudinja river and There are currently 25 companies operating in this the railway Celje - Maribor in the east. In the area area (Tehnopolis and others). There is no data on of Stara Cinkarna there is also a former waste the number of employees in this area. disposal site, i.e. „Halda rajmovke”, which lies just next to Cinkarna between the railway line and Contamination/environmental condition: Voglajna river. In the west, north and south, the In this area, the soil condition monitoring was carried industrial area in question is continuing to a mixed out at 38 points (depth up to 25 cm, at two points business residential area. In the east on the left up to 60 cm). Earth monitoring was also performed bank of Hudinja river, there are a parking area and at a depth of 10 m (8 samples). Groundwater status a fairground, and in the distance the objects of was determined on 4 temporary wells. Sanation the cargo freight station Čret and other business Land redevelopment procedures have not yet been facilities. approved by the Slovenian public authorities.
Main challenges: • to perform a thorough investigation of the entire Existing unmanaged brownfield areas have more area and determine which parts of the land are so synergy-acting negative effects, such as the acquisition contaminated that they have the characteristics of investors, negative impacts on the quality of life, of hazardous waste. Special attention should be increased social conflicts, the concern of the population given to contamination with tar and mineral oils. and increased pressure on the spread of settlement to On the basis of the obtained data on the state of agricultural areas. At the government level, the problem the environment in the area the preparation of Foto: archiwum GreenerSites of solving degraded areas is not regulated by law yet. risk assessment is necessary to identify significant Current environmental protection legislation and spatial environmental and human health effects, planning legislation do not define procedures and • to perform a detailed site investigation to FUA poulation: FUA size: methodologies for managing abandoned degraded areas. identify the types, quantities and properties of waste, products and raw materials remaining in 2 48,868 94,9 km Planned pilot action: the area, The Municipality of Celje has already set up a • to perform screening of the terrain to find out monitoring system to monitor the underground whether any waste is buried in the ground and water in the area of Old Cinkarna. A detailed analysis determine possible remediation methods, Abandoned industrial area of all pollutants in the pilot area is in process and • to implement a screening of the terrain to of Stara Cinkarna will be concluded by the end of 2018. We plan to determine if the cavern is in the ground and take test the effectiveness of solidification method for this into account when planning further use of remediation of the area of Old Cinkarna. Also, a the space, Situation of brownfields: protocol procedure of non-hazardous waste disposal • to perform hydrogeological research in the area In the FSU, the larger industrial area of the Stara Cinkarna is abandoned. The main environmental will be made as part of GreenerSites project. with the implementation of piezometers, issues are related to specific soil contamination. From 1874 to 1990, this area was used bythe • to remove all hazardous waste remaining in the metallurgical and chemical industry Cinkarna Celje. For several decades, the production of zinc ore Impact on the environment and human health: area, and zinc smelter was carried out. In parallel with the roaster, new industrial facilities were built There is no specific risk analysis of human health • to implement remediation or remove the soil in this area, which were intended to support basic production. The main environmental problem or the environment in the area. It is estimated contaminated with tar, is extremely polluted soil with metals (copper, zinc, cadmium and lead). In some cases, critical that human health can be affected from the naked • to implement remediation or remove the soil emission values are also exceeded for arsenic and chromium. There are tar pit and slag remnants. surfaces pollution of the soil dusting in the area contaminated with mineral oils, The estimated environmental risks are contaminated soils with heavy metals (extreme values of and of the pollutants into groundwater. • to implement other necessary measures to certain heavy metals) and mineral oils, which, in the event of excavation, represent waste that can protect the environment against pollution, contain hazardous substances, buried industrial waste and tar pit, buried tanks and underground Best practices in different disciplines: • to create the timeframe and priorities of the technological sewage. There is no data/research on groundwater contamination in the area so far. In the sanation restoring process of the old Cinkarna activities in the framework of rehabilitation and area, we propose the following approach: to choose various solutions.
16 17 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: No of active economics and employment: zinc, cadmium, chrome, arsenic and mercury. Less than 100 economic activities are currently Because the alluvial loam layer, which covers 945 ha settled in the area with up to 4.000 employees. extensive areas within the pilot site, has been destroyed by the impacts of war and construction Contamination/environmental condition: projects in many places, contaminants have been A total of 96 pollutant contaminated areas have able to penetrate right through to the groundwater been identified within the Rothensee pilot site. in these areas. Thus, many product phase lenticular Essentially, the soil has been penetrated by aliphatic structures of tar and mineral oils have formed on and aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, polycyclic the surface of the ground water. aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metals such as
Main challenges: of complex tasks associated with the elimination of A number of different public and private bodies, some of legacy contaminated sites so as to provide targeted whom are pursuing different strategies and objectives, support for potential investors. As a matter of are currently involved in urban development and principle, the order in which the locations in question urban land- use planning, remediation and safe- are processed depends upon the latent hazard making of real estate, as well as the revitalisation and potential. However, whenever investment measures marketing of the respective sites. A close and well are imminent, the processing of the affected area is coordinated collaboration between these different prioritised, whereby the development plans for the stakeholders is essential for a successful and efficient site in question are coordinated with the potential land development programme. investor. The objective is the short-term provision of cleaned up sites for economic utilisation. Foto: archiwum GreenerSites Planned pilot action: Web-based solutions offer a method of simplifying cross- Remediation techniques FUA poulation: FUA size: disciplinary agreements and collaboration between the In Magdeburg-Rothensee a ground water clean up authorities and other stakeholders in the field of site project based on Air Sparging was completed in 2015. remediation and brownfield redevelopment. In this Air sparging is an in situ subsurface contaminant 2 700,000 5,571 km way, data, plans and documents can be exchanged and remediation technology that involves the injection shared in a rapid and uncomplicated manner. Information of pressurised oxygen into contaminated ground about the various sites and risk statuses can be accessed water enabling the hydrocarbons to transform Magdeburg-Rothensee online at any time. Using the pilot site as an example, from a dissolved to a vaporous state. The air is then in Magdeburg, Germany and within the framework of the GreenerSites project, sent to vacuum extraction systems to remove the a pilot action will be conducted implementing the Web contaminants. GIS Tool for a sustainable collaboration between the Situation of brownfields: participating local stakeholders. A system of steel piling walls and sealing walls has A total of 4.549 suspected contaminated sites officially confirmed by the environmental authority started in 2010 and is scheduled for completion in are located in the FUA Magdeburg (2016). 163 of these suspected contaminated sites are situated Impact on the environment and human health: 2019. The seal wall system will prevent polluted within the boundaries of the city of Magdeburg. Pollutants are various as a legacy of industrial, Extreme high contaminations of soil and groundwater from draining into the port and the mining and military activities in the area. groundwater at several spots within the Rothensee River Elbe. In addition, action must be taken to pilot site represent a considerable hazard to the dispose of or treat the residual contamination environment and human health. Several hazard within the sealing wall system circulation system. prevention measures as well as decontamination To this end, an ENA-project (Enhanced Natural Location: Ownership: and remediation activities have been undertaken Attenuation) is planned whose objective is the in- The Magdeburg-Rothensee port and industrial 46% public (City of Magdeburg, Magdeburger Hafen for the revitalisation of the area. situ biodegradation of heterocyclic hydrocarbons. complex is situated on the banks of the river Elbe GmbH, State of Saxony-Anhalt, Federal Republic of The prerequisite safety system is scheduled for in the northern part of the city of Magdeburg. Germany ), 54 % private. Best practices in different disciplines completion in 2018. The ENA-project is planned to Economic instruments operate from 2020 onwards. The Brownfield Authority Saxony-Anhalt is a specialised institution whose objective is the bundling
18 19 Pilot Sites Pilot Sites
Size: Location: N. of workers: Ammendorf is located in the Southern part of Halle 630 employees (number refers to the Northern part of 407 ha and was incorporated into Halle as an urban district in Ammendorf) 1950. It’s have 6,953 inhabitants (Ammendorf/Beesen, as of December 2015). Area could be characterised Contamination/environmental condition: by mixed structure, both residential and industrial. In • Air contamination. There have been noticed increased area were located Railway track, single-family house traffic-related pollution near Merseburger Street. structure, domestic gardens, allotments and large The evaluation of the daily average of fine dust PM10 uncultivated farmland. Alongside the Eastern boundary (limit value 50 µg/m³) in the area of Merseburger of the industrial area Ammendorf, there is an elongated Street has been tending to decrease since 2011. area with legally protected biotopes as per § 22 Nature Since 2012, the measured values (PM10: 23 to 12 µg/ Conservation Act (NatSchG) of Saxony Anhalt, outside m³) have been clearly below the limit value of 50 the exploration area on the margin of former open cast µg/m³. In the exploration area, the annual average mine Bruckdorf. Also there are Areas of Outstanding values for ozone are also clearly below the threshold Natural Beauty and Nature Conservation Areas in the (110 µg/m3). south along the river Weiße Elster. • Superficial Water contamination: Surface waters are not present in the exploration area. Approximately Ownership: 2 km to the south, there is the course of the river The largest share of properties on the site belong to Weiße Elster that flows in the Saale within the area of private owners. The traffic area for public use is in Beesen-Ammendorf. As stagnant surface waters, the municipal property. The former railyard Ammendorf is in open cast mine lakes „Osendorfer See“ and „Blaues the property of the public transport utility HAVAG. Auge“ are to be mentioned that are in a distance of approx. 2 km to the East/Northeast. N. of active economic activities: • Ground Water contamination: The recharge rate Ongoing industrial development of groundwater for the exploration area is low due a) Northern part of Ammendorf: to the high degree of sealing. Due to the industrial • MSG (machinery), Elektro-Thermit (welding and development since the middle of the 19th century, measuring for railway tracks), S.M.A. (metal high quantities of environmentally and especially technology), INDU LIGHT (light and ventilation water- hazardous substances were handled over
Foto: archiwum GreenerSites systems) a long time. Some rehabilitation works are still b) Southern part of Ammendorf (Radewell / Osendorf): running or are at the planning stage. Due to • Tief- und Spezialbau Halle (underground the proximity to Nature Conservation Areas, FUA poulation: FUA size: engineering and special-purpose construction), TSR the specific ground water contamination needs Recycling (disposal and waste management), Fehr to be analysed for future settlements. 420,000 1,569 km2 Umwelt Ost (disposal and waste management), • Soil contamination: Possible contamination Metallbau Hofmann (metal construction), caused by former industrial activities. Were Chamber of crafts: new training centre observed high degree of sealing.
Brownfield site Halle-Ammendorf Main challenges: site development of selected brownfields in Halle- in Halle (Saale), Germany Main challenges is that contaminated brownfield Ammendorf. The main goal is to improve the site sites are fragmented, mixed and parcelled, with marketability, considering environmental aspects diverse ownership structure. Other problem is (e.g. reduction of space utilisation, unsealing). Situation of brownfields: limited availability and development of existing By categorising the sites according to specific In Halle area are located 9 brownfields sites. In Saalekreis area were located: 223 brownfields sites. brownfields to meet current requirements (e.g. criteria, positive and adverse determinants for That’s give total number of 232 brownfields sites in whole FUA area (officially confirmed by the revitalisation, marketing, and expansion area for site marketability become evident. Institute environmental authority, as of November 2016). Main pollution source have been caused by lignite existing companies). developed an action plan that was agreed on with mining activities and the production of chemical products. It’s lead to create various contamination the City of Halle. depending on past activities (e.g. chemical production, lignite mining, and machinery). Planned pilot action: Institute for Structural Policy and Economic Development pilot action is about site analysis and
20 21 Partners
Italy Croatia • City of Venice - Lead Partner • City of Rijeka • Veneto Region • Rijeka Port Authority • North Adriatic Sea Port Authority Poland Germany • ARM SA - Mazovia development agency • ISW – Institute for structural policy and • City of Bydgoszcz economic development • Municipality of Solec Kujawski • Ministry of Regional development and transport Saxony Anhalt Slovenia • Municipality of Celje
Contact us GreenerSites
www.facebook.com/GreenerSites https://www.linkedin.com/in/GreenerSites https://twitter.com/GreenerSites www.interreg-central.eu/Content.Node/GreenerSites Sustainability Measures in the GreenerSites Pilot Actions Sustainability Measures in the GreenerSites Pilot Actions
Whereas there is a clear need of brownfield The project is realised in several stages com- sites redevelopment across all the EU countries, mencing with the Pilot Actions (please see there are no pre-defined, universal indicators Chapter 3 for detailed project description). The which would enable to establish “a hierarchy main outputs of the project consisted of: list” of sites that should be prioritized in terms 1. GreenerSites Web-GIS Tool for all the pro- of redevelopment. Current EU approach points ject partners. The tool presents informa- out that brownfield redevelopment should not tion and database on brownfield sites across concentrate on mere land reuse and its reinte- the studied regions. It enables partners to gration into an economic cycle but rather should equally share their information in a web- consider more complex aspects that would de- based application which can be accessed by liver a combination of social, economic and en- all users. Schutterstock vironmental goals. Such approach relies heavily on national and regional governance approach: 2. 9 Strategic Action Plans for each of the CE Sustainability Measures appropriate legislation, management, financial FUA sites being analysed, developed in two incentives, etc. stages: a conceptual stage at the phase of in the GreenerSites Pilot Actions the Pilot Action Plans and full documents af- The GreenerSites project ter the initial project phase.
Smart and inclusive growth of cities form one tion Network) that further clarifies the defini- The objective of the GreenerSites project is 3. A Common transferability manual for sus- of the most important pillar of sustainable de- tion of a brownfield as sites which: to improve the environmental management of tainable environmental brownfield manage- velopment. The idea of smart growth of cities • have been affected by former uses of the brownfield sites across Central Europe through ment, prepared upon completion of the Pi- is further enhanced by 2030 UN Sustainability site or surrounding land; the definition of strategies & tools based on a lot Action phase. Goals, adapted by all EU member states. Goal sustainable integrated approach to make in- 11 - safe, resilient and sustainable cities and • are derelict or underused, volved Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) cleaner, 4. Comprehensive training and know-how human settlements directly refers to urban healthier & more liveable places. Based on the transfer of brownfield management for the planning. • are mainly in developed urban areas, experience of the project partners, current ap- local regulators and other stakeholders. proach of public authorities to brownfield re- The inclusive, smart city growth require fre- • may have real or perceived contamination generation needs to be modified broadening 5. 11 Pilot Actions (PAs) testing more sustain- quently redevelopment of brownfield sites. problems, the territorial scope of environmental planning able & novel technical solutions in brown- There is no common European definition of a & management which will result in more effec- fields to improve their environmental per- brownfield site. Based on EUGRIS (Portal for • require intervention to bring them back to tive, viable & sustainable strategies. formance. soil and water management in Europe) brown- beneficial use; field sites can be defined as: “The sites that The project aims to achieve three specific ob- In order to improve the efficiency of the pro- have been affected by the former uses of the jectives: ject management a unique approach has been site and surrounding land, are derelict or un- RESCUE defines sustainable brownfield regener- • To increase capacities of the public sector implemented to ensure the desired outcomes. derused, may have real or perceived contami- ation as “the management, rehabilitation and to plan and carry out brownfield regenera- A matrix management structure was created nation problems, are mainly in developed urban return to beneficial use of brownfield land in tion by means of training & peer exchange whereby each project partner had horizontal areas and require intervention to bring them such a manner as to ensure the attainment and opportunities; and vertical responsibilities towards the out- back to beneficial use”. continued satisfaction of human needs for pres- come, i.e. preparation of Pilot Actions specific ent and future generations in environmentally • To apply more sustainable & comprehensive outcomes and implementation/communication The definition is derived from works of the Eu- sensitive, economically viable, institutionally approaches in brownfield regeneration by of the outcomes across all the project partners. ropean expert network CABERNET (Concerted robust and socially acceptable ways within the drawing up Strategic Action Plans targeting Such approach allowed not only greater consist- Action on Brownfield and Economic Regenera- particular regional context”. Functional Urban Areas; ency of the outcomes but also improved overall management of the project. • To ensure valuable solutions to brownfield rehabilitation and their concrete sustain- ability by testing Pilot Actions and related supporting measures.
2 3 Sustainability Measures in the GreenerSites Pilot Actions Sustainability Measures in the GreenerSites Pilot Actions
The economic, environmental and social dimen- • Social: Ensuring the long-term sustainability The project encompassed various sustainability The analysis will therefore concentrate on eval- sions of sustainable development of brownfield of brownfields redevelopment by including measures, which add value to all fundamental uation of short-term measures that have been sites defined by CABERNET include: socio-cultural dimensions. Mobilising com- pillars of sustainability: economics, society and applied and are the results of the Pilot Actions. munities to ensure representative and equi- environment. Additionally, the project contrib- Long-term benefits, however, should not be • Economic: Mobilising human resources, table sustainable development, which may uted to the improvement of governance at in- overlooked as they frequently form the goal of using existing sites and infrastructure to reduce the potential for subsequent decline stitutional level. Each of the Pilot Actions had all of the actions undertaken. modernise and improve the urban fabric. and recreation of brownfields, improving different goals and objectives, concentrating on Generate economic growth in urban quar- the quality of life in city areas. different aspects of sustainability yet – through The planning issue appeared twice in the table: ters, increase public and private income; knowledge sharing and exchange of know-how – both as short and long-term intangible value. The fourth aspect of sustainable development collectively they obtained a much wider per- That’s because some Pilot Action projects had • Environmental: Cleaning up, restoring pre- includes appropriate governance of all those spective of brownfield management. direct impact on a short-term decision mak- viously used land. Placing brownfields re- aforementioned dimensions through improved ing process made by municipalities regarding generation at the forefront of regeneration management of brownfield sites and assurance Specific aspects of sustainability that were tack- the studied FUAs (please see below for further strategies of cities and using this project that the sites are developed in a sustainable led and applied through the project include: so- details) while others through indirect research as a driver for the clean-up of contami- manner. cial (improvement of the quality of life of the and analyses could have impact on a long-term nated land. Reducing land consumption local communities, stakeholders’ engagement), city planning only. and urban sprawl by encouraging sustain- economic (activities to trigger investments and able brownfield regeneration projects; grants), environmental (mitigation of environ- Tangible sustainable Intangible sustainable mental impact), institutional (sustainable tools values values for brownfield redevelopment). Research & development Enhanced management of FUAs redevelopment Monitoring and databases Sharing of know-how The chart below presents sustainability meas- Tools for better ures that are relevant for the project. All the management of FUAs Stakeholders’ engagement three pillars of sustainability are strongly de- Development of Better allocation of funds innovative technologies for further development pendant on appropriate governance at institu- of FUAs tional level, both: site and project related, thus Short-term Improved marketability the governance is sometimes considered as the of FUAs fourth pillar of sustainability. Improved planning of FUAs Risk management Added sustainable value could have tangible Cost saving Smart city planning and intangible form. It could also have a short New investment Leveraging the employment rate and long-term effect. The table below classifies Increased market value sustainable values, relevant to the Pilot Actions of the site Improved health and quality of life of local in relation to those factors. Direct generation of local communities tax revenue
Long-term Improved fiscal policies As pointed out earlier, the sustainable decision (grants, tax cuts, other making process should take into consideration incentives for FUAs both tangible and intangible values over short development) and long-term periods. This approach, however, Improved city branding creates some difficulties in comparative anal- ysis of sustainable benefits and values created by the project and the Pilot Actions as there is no approved methodology for evaluation of the Pilot Actions results through a set of indicators.
Fig. 1 The pillars of sustainability
4 5 Economic Sustainability Measures Economic Sustainability Measures
erated by public research is between three and productive activities” addressed normative and eight times the initial investment over the en- fiscal tools which can boost investments and de- tire life cycle of the effects2. velopment in the Porto Marghera area, in order to verify the applicability of the recent regula- The activities conducted within the Pilot Actions tory previsions concerning the special economic (PAs) add tangible and intangible values to the areas and simplified logistic areas, and the inno- brownfield sites development. The measures vations introduced by these latter ones with re- applied through the PAs are classified as tangi- spect to the – currently in force – national legisla- ble economic values as the work performed and tion on free zones. The innovative management the outputs generated would require a concrete of finances can be considered the unique aspect set of investment by the institutions. Further- of this project. This involved financial aid which Schutterstock more - as the research quoted earlier indicated will be related to a subcontractor performance - gaining knowledge has direct impact on im- and will rely on discounting and expedited pay- Economic Sustainability Measures proving economic cycle. ment terms. The main conclusions of the study have been collected in a guideline, prepared as part of the project, concerning the drafting of Economic sustainability involves creating eco- term impact consideration has proved to add a Tangible economic measures purchase and sale contracts and recommenda- nomic value out of project or decision that un- greater value in a long-term planning than the of the Pilot Actions tions of various contractual schemes (leasing, dertaken. The decision making process should growth based solely on a short-term economic buying or selling, remediation status, superficies be based on long term benefits and should con- profitability. Tangible economic measures include: rights, remediation obligations) which can be ap- sider other aspects of sustainability, ideally 1. Research and diagnosis plied in the industrial areas in Porto Marghera. having positive effect on the society and envi- Economic sustainability of GreenerSites Pilot The guidelines aim to share a functional tool to ronment. Actions could be defined as adding value to the 2. Development of tools to improve manage- arrange contracts for the acquisition of property Functional Urban Areas by conducting research ment of brownfield sites rights and/or rights of superficies with institu- Brownfield redevelopment is an ideal example and diagnosis and developing outputs from the tions and economic operators. The final outcome of actions based on economic sustainability research results for more effective manage- Research and diagnosis of the research has been described in a booklet principles. In a short term, in majority of cas- ment of brownfield sites. There are multiple titled “Venice. A strategic Area to invest on”. es, those sites require some form of additional ways in which research achieves impact and All of the 11 Pilot Actions involved research and 1 investments prior to their redevelopment when creates economic value : diagnosis on various economical, institutional, Isw selected 11 brownfields in the city of Halle compared to investments in greenfield sites. Ad- • Increasing the stock of useful knowledge. environmental or social topics. Each one of the for a comprehensive analysis to describe the main ditional investment, however, should not be the site specific research outcomes and all of them barriers and potentials for the development. Six only factor considered in the planning process • Training skilled people collectively were subsequently used for devel- post-industrial areas with high potential were of a city’s development. Capitalizing on short- opment of tools that aim to improve the man- identified. The area categorisation based on spe- term financial gains may create an uncontrolled • Creating new scientific instrumentation and agement of brownfield sites. cific criteria allowed to show the positive and growth of a city’s peripheral areas, which – in methodologies and collaborating with users negative factors determining potential new in- turn – not only affects the environment but also of such facilities or processes. Specific Pilot Action research and diagnosis that vestments and their potential marketability (e.g. impacts the overall negative effect on the qual- concerned economic studies were carried out reduction of space utilisation, unsealing). The ity of life of local communities. The long-term • Collaborating in research projects and net- in the following sites: Venice, Halle, Radom and developed outcome - brownfield survey template economic benefits of the inclusive growth of works with users. Rijeka. enabled to prioritize selected brownfields for the city include: increased economic productiv- redevelopment. Improving marketability of the ity of surrounding land, increased tax revenues, Numerous studies have addressed the rate of re- The City of Venice focused its research on the brownfield sites and prioritizing investment costs lower municipal infrastructure costs, reduced turn on public investment in research by tracing economic activities settled in the productive to the ones achieving highest rating, the admin- health risks, preservation of agricultural land, the linkages between research and innovations area of Porto Marghera. The deliverable – “Study istrative bodies can contribute to overall cost re- less air pollution and improved neighbourhoods. in the market across a variety of industries. Ac- on the potential use of the pilot area for new duction of brownfield management. Therefore, the sustainable, economic growth of cording to most studies, the overall value gen- the city, adapting a concept of a smart, green In Radom the Pilot Action involved a compre- and inclusive growth, where careful planning is 1. The Economic benefits of publicly fund- 2 https://ec.europa.eu/research/inno- hensive study concerning environmental, tech- preceded by comprehensive research and de- ed basic research: a critical review. Ammon J. vation-union/pdf/expert-groups/rise/georgh- nical, economic and social conditions of an area velopment with environmental and social long- Salter and Ben Martin. 2001. iou-value_research.pdf
2 3 Economic Sustainability Measures Economic Sustainability Measures
of Pionki, located several kilometres from Ra- The GIS software, is a site information system (SURF) and Italian Institute for Environmental dom city centre to identify measures improving for online collaboration of public authorities Protection and Research – ISPRA and an inven- the site’s management and economic value. and other stakeholders that are concerned with tory of monitoring wells, conducted within By- brownfield rehabilitation and site development. dgoszcz Pilot Action. In Rijeka, the studies of Rijeka Port and its im- It is an open source tool that includes only the pact on the city involved the future use of the most essential maps and data. Those comprise Remediation methods aforementioned sites. Proposed measures for of basic maps and orthophotos as well as select- the environmental and economic rehabilitation ed thematic maps and a manageable amount of Provision of data concerning the most suitable of the areas provided an overview of the eco- detailed site information. The Web-GIS can be and cost-effective methodology of a brownfield nomic transformation of the port area and the expanded or tailored by a system administrator remediation can be considered as both: direct surrounding sites. The proposed measures have if new data or new layers are to be added. Basic investment (cost of the research supported by foreseen several port models for future use, features of the software include data sharing, a the project) and an estimation of the economic some of which would provide significant benefits map viewer, a search function, spatial analysis value of a site. Despite several factors affecting to local stakeholders and the local community. functions (via QGIS) and the possibility to cre- the site value, according to the World Bank one However, the study has also revealed that de- ate and export fact sheets. of the critical factor of a prospective develop- spite clear socio-economic and environmental ment of a contaminated brownfield is the cost benefits for such proposed development, future As the tool is based on open source components of remediation3. This is why identifying an inno- destination of the site will also be driven by po- it can be used freely by all stakeholders, even vative and cost-effective method for brownfield litical decisions of central administrative bodies. those who do not have access to GIS computer redevelopment has become the essential com- programme. Its value will be significantly mag- ponent of the GreenrSites project. Several Pilot Actions involved other studies that nified when more interoperable geodata will be concentrated on environmental status, plan- published following the INSPIRE EU Directive. An innovative element for the brownfield sites ning and social aspects of the sustainability. The Directive aims to create a European Union remediation brings additional economic value – Whereas their contribution towards improving spatial data infrastructure for the purposes of possibility to apply the solution to similar sites economic sustainability is undeniable, more de- EU environmental policies and policies or activ- with comparable problems. tailed analyses of those actions will be present- ities which may have an impact on the environ- ed in subsequent chapters. ment. The legislation will be fully implemented The Pilot Actions tested several innovative Fig. 2 Remediation cost and prospective value by all Member States by 2021. remedation methods and approaches to remedi- of redeveloped brownfield site ation and all could be successfully impemented Development of tools to improve Another important database includes informa- on other brownfield sites, subject to local reg- management of brownfield sites tion concerning the stakeholders for each pro- ulations. All of the recommended approaches ject. One of the fundamental principle of the provided a significant cost reduction measures Concepts and action or management plans Databases GreenerSites project was to conduct all activities in comparison to standard remedial measures with an active engagement of stakeholders. In and have made the redevelopment of the sites The Pilot Actions will be completed with a 9 One of the most important database creat- most of the projects, the initial data was scarce economically feasible. Strategic Action Plans (SAPs), prepared for all ed and distributed within the project specific or non-existent, thus it had to be developed by of the involved project FUAs. Initially a concept outcome included the GreenerSites Web-GIS a thorough research. The database concerning The innovative measures were recommended in of such plans has been elaborated, and a de- Tool. The project partner – Ministry of Regional the stakeholders will enable the organisations four of the Pilot sites: Venice –Porto Marghera, tailed, specific Action Plan for the 9 FUAs being Development and Transport of Saxony Anhalt – responsible for a brownfield site redevelopment Celje, Radom – Pionki and Solec Kujawski. The analysed will be delivered upon the PAs com- was responsible for the development of a geo- to easily access the information and engage the technical description of the methods is described pletion. The Action Plans will help the project graphic information system (GIS) software. The stakeholders for future decision making process. under the environmental sustainable values. partners to develop a vision for the organiza- GIS software is a computer system designed to There are also other, project specific valuable tion’s future and determine the necessary pri- capture, store, modify, analyse, manage, and databases created within the project that could 3 Brownfield Redevelopment and Urban orities, procedures, and operations (strategies) present all types of geospatial data. The GIS vastly improve the brownfield management. An Regeneration with a focus on cities in East to achieve that vision. programme was initially tested in Magdeburg as example of those include an alignment of the and Central Europe: a proposed work program one of the Pilot Action and after completion of remediation interventions dating back to 1999 Christine Kessides, with assistance of Marcel At conceptual stage the SAP development has the research and development phase, the tool targeting a petrochemical area in Porto Margh- Ionescu-Heroiu and Wolfhart Pohl Sustainable been preceded by elaboration of guidelines was provided to all of the project partners with era to the recent sustainability criteria estab- Development Department World Bank October which addressed critical aspects identified in a full training package. lished by the “Sustainable Remediation Forum” 8, 2008 the initial FUA assessment, discussions on ex-
4 5 Economic Sustainability Measures Economic Sustainability Measures
pectations from the common tool and identifi- The Common transferability manual will ad- Lessons learnt from the Pilot Actions con- of generating database and tools, trainings and cation of possible measures for sustainability of dress common issues to all parties responsible cerning sustainable economic value know-how transfer, provided during the course Pilot Actions. The guidelines will provide input for the redevelopment such as: data collection, of the project, can only be assessed over a to the SAP template. stakeholders’ engagement, financial manage- GreenerSites project has undeniably added a longer period. Thus it is impossible to assess ment, sustainable soil and groundwater moni- sustainable economic value at local and Euro- the full economic impact of the project. Some The Strategic Action Plans will combine the toring, mitigation of environmental impact, so- pean level through research and diagnosis and projects’ outcomes had an immediate effect results of project specific research and anal- cio-economic development, risk management, development of tools that improves brownfield (e.g. Venice - Porto Marghera when the findings yses, deliverables, databases, tools as well as accounting and auditing as well as improvement sites management by the Project Partners. The were used for subsequent works on a complex key findings and recommendations applicable of marketability. construction of the project itself had a goal to industrial crisis area and Rijeka where findings to other sites. The Action Plans will help sus- magnify the key findings and effects of activi- were implemented through a launch of the tainable strategic planning of the interventions ties at the local level by know-how transfer and breakwater reconstruction of an infrastructure) needed, by testing pilot solutions and dissemi- Intangible economic values stakeholders’ engagement. while others may require additional works and nating this new approach to sustainable brown- funds to deliver desirable effects. Nonetheless, field management on similar cases in the FUAs Know-how transfer and stakeholders’ engagement Each Pilot Action was designed to complement acquiring knowledge on major obstacles of pro- and beyond. All of the deliverables described earlier aim to each other in order to address all of the sus- ject implementation (e.g. lack of institutions improve the overall management of brownfield tainability pillars. Thus a number of actions responsible for a comprehensive brownfield The SAP will be first tested at local level to draw sites beyond the ones studied at the Pilot Ac- concentrated its activities on economic devel- management in Poland) is also a valuable lesson up the assessment and the Action Plan develop- tions. The quality of management has been fur- opment, others on institutional, environmental and a starting point for future actions. ment of the whole FUA as well as to ensure the ther enhanced by know-how transfer, series of and social development. The role of some Pilot largest possible deployment of project results. trainings and the management of stakeholders’ Actions was also to develop effective tools for Brownfield redevelopment is a complex prob- The three Project Partners (the City of Venice, engagement. Stakeholders’ engagement ensures brownfield management. The findings of all the lem that must be addressed at multi-level, the Port Authority and the Veneto Region) will better and more appropriate planning activities, activities were then collated in a series of doc- multi-stakeholder approach, and often it is de- analyse existing models and available data, de- better time management, reduce risk of future uments such as a FUA specific Action Plans and pendent on complex land economics and the fining a common vision to cross with the local project interruptions by for example protests of a Common transferability manual on brownfield market. The Pilot Actions can only be treated stakeholders needs; drawing up the definition local communities and risk of corrective actions. sites management for all the Project Partners. as valuable contribution towards the redevelop- of integrated approaches, including long-term All of those benefits have direct, although intan- ment but the actions themselves will not solve strategic visions, to ensure compliance with en- gible effect on the institutional budget. Some The project has improved environmental man- the problems on their own. vironmental policies at different administrative research proves that a stakeholders’ engage- agement capacities of responsible bodies, by levels; realizing and testing pilot applications ment could substantially improve future net detailing actions to help sustainable strategic and innovative solutions for the rehabilitation economic value of an organisation4. planning of the interventions needed. The solu- of brownfield site. tions of Pilot Actions will be disseminated and The project conducted both: local and transna- transferred to similar cases in the FUAs and be- Guidelines tional trainings on brownfield management. Ad- yond. The increase in the environmental perfor- ditionally, planned and well managed stakehold- mance of brownfield sites will result in an im- In addition to the site specific Strategic Action ers’ identification, engagement and management provement of working and living conditions of Plans, the Pilot Actions envisages preparation ensured efficiency and positive repercussions on the citizens in the involved areas. By doing so, of a document called “Common transferability expected outcomes of the project. Effective en- the project will directly contribute to the over- manual for sustainable environmental brown- gagement helped translate stakeholders’ needs all project goal of “cooperating to make cities field management” (henceforth referred to as into organisational goals and created the basis of and regions better places to live and work”. “The Common transferability manual”) for the effective strategy development. Project Partners. Such a Common transferability The project has delivered both: tangible and in- manual for sustainable environmental brown- tangible economic values to the analysed FUAs field management will adapt a multilevel and 4 Corporate Diplomacy – building repu- creating short and long-term economic bene- cross-sector governance approach, based on a tation and relationship with external stake- fits. The magnitude of those benefits cannot be holistic resolutions and aiming at the integrated holders. Prof. Witold J. Henisz. ISBN-13: 978- assessed over a short-term period. The effects management of brownfield sites redevelopment. 1783530557
6 7 Institutional Sustainability Measures Institutional Sustainability Measures
The CABERNET project (Concerted Action on market support, etc. with public funding and Brownfield and Economic Regeneration Net- often by public enterprise. work) created an A-B-C Model to classify various types of brownfield rehabilitation projects on Major challenges concerning brownfield devel- the basis of their economic status and possible opment from the institutional perspective in- funding method1. clude: • Unclear regulations concerning the brown- “A” sites are the development projects that field rehabilitation; can be funded solely by private investors. Those types of brownfield sites have high economic • Unclear ownership or lack of development potential and the cost of their redevelopment interest/financial means by current owners; Schutterstock will be returned within a financially viable peri- od. “B” or “potential development sites” must • Unclear environmental status or remedia- Institutional Sustainability Measures require some form of an incentive by the reg- tion requirements beyond the institutional ulators to attract private investment and to budgets; stimulate the rehabilitation process. “C” or the Appropriate governance of the local regulators • Environmental – to improve the environmen- “reserve sites” represent a financial loss for • Technical status – e.g. need to demolish and institutions play a key role in sustainable tal status and health and well-being of the the private investors. In such instances the re- buildings and infrastructures or create new development of cities. Frequently the legacy of local communities. generation is carried out in justified cases such infrastructure; contaminated, abandoned brownfield sites falls as environment protection, safety, real estate in the hands of municipalities. However, such • Social – to create a healthy and vibrant liv- • Legacy of historical inappropriate planning areas could also have an immense value once ing space that will enhance the quality of 1 Project CABERNET Sustainable Brown- and development; properly rehabilitated due to their location (of- life of local communities. field Regeneration: CABERNET Network Report ten central or strategic), existing network of (2005) • Unclear future planning resulting from insuf- good infrastructure and – on many occasions – • Those goals are accomplished through sev- historic legacy that forms a part of wider com- eral stages. The institutions must first of all munity identity with the city and the region. identify key factors that triggers redevelop- ment of a brownfield site and aspects that The decisions made by institutions concerning could hinder the development. Once the re- brownfield redevelopment are therefore driven search is completed the institutions should not only by the pure economic factors but also develop a planning strategy and tools facil- by a stewardship towards local communities itating the planning activities. Stakehold- through enhancement of their quality of life by ers engagement plays a critical role in all making the city a vibrant and thriving place to aforementioned activities. The next stage live. The institutions must also ensure appropri- of the redevelopment depends on site spe- ate implementation of national regulations and cific conditions and results of the research create local regulations to stimulate brownfield and development. In some instances, the development. Finally, the institutions have the institutions may conduct the site rehabilita- means to stimulate growth in form of appropri- tion themselves by for example conducting ate fiscal instruments and polices. remediation activities and making strategic infrastructure investments to raise the value Sustainable brownfield redevelopment from the of a site, and/or reducing anticipated costs. governance perspective should therefore en- In other cases, the decision may be ceded to compass the following goals: local investors. In such instance some form • Economic – to revitalise the area by making of incentive may be required to attract the it either an attractive place of an invest- investors, for example tax increment financ- ment and/or a place that would enhance ing, property tax waivers, grants, delayed the quality of life a of local communities. payment, etc. Fig. 3 A-B-C Model of classifying brownfield sites based on their redevelopment cost
2 3 Institutional Sustainability Measures Institutional Sustainability Measures
ficient information and a lack of experience depends on how the institutions will utilise the potentials of customs free zones which envis- in brownfield redevelopment; value provided through the Pilot Actions. age financial and procedural benefits to those intended to launch a productive activity in the • Low potential to attract private investment; area. The research identified that the com- Tangible Institutional Values petencies for designating such special zones The aim of the GreenerSites Pilot Actions was of the Pilot Actions through appropriate regulations are not under to address all of those major challenges through the local administration but under the nation- three pillars of sustainability to help the institu- Research and diagnosis al Ministry, and they require an adoption of a tions improve the management of brownfield re- decree establishing the nature of the area and habilitation. The Pilot Actions concentrated on Collectively all of the Pilot Actions conducted the financial benefits which can be granted to potential economic development of the brown- research and diagnosis of the existing econom- whom carries out the economic activities. field sites, improvement of environmental status ic, social, institutional and environmental sta- and communication with stakeholders to better tus of the studied FUA. The measures that are City of Rijeka and Port of Rijeka. Among other understand the needs of local communities. unique to the institutions included: topics the Pilot Action concentrated on studying • Analysis of local law and regulations environmental regulations concerning potential Just like with the economic sustainability meas- clean-up responsibilities. The authors found out ures, the actions taken as a result of the Pilot • Analysis of ownership structure and key that the current Croatian legislation recognizes Actions have tangible and intangible values for stakeholders the pollutant, but there are no mechanisms to the institutions. force public institutions responsible for remedi- • Analysis of databases ation of an idle, contaminated site in a reasona- Tangible short-term institutional values deliv- ble period. This may hinder the future redevel- ered by the Pilot Actions include: • Analysis of existing management of brown- opment if the rehabilitation is to be managed • Results of research and diagnosis field sites by the regulators by local or state authorities. Additionally, there are no legal means to conduct a remediation of • Provision of databases • Analysis of existing planning a contaminated site owned by a private organ- isation. • Monitoring and management systems The research concerning specific economic, en- vironmental and social conditions conducted The Mazovian Development Agency (PP4). The Intangible institutional values include: within the project is described in other chap- Pilot Action analysed environmental and brown- • Improved planning of FUAs ters. field redevelopment regulations in Poland and the region. The environmental regulations are • Improved marketability of FUAs Analysis of local law and regulations relatively coherent with the EU Directives con- cerning defining a contamination and responsi- • Better allocation of funds for further devel- Despite the fact that all the analysed brown- bilities for the clean-up actions, although it is opment of FUAs. field sites are located in the EU, the regulations still rare among the authorities to permit re- concerning brownfield redevelopment differed mediation other than restoring the site to con- • Risk management quite considerably. Furthermore, some sites ditions appropriate to a threshold levels. Thus, (Venice Porto Marghera) are designed as nation- some recommendations from other Pilot Actions • Stakeholders identification and engagement al crisis areas where special regulations have (e.g. capping the contamination) may not be been implemented in order to clean up the site accepted by some local Polish regulators. Po- • Know-how transfer and stimulate economic growth. land has adapted the polluter pays principal and - when the polluter cannot be identified The success of the project cannot therefore City of Venice. In addition to the study on eco- - the responsibility falls into the regional au- be assessed by any specific short-term indica- nomic development the analyses have addressed thorities. In practice, however, the authorities tors. The Pilot Actions have concentrated on regulatory tools which can be implemented in rarely perform the remediation due to high cost delivering sustainable values to the institutions order to boost investments and manufacturing (please see Fig.3 ABC model of brownfield rede- that have both: tangible and intangible form, development of the port area. In particular, the velopment) and insufficient legislation. demonstrated over short and long-term peri- study examined incentives of special economic od. Additionally, the success of the project also areas, feasibility of simplified logistic zones and Schutterstock
4 5 Institutional Sustainability Measures Institutional Sustainability Measures
The study has also identified that there is no di- monitoring of groundwater and check the risk fragmented. Furthermore, data on brownfield included: City of Venice LP, City of Halle, Ra- rect legislation on classification of brownfields for human health, it became apparent that the sites acquired has proved to be inconsistent dom and Rijeka. The Pilot Actions have concen- and their redevelopment. The national regula- ownership structure in the studied FUA played and incompatible. Particularly noticeable was trated on analysis of the environmental status, tions define contaminated sites and areas for a crucial role in the analysis. The identified the lack of comprehensive information on envi- technical conditions (buildings and infrastruc- rehabilitation (so called “revitalisation”). The contamination, leaching into the groundwater ronmental risks occurring in degraded post-in- ture), current management of record keeping revitalised areas may not necessary be clas- from polluted ground, is located on several hot dustrial areas as well as suitability categories and spatial planning, stakeholders’ identifi- sified as brownfields as their designation has spots that were historically owned by “Zachem” for a future broadly understood economic use. cation and local communities’ presence. Each primarily social context. On the other hand, a chemical plant and after the plant announced The dispersion of information among various in- of the studies had slightly different focus and contaminated site may not be the brownfield its financial insolvency the contaminated sites stitutions and the lack of a proper brownfield approach. However, general conclusion of the of institutions’ interest for redevelopment as it fell into hands of public and private organisa- sites inventory hinders the possibility of rede- research was that there is a clear need to im- can be actively used by an organisation. tions as well as trustee in bankruptcy. Such a velopment of such sites. The project identified prove the record keeping, management process situation, together with an immense cost of en- that there is a clear need to achieve the data and active stakeholders’ engagement by the in- Analysis of the ownership structure vironmental rehabilitation, renders any future standard on the regional level by generating stitutions. The Halle and the Mazovian District actions very difficult. The local stakeholders and maintaining the unified data system. PAs recommended establishing a single unit for One of the conditions of all of the projects was meeting that were organized shows that this is data collection, the Radom project further rec- to identify ownership structure of the analysed the only way of dealing with such a complex The findings have been confirmed in other Pi- ommended to create an integrated investment FUA. Key notes from some of the projects con- problem. Also the information system about pi- lot sites such as Rijeka, Halle, Bydgoszcz and management structure that focuses not just on cerning the ownership include the sites in Ven- lot site is needed to improve the institutional Magdeburg, concluding that the database infor- economic aspects but also on social problems ice, Halle, Rijeka, Radom and Bydgoszcz. capacities. Training that aimed at improving the mation on brownfield sites should be addressed of local communities living in a post-industrial, institutional capacities organised within project at wider level. frequently abandoned with environmental leg- City of Venice LP has identified several organi- was very successful. acies areas. Similar conclusions were also made sations that have been established on the for- Analysis of planning and management brown- by the Bydgoszcz PA. Generally, most Pilot Ac- mer greater port area. Those include mainly in- Analysis of existing databases field redevelopment tions concluded that among the studied FUA dustrial companies. However, a vast part of the there are no exemplary practices in the man- undeveloped land has fallen into the hands of The Pilot Action projects aimed at identifying Good planning process of brownfield redevel- agement processes of degraded post-industrial either the port authorities or the City of Venice. databases concerning: location of brownfields opment should encompass three dimensions of area rehabilitation. in the studied FUA, ownership structure, stake- sustainable development: economic, environ- In the City of Halle, Isw carried out a research holders for each FUA, recognised environmental mental and social and should present a vision Provision of databases on the ownership structure of the selected status, institutions responsible for management over a long planning horizon2. The sustainable brownfields. It was identified that several sites of brownfields and data collection. Additionally, planning differs from a standard, regulatory de- The Pilot Actions through their research and were owned by private organisations, which some PAs have studied pilot specific databases. velopment plan by adding another dimension of analysis created a comprehensive database of were extremely difficult to access due to data For example, the City of Bydgoszcz PA studied a community’s vision, becoming an “agent of the studied FUA. Some of the database informa- protection regulations. data concerning location of all existing ground- change’’ for the community to realize a sustain- tion was delivered in form of Web-GIS. water monitoring wells in the FUA, whereas the able vision3. Rijeka. The study identified that the analysed Halle PA studied information concerning mar- The databases contained information concern- area is owned by two organisations: the marine ketability of the site. Most of the Pilot Actions involved some form of ing location of brownfields in the studied FUA, part is owned by Rijeka Port Authorities (PA) planning analysis. For example, one of the de- ownership structure, environmental status, whereas the land site belongs to a private oil One of the most comprehensive study concern- liverable of the Celje PA has been a protocol stakeholders for each FUA, institutions respon- refinery. As a result, any potential redevelop- ing existing brownfield database was performed to deal with non-hazardous waste. The protocol sible for management of brownfields and data ment of the port area, which appears to be the by the PA conducted in the Mazovian District, will affect the Strategic Environmental Assess- collection. Additionally, some PAs have studied most attractive economic and planning solu- Poland. The project analysed current situation ment of the city. The Pilot Actions that specifi- pilot specific databases. For example, the By- tion, is hindered by the fact that the port au- of post-industrial zones based on three urban cally aimed at studying the planning conditions dgoszcz PA studied data concerning location of thority has no rights to use or manage the area. functional zones: the capital City of Warsaw, all existing groundwater monitoring wells in the The study recommended that key aspects for the City of Płock and the City of Radom, in- 2 Healey P, Shaw T, 1997, “Planners, plans FUA, the Halle PA studied information concern- the area redevelopment must include changes cluding the Pionki District (collectively referred and sustainable development’’ Regional Studies ing marketability of the identified brownfields in the ownership structure. to as the Mazovian District PA). The study re- 27 769 – 776 and City of Venice PA collated all environmen- vealed that in the Mazovian District informa- 3 Neuman M, 1998, “Does planning need tal remediation interventions performed on a City of Bydgoszcz. Although the Pilot Action’s tion on post-industrial areas and their environ- the plan?’’ Journal of the American Planning As- petrochemical area internal to Porto Marghera goal was to provide data on environmental mental condition is scattered, incomplete and sociation 64 208 - 22 since 1999.
6 7 Institutional Sustainability Measures Institutional Sustainability Measures
The databases are valuable source of informa- Apart from the Strategic Action Plans the pro- an investigation or – as it was identified through tion for the institutions to enhance the man- ject envisages also preparation of a Common Rijeka Pilot Action – who should undertake some agement process of brownfield redevelopment. transferability manual for the Project Partners. remedial actions. Furthermore, some data have been presented Such a transferability manual for sustainable in form of a Web-GIS mapping, available for environmental brownfield management will be Equally challenging was a task to collect exist- public viewing, which can improve the process prepared with a clear vision of sustainable plan- ing database of post-industrial/contaminated of communication with stakeholders and local ning thus a structured methodology for such a sites of the studied FUAs. Often the data was communities. Most of the institutions involved planning will be provided. Example includes the only fragmentary and had to be collected from in the Pilot Actions pointed out that they have methodology of stakeholders and local commu- various institutions as there has not been a sin- not used the GIS mapping yet for displaying the nity involvement in the planning process. The gle institution responsible for maintaining the location of the brownfields. This form of geo- guidelines will also address common issues to portfolio of brownfield sites. The regulators spatial information can be combined with oth- all parties responsible for the redevelopment don’t maintain the register of stakeholders ei- er information that is already in the hands of such as: data collection, financial manage- ther and the planning strategy barely involves the institutions in form of GIS layers such as the ment, sustainable soil and groundwater moni- local communities. General approach of the cadastral information, infrastructure layout, toring, mitigation of environmental impact, so- institutions is to perform a minimum involve- location of valuable, protected habitats, etc. cio-economic development, risk management, ment of the local community imposed by na- providing an important tool for the whole city accounting and auditing as well as improvement tional regulations, for example by announcing development. of a brownfield marketability. an information concerning spatial planning on regulators’ web-pages. None of the projects Management systems identified a practice of proactive approach of Lessons learnt from the Pilot Actions the local communities by the institutions. The GreenerSites project has delivered valuable concerning institutional sustainable value tools for the institutions to improve the manage- Brownfield rehabilitation should become a part ment of brownfields. Apart from the aforemen- The Pilot Actions involved cooperation with lo- of a coherent spatial and strategic land man- tioned Web-GIS, Strategic Action Plans (SAPs) cal institutions in order to perform research and agement approach, particularly with respect to will be elaborated for each of the studied FUA diagnosis and deliver outputs in form of envi- the wider concept of economic, environmental, upon completion of the project. The SAPs will ronmental status, database, Strategic Action and social dimensions of sustainable develop- help the Project Partners to develop a vision for Plans and Guidelines for future brownfield man- ment. It seems appropriate to further improve the FUAs’ future and determine the necessary agement. Most Pilot Actions concluded that it the brownfield rehabilitation process, particu- priorities, procedures, and operations (strate- was extremely challenging to obtain a detailed larly when it comes to data accessibility, clearly gies) to achieve that vision. picture of the current situation regarding the assignable responsibilities, capacity building of GreenerSites FUAs, mainly due to a lack of co- public bodies, and increased communication ef- The Strategic Action Plans will be developed on herent source of database and unclear local reg- forts towards stakeholders and citizens. Those the basis of all the studies performed through ulations concerning the brownfield regeneration. important aspects should be considered in fu- the Pilot Actions, not just for a specific FUA for ture actions of the project. which the SAP will be prepared. Lessons learned The research has revealed that there is no clear from other projects will help to establish the definition of a brownfield site across the coun- Nevertheless, the project has delivered not most optimal solutions for a specific FUA. Fur- tries involved in the project. In some instances, only valuable information, database and tools thermore, results of other studies and devel- it is defined as a post-industrial area, in other for brownfield management but also demon- opment of tools will vastly enhance the quality countries it is understood that it’s a contaminat- strated a strategic approach to spatial planning of the Strategic Action Plans. For example, the ed field. None of such classifications are based and land rehabilitation with a proactive en- development of marketability potential index on the EUGRIS definition of brownfields. Where- gagement of stakeholders and local communi- by the City of Halle Pilot Action can be applied as identifying and mapping an idle post-indus- ties. Furthermore, geo-information system will universally by other FUAs. Similarly, the SAP trial site would require only a desktop study help institutions to better use available data can recommend remediation technologies de- (under right regulations), understanding com- and manage environmental problems in a more veloped in other PAs that will effectively help plex environmental status on such sites involves effective way. The software will allow both: reducing cost of such actions and thus enhance a considerable investment. The regulations are public institutions that will managing the tool the possibility of the brownfield development. unclear regarding obligations to perform such and site owners to feed-in the data.
8 9 Environmental Sustainability Measures Environmental Sustainability Measures
larity of remediated brownfield sites used Environmental Sustainability for residential, commercial and mix rede- in the Pilot Actions velopment is continuously growing, creating a particular opportunity for environmentally The aim of the project was to provide all of responsible accommodation of population the aforementioned environmental rewards by growth in the cities. Such fill-in develop- identifying environmental status of the stud- ment utilizes already existing roads and in- ied FUAs through research and diagnosis, risk frastructure, and often provides amenities management, monitoring the pollutant’s migra- close to where people are already living, re- tion paths and recommending most appropriate ducing the need for transportation and the method of remediation. risk of destroying valuable agricultural land. The sustainable environmental value of the pro- Schutterstock jects, however, aimed at providing not only en- • Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas- vironmental benefits but also delivering clear Environmental Sustainability Measures es (GHG). The regeneration of a brownfield economic, social and institutional value at the site, located in an inner city, reduces trans- same time. Those have been achieved through portation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) delivering information on environmental condi- Environmental status of a brownfield is fre- • Reduced hazard to public health. Toxic pol- emissions in comparison to sprawling/spread tions, provision of databases and risk manage- quently the key factor hindering further reha- lutants can directly reach human bodies development patterns. The research of Ur- ment systems to the institution, studying po- bilitation of a site. Contamination of soil, sur- through inhaling, ingestion and absorption ban Land Institute reveals that compact ur- tential health hazards of the local communities face and groundwater and even buildings and through the skin. Furthermore, accumula- ban redevelopment reduces vehicle travel from the identified contamination and recom- infrastructure can in some cases substantially tion of toxic chemicals in a food chain create by 20 to 40% which can contribute to 7-12% mending most appropriate, cost-effective and impact health and well-being of the local com- equally hazardous conditions affecting hu- reduction of GHG by 20502 innovating methods of remediation. munity and damage valuable habitats. The con- man health. Thus the pollutants present on The environmental sustainability of the project tamination can also migrate through such recep- a contaminated site and dispersed through • Air quality improvement. The improvement thus delivered tangible and intangible values. tors as the air and groundwater beyond the site air and water could have practically unlim- of air quality due to a brownfield regenera- Tangible environmental values include: and even beyond a region. Whereas it’s appar- ited zone of impact. Several Pilot Projects tion results from direct and indirect effects: • Research and diagnosis ent that cleaning up brownfield sites is of para- revealed that the contamination has already reducing migration of pollutants through mount importance as it was pointed out earlier, reached nearby marine environment. There- the air, reducing the vehicle travel, main- • Remediation methods the cost of remediation can sometimes become fore, one of the most paramount importance taining greenfields that would otherwise prohibitive for any local institutions or private of brownfield remediation is to prevent ver- be developed in urban sprawl, maintaining • Databases organisations. Furthermore, unclear regulations tical and horizontal migration of the pollut- urban ventilation corridors that can also be concerning the factors triggering the obligation ants off-site and prevent the pollutants im- affected by urban sprawl and mitigating the • Procedures for the research and remediation, remediation pacting people and wildlife. impact of the contamination on natural hab- methods as well as the assignment of responsiv- itats. • Monitoring and risk management systems ities for such actions have resulted in a legacy • Preventing damage to valuable habitats and of contaminated, abandoned, idle or underuti- ecosystems. The same mechanism concern- • Water quality improvement. Remediation of Intangible environmental values will be achieved lized commercial or industrial properties across ing impact of the pollutants on human health brownfield sites can have a positive impact after appropriate implementation of the Strate- Europe. If left undeveloped, the sites may not applies to all living organisms. The contami- on all the aquatic forms: groundwater, sur- gic Action Plans. The intangible values include: only pose risks to human health and the envi- nation present in a brownfield, whether on- face waters, storm water and marine water • Reduced impact of the contamination on hu- ronment but also act as a blight and economic site or migrating many kilometres away, can qualities. Development of a post-industri- man health; drain on the surrounding areas. significantly affect natural habitats. al area located in the city centres can also contribute to overall water consumption by • Reduced impact of the contamination on Restoring the brownfield sites generates signif- • Preventing urban sprawl development. One reducing run-off storm water per dwelling nearby ecosystems and natural habitats; icant environmental benefits for the city and hectare of redeveloped brownfields has unit and preventing watering of places de- larger communities. The most important advan- been estimated to conserve 4.5 hectares of veloped through urban sprawl. • Improved quality of the environment (soil, tages include: greenfield sprawl development1. The popu- groundwater, surface water and the air);
1 The Environmental and Economic Im- • Reducing Green House Gas emissions. pacts Of Brownfields Redevelopment, Evans Paull, Northeast-Midwest Institute, July, 2008 2 Urban Land Institute, et al, 2008
2 3 Environmental Sustainability Measures Environmental Sustainability Measures
Just like with other sustainable values, the en- sessment and the assessment of the pollution site, adding the mineral oils and Polycyclic Aro- vironmental benefits should therefore be as- on health and well-being of the site users. The matic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the list of poten- sessed not by short-term outcomes but values concrete application of MLE provides further tial contaminants. The objective of the study delivered to the environment and the society evidence to improve and update the existing was to assess the level of the contamination over a longer period. Each of the Pilot Actions monitoring procedures for aeriforms. The appli- with those pollutants in the soil and groundwa- had slightly different aims and therefore there cation of this methodology can, moreover, be ter and to test cost-effective remedial technics is no direct measure that can compare and easily extended to other contaminated sites in that can be utilised to mitigate the pollution. evaluate the deliverables. The goal of the pro- order to measure in a more realistic way the Initially the aim of the project was to apply ject was to find site-specific and more universal risk associated and, therefore, better calibrate thermal soil treatment as a primary remedia- environmental measures by learning something potential remediation interventions. tion method. However, the environmental ex- from each of the Pilot Actions and applying perts involved in the study recommended to a solution recommended in one FUA to other The second study concentrated on identifying implement various combined technologies that brownfield sites. most applicable, environmentally friendly and rely on cold treatment methods to effectively cost-effective method to provide capping of immobilize the contaminants with calcite ash. contaminants in the soil. The capping has been The proposed technology proved to be an inno- Tangible Environmental Values designed to provide not only an effective bar- vative and cost-effective solution to in-situ re- of the Pilot Actions rier against migration of pollutants but also to mediation of soil affected by heavy metals. The be used as an industrial flooring for logistics costs of remediation of the area using tradition- Research and diagnosis systems. The results of the initial preparato- al technologies are prohibitive and can vastly ry study and intrusive investigation of the site reduce the possibility of the site development. Two types of environmental research were con- have revealed that the level of contamination Therefore, this new innovative method of im- ducted in Venice by the Veneto Region and the is much lower than initially anticipated, thus mobilisation seems to provide the only viable Port of Venice. the most optimal and cost-effective source of solution to revitalise the area. clean soil that can be used for capping may The first research involved testing of an innova- come from the site itself, not from a materi- The PA in Radom studied environmental con- tive experimental method of Multiple Lines of al stocked off-site. This approach is more en- ditions of a formal coal-fired power plant site Evidence (MLE) to identify the level of soil con- vironmentally friendly (reducing transport and located in Pionki, near Radom. The analysis in-
tamination with Volatile Organic Compounds CO2 emissions). The second phase of the Pilot cluded desktop study, intrusive investigation of (VOCs) based on their vapour concentration Action involved geoengineering testing of the the ground, groundwater, potential presence of in indoor air. The main objective of this activ- capping layers and the soil beneath in order to hazardous materials in derelict buildings on site ity consisted of the identification of different identify their suitability for using the site as a (for example asbestos fibres) and health hazard sources of chemicals in indoor air and in the container terminal. The third phase concentrat- of those harmful substances to a local commu- distinction of the contribution to air pollution ed on preparation of procedures for excavation, nity. The studies have concluded that despite related to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) transport and clean-up of the contaminated soil unquestionable impact of the power plant on migration from the soil subsurface. The final identified on site and preparation of an environ- local environment, the level of contamination aim of the monitoring activities was to better mental impact assessment for disposing of the was much lower than initially anticipated and calibrate the remediation interventions of pol- excavated and dredged material. The results of can be mitigated with simple and cost-effec- luted areas during the risk analysis, in itinere the work allowed to obtain in-depth, up-to-date tive methods such as natural bioremediation and in the ex-post periods, in order to optimize knowledge on the state of the environment and with existing herbaceous vegetation, possibly the remediation procedures as well as to update geotechnical conditions of the pilot area. supported by phytoremediation. The phytore- the existing protocols in the field. The meth- mediation relies on a direct use of living green od allows to obtain a more comprehensive and The PA in Celje concentrated its environmental plants for in situ removal, degradation, or con- accurate measurement of pollutant migration study on a post-industrial area used in the past tainment of contaminants in soils. It’s a low- paths and to assess the risks associated with the by a galvanising plant (Stara Cinkarna). The cost, solar energy driven clean-up technique. It emission of gases. galvanising plants have a well-recognised lega- is still considered innovative method in Poland cy of soil and groundwater contamination with and could only be applied when a legislative Those innovative techniques not only leave the metals – especially lead, zinc, cadmium copper, approach towards remediation of contaminated subsoil undisturbed but also generate signif- chromium and arsenic. Initial study has also sites was aligned with EU regulations (i.e. since
Schutterstock icantly lower cost of initial contamination as- identified remains of tar pitch and slag on the 2016). The researches in Radom tested several
4 5 Environmental Sustainability Measures Environmental Sustainability Measures
plants before recommending the optimal spe- nation on the local community. The second part cessible for all stakeholders, are an important cies for phytoremediation. The detail analysis consisted of an inventory of existing monitor- source of knowledge in decision making process. of phytoremediation techniques and most ap- ing wells in the area, collection and analysis of Most of the Project Partners have stressed out plicable plants could provide a valuable aca- the groundwater quality from those wells. The the importance of such geospatial information demic guidance for all brownfield sites affected results have indeed confirmed presence of con- to understand better “hot spots” of contamina- with heavy metals contamination. taminants in the groundwater. The study con- tion, their migration off-sites and their impact cluded that the available monitoring wells were on health and well-being of the local commu- The PA in Solec Kujawski concentrated its en- designed individually and therefore their loca- nity and wildlife. Such maps will enable to as- vironmental studies on the impact of a former tion and depth have not been adapted to the sess wider environmental risk and prioritize the railway sleepers preservation plant on current hydrogeological conditions found in the inves- brownfields that should be remediated in the groundwater conditions. The study has identi- tigated area and therefore only some of them first instance. On the other hand - as pointed fied that indeed the past industrial activities might be used in the future for building a new out in the Pas carried out in the Mazovian Dis- resulted in a considerable soil and groundwater monitoring system. 15 new piezometers were trict and in the City of Halle – the existing data contamination. The PA ended with a develop- installed and the ground water testes, all of concerning location of the brownfields, post-in- ment of an innovative method of neutralising them are contaminated with organic substanc- dustrial areas and/or contaminated areas are pollutants below the groundwater level with an es that migrate to the residential area. Model incomplete and scattered among various insti- application of a nanocarbon barrier adsorbing tests on migration of pollutants were carried tutions. Such conclusions, together with reveal- harmful organic compounds and creating natu- out on a model with a total area of 73,78 km. ing the real potential of such maps may create a ral conditions for bioremediation of contamina- The migration of pollutants in groundwater genuine demand by the institutions to continue tion in water-bearing stratum. from identified pollution outbreaks and contam- the research and complete the comprehensive inated areas in the area of the former Zakłady database of brownfields displayed through the The PAs in Rijeka involved environmental study Chemiczne “Zachem” was forecasted in the pe- Web-GIS software. of the Rijeka port (Mlaka), including terrain and riod T+25 years at intervals of every five years, marine part. Another research concentrated on and T+50 years in time steps every 10 years. Apart for the Web-GIS brownfield mapping ap- the assessment of the environmental impact of All of the environmental research finally lead to plicable to all projects, some of the Pilot Ac- the site on the surroundings, including inhabit- assessing the risk for human health, additional tions have concentrated on collecting site spe- ed areas. The analysis has identified a consider- ground probes were collected from individual cific information. For example, City of Venice able and wide-spread contamination of the port houses and risk analysis performed based on US PA collected all data concerning remediation in- area with organic hydrocarbons, which migrate EPA methodology. Guidelines for future moni- tervention in the petrochemical site conducted directly to the Adriatic Sea. The study conclud- toring needed in residential area were defined. since 1999. Such research can then be used to ed that at a minimum an obligation for monitor- The analyses of pollution migration show that assess effectiveness of past remediation tech- ing the contamination flow should be imposed the area of contaminated groundwater, in niques, select areas for further remedial action by the authorities after the formal completion particular with organic compounds from the and locate those that do not require further in- of the project. The technologies for in-situ re- former chemical plant “Zachem”, will grad- tervention. The aim of the Pilot Action was also mediation of hydrocarbon impacted soil and ually expand towards the built-up areas of to collect information on unrealized remedia- groundwater are well recognized and can be Łęgnowo, causing the progressive degrada- tion projects in the petrochemical area and to implemented once the local and national regu- tion of groundwater. undertake a revision of sustainability features lators achieve consent on the future destination by defining a set of sustainability indicators and of the site. Databases evaluating the projects against those indica- tors. The study represents an excellent starting The objective of the City of Bydgoszcz PA The project has delivered database of brown- point for new remediation projects, more con- was the study the impact of contamination of field sites and contaminated lands in form of venient in terms of environmental sustainability ground and groundwater of the former Chem- a geospatial computer software for all of the and more efficient from an economic point of ical Production Facility “Zachem” on border- studied FUA. The Web-GIS programme was in- view. ing areas, especially Łęgnowo village, located itially tested in the City of Magdeburg as one downstream from the identified contamination of the Pilot Action and after completion of the Another important database was created within sources. First part of the project involved detail research and development phase, the tool was the City of Bydgoszcz PA. The study concentrat- study of the area in order to identify valuable provided to all of the Project Partners with a ed on identifying existing monitoring wells in Schutterstock habitats and potential impact of the contami- full training package. The software maps, ac- the area and in the vicinity of a site occupied
6 7 Environmental Sustainability Measures Environmental Sustainability Measures
in the past by a chemical plant “Zachem”. The perts, site owners, etc.) for future study of the Lessons learnt from the Pilot Actions aim of the project was to collate all available area. Moreover, the Rijeka PA recommended to concerning environmental sustainable information in order to assess its applicability maintain the monitoring of sea contamination value to conduct meaningful monitoring of ground- with polluting leachates beyond the project’s water contamination and migration data of the lifetime. Environmental sustainability from the perspec- contamination plume (chemical and physical tive of the project can be defined as determina- parameters such as type of contaminants, flow Risk management systems and procedures tion of the environmental status of the studied direction, velocity, depth, etc.). Based on the brownfields, identification of potential hazards inventory of the monitoring wells the project Another important deliverable are the risk resulting from the recognised contamination concluded that they are not sufficient in terms management assessments, i.e. the impact of and recommending appropriate measures to of number, location and depth to map the flow the contamination and the potential means of mitigate and manage the hazards in economi- of contamination. Such data could form an ex- managing the recognized hazards. The identi- cally sound manner. cellent basis to design a network of monitoring fied contamination can create hazard to people wells for conducting further research of the en- and the environment and – as many projects re- Most of the Pilot Actions have concentrated tire area affected by the contamination. vealed – can migrate off-site through ground- their activities on direct on-site environmental water and air dispersion. Specific studies con- studies to achieve the goal of delivering envi- Finally, the information concerning environ- cerning the risk assessment were conducted in ronmental sustainability value to the project. mental status, collected through desktop and Celje, Radom, Solec Kujawski, Bydgoszcz and Some of the PAs have acted as support agents to on-site studies and analyses in other PAs (Venice Rijeka. The activities concerning risk assess- deliver important tools for the management of -Porto Marghera, City of Halle, Celje, Radom, ment based on migration of the contaminants the contamination. The supporting project ac- Solec Kujawski, Rijeka) and presented in form through the groundwater have been described tions include: delivering Web-GIS for mapping of detailed maps can also be treated as a valu- in the previous chapter. Specific risk assessment the contamination (PA in Magdeburg) and pre- able database for future implementation of tar- related to the ground pollution was conducted paring environmental management strategies geted rehabilitation measures. in Celje, Radom, Bydgoszcz. The studies have which take into account the environmental as- identified that indeed the contamination is also pects. Monitoring dispersed by the air and can affect local com- munities and stakeholders currently using the The pilot actions that concentrated their stud- Environmental analyses conducted on site in- contaminated area (e.g. business units set up ies on site investigation have also considerably volved in many instances research of the ground- on the brownfields). Furthermore, the health differed in their approach. Some, like Venice water. For this purpose, a network of monitor- hazard can also be created by other factors. For – Porto Marghera, Radom and Rijeka have con- ing wells was established on sites in Celje, Solec example Radom study has identified derelict centrated on more profound assessment of one Kujawski, Bydgoszcz and Rijeka. The ultimate buildings that can be partially constructed of area from an environmental, social, institution- goal of the groundwater monitoring projects asbestos materials, whereas the Celje PA identi- al and economic perspective. The investigation was the assessment of the depth of the first aq- fied hazardous waste and infrastructure on site. conducted in Solec Kujawski, Bydgoszcz and uifer, direction and velocity of the groundwater Celje on the other hand aimed at recognising flow and the level of groundwater contamina- Specific procedures to mitigate the environ- mainly the environmental status of the sites tion. Based on this information it was possible mental risks have been established in most and its impact on local communities and sur- to assess the impact of the contamination on projects in order to manage the identified con- rounding areas. health and well-being of the local community, tamination. They will be further developed in wildlife, protected habitats and marine ecosys- the Strategic Action Plans, prepared upon the Overall the projects have not only delivered tem (Rijeka) and to assess the effectiveness of completion of the Pilot Actions. Some projects’ tangible environmental sustainable value in the undertaken remediation techniques (Solec goal was to develop site specific procedures. form of the research and analysis outputs but Kujawski). Finally, the groundwater monitoring For example, one of the activities carried out also created innovative tools and cost-effective wells have become a valuable source of informa- by the Port of Venice was a preparation of pro- remediation methods that can be applied on tion for further works concerning designing and cedures for re-using the soil on site as well as other sites. Created databases will enable in- implementation of sites’ remediation methods. excavation, transport and clean-up of the con- stitutions to gain knowledge and better manage The monitoring wells will remain on the sites taminated soil identified and preparation of an the contaminated sites. after completion of the Pilot Actions. They can environmental impact assessment for disposing
Schutterstock be used by the stakeholders (institutions, ex- of the excavated and dredged material.
8 9 Social Sustainability Measures Social Sustainability Measures
institutions to redevelop selected brownfield where the stakeholders’ participation has be- sites in a sustainable manner. The actions per- come a paradigm at every project level and formed have concentrated mainly on delivering every development stage of the brownfield re- environmental and institutional values that are habilitation planning process. Finally the added economically sound and can improve the quality value of the project, at every sustainability lev- of life of the local communities. The quality of el, was gaining or enhancing knowledge of the live – as pointed out earlier – is a very complex stakeholders involved, including the main par- issue and can be addressed at many levels and ticipants of the Project: institutions, scientists, many focal points. The PAs thus have delivered experts and project managers. the social sustainable value by conducting re- search and delivering outputs on the following Both: research and development on enhancing Schutterstock aspects of the quality of life: the quality of life of the local communities as • Natural living environment well as stakeholders’ identification and engage- Social Sustainability Measures ment deliver social sustainability value that • Health and safety of the local communities cannot be measured or compared through a set of defined indicators. The social sustainability Social sustainability is based on the concept that physical health, psychological state, level of • Mitigating social inequalities is a very complex matter that depends on many a decision or project promotes the betterment independence, family, education, wealth, reli- internal and external factors separate from the of society. Social sustainability occurs when the gious beliefs, a sense of optimism, access to lo- • Governance Pilot Actions. Furthermore, the effects of the formal and informal processes, systems, struc- cal services and transport, employment, social work conducted can only be assessed over a tures, and relationships actively support the relationships, housing and the environment, • Sustainable socio-economic development longer time horizon and only if the brownfield capacity of current and future generations to cultural perspectives, values, personal expec- redevelopment is conducted with the aid of the 1 create healthy and liveable communities. tations and goals to physical, mental and social Equally important condition of the PAs social database and tools delivered to the institutions 2 well-being sustainability concerns project management through the work of the PAs. Brownfield sites have direct and indirect impact on the individual and larger communities. When Eurostat defines the quality of life through sev- left unmanaged they can create health hazard, eral contributors3 social exclusion and general degradation of the well-being of the local communities living either Whereas the social values created by brownfield on or in the vicinity of such sites and an urban redevelopment are unquestionable, equally im- sprawl. On the other hand the brownfields also portant in the city’s sustainable development represent an untapped opportunity to revitalize is the social participation and involvement at older neighbourhoods and generate wealth for every planning and implementation level of communities. Social benefits of brownfield re- the regeneration process. Such participation habilitation include: improved quality of life in requires in-depth knowledge of the current neighbourhoods, removal of hazards to human environmental and social status of the area, health and safety, access to affordable housing, engagement of stakeholders and sophisticated creation of active bridging of the communities project management skills and tools. to mitigate social inequalities, enhanced iden- tification with the city through tapping on his- The aim of the Pilot Actions was to perform toric and cultural legacy of the brownfield sites study and deliver information and tools to the and new work opportunities. 2 Defining Quality of Life: A Wild-Goose Quality of life of the local communities has var- Chase? Europe Journal of Psychology 9(1):185- ious definitions and indicators – from multidi- 203 · Barbara Barcaccia, Giuseppe Esposito, mensional factors that include everything from Maria Matarese, Marta Bertolaso and Maria Grazia De Marinis February 2013, 1 Western Australia Council of Social Ser- 3 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/ vices (WACOSS). 2000. gdp-and-beyond/quality-of-life/data Fig 4. Eurostat definition of factors affecting the quality of life
2 3 Social Sustainability Measures Social Sustainability Measures
Tangible Social Values of the Pilot Actions could have direct impact on health and well-be- on health of the local community through its Stara Cinkarna area. Hazardous waste can af- ing of the local communities. migration to the groundwater and the air. Peo- fect people’s health through direct contact or Quality of life of the local communities - ple living in the vicinity complained about the indirect impact. research and diagnosis The studies that directly concerned health and odour and nearby wells not connected to the well-being of the local community include Ra- water supply network showed contamination, The Rijeka PA assessed soil and groundwater Natural living environment dom, Solec Kujawski and Bydgoszcz. Indirect- which was observed by the smell of water. The contamination in the former Mlaka refinery and ly the issue has also been addressed in Venice, remediation activities were completed in 2016. the impact of the contamination on people and The research of the PAs was primarily involved in Celje and Rijeka PAs. As part of the GreenerSites project contamina- the environment. The study revealed that the studying the environmental status of the brown- tion below the groundwater level was identified contamination of soil and groundwater is mi- field and means to mitigate the environmental Part of the deliverable of Radom PA was a study which may affect health of the local community grating primarily to the Adriatic Sea. From there hazard. Some studies have specifically assessed called “Analysis of the Current State of Soil and the quality of drinking water. it may enter the food chain through fish and the impact of the brownfield contamination on and Buildings Located in the Area of the For- other seafood. Thus the pollution of the marine natural living environment – terrestrial and ma- mer Power Plant in the Northern Part of Ra- Bydgoszcz PA revealed the level of groundwater environment may not only create a health issue rine ecosystems. In most cases the risk assess- dom, in Mazovian Voivodship, as well as Their contamination with toxic chemicals and its di- but also cause an economic decline of the local ment link (contamination source-path-receptor) Potential Environment and Health Risks”. The rect impact on the local communities in several fishing industry. has proved an adverse effect of the contamina- research identified that the contamination of villages, located downstream of the contamina- tion on the quality of natural living environment. soil could have a negative impact on the over- tion sources. The study has also pointed out that Mitigating social inequalities all health of the local community through dis- the contamination with those chemicals is dis- Health and well-being of the local community persion of the shallow contamination present in persed by the air and to some extend by storm Development of housing estates in a direct vi- the ground. Furthermore, potential hazardous water. Therefore, even if the local communities cinity of a major employer, such an as large in- The natural living environment affects human materials present in derelict buildings such as are informed about the significant health haz- dustrial plant was perceived in the past as a health and well-being. Urban green spaces can asbestos fibres, could also affect negatively the ard associated with drinking the contaminated good planning practice. The communities did help with stress recovery, provide opportunities quality of the air. water, the results of inventory shows that they not have to travel far to work and the organ- to relax and perform physical activities and im- are still using it in everyday life. Their health is isation has an adequate supply of workforce. prove the quality of the air. The environment Before proceed to the remediation, Solec Ku- also affected by the quality of the air, and the The quality of the environment had not been provides also valuable resources – water, food, jawski identified the impact of the contam- contact with the ground. Therefore the ground perceived as an impediment in such an arrange- etc. That’s why any environmental damage ination of the former railway sleepers plant tests will be performed and risk analysis done. ment. The social problem had become evident Furthermore, the toxic chemicals may accumu- with the plants’ closures and growing awareness late in the food chain, which impacts not only of the pollution impact on human health. Such health of the people but also their economic a situation has been encountered in the Radom status, rendering any agricultural or farming PA. The inhabitants of nearby Pionki housing es- activities in those area a non-viable economic tate have been left not only without the major option for the village communities. employer but also without a fundamental infra- structure supporting their social activities and One of the Veneto Region’s deliverable was a connecting them with other parts of the city. study of an innovative method of assessing soil This situation creates social inequalities among contamination with volatile organic compounds the city community with the housing estate in (VOCs) through measurement of the chemicals Pionki being stigmatised as an inferior place concentration in indoor air. The first set of re- for living. Mitigation of those inequalities have sults indicated temperature-related accumula- been addressed in the Radom Strategic Action tion of the VOCs inside buildings located in the Plan prepared within the PA through recommen- studied area, creating a risk for public health. dation of the brownfield site and infrastructure The subsequent data and detailed software sustainable redevelopment. modelling proved that the concentration is too small to have an impact on people’s health. To some extend the social inequalities have also been addressed by the Bydgoszcz PA. The pro- Apart from environmental studies performed at ject points out that the local communities point the Celje site, the project has also conducted out that the contamination has significantly im-
Schutterstock an inventory of hazardous waste present in the pacted their quality of life, not just in terms of
4 5 Social Sustainability Measures Social Sustainability Measures
itation. Another value delivered by the project avoiding the unnecessary duplication of anal- ommended to maintain their involvement and includes structured approach to stakeholders’ ysis, understanding expectations of those who established path of communication between identification, engagement and communication could significantly impact the planning process various departments within the municipal ad- with the local communities. and learning from experience of others. ministration beyond the project’s lifetime.
The PA studies and outcomes concerning plan- The stakeholders varied in each FUA. Apart The Celje PA involved contact with various sci- ning solutions for the brownfield redevelopment from a group of 14 Associated Partners (AP), entific institutions and governmental agencies have in most cases only general conceptual ap- the project involved land owners, enterprises, only. The discussions among the stakeholders proach. More detailed studies, involving inven- municipal companies, foundations and non-gov- have enabled to develop the innovative method tory of existing infrastructure was conducted ernmental organisations, regional and govern- of site remediation. Furthermore, the presence in Radom and Rijeka. Probably one of the most ment agencies, universities, religious commu- of national regulators ensured that the pro- advanced and detailed planning of the FUA was nities and groups of residents. The engagement posed method will be accepted by the decision encountered in Solec Kujawski PA. Despite the of the local communities and group of residents makers. fact that the studied area has an excellent lo- will be addressed in subsequent chapter as the cation in the city centre and great commercial communication with them was conducted by The Radom PA has strongly emphasised the im- potential, the local institutions have already slightly different approach. portance of strong relationship between the designated the site for recreational purposes. regional institution (ARM SA) and the local au- Every Pilot Action concluded the importance of thorities (the City of Radom) and relatively low Sustainable socio-economic development the stakeholders’ engagement in the process of interest of other stakeholders. The cooperation research and preparation of the final outcomes. with the City of Radom was an important and a The studied brownfield sites are frequently lo- Some projects though indicated the challeng- fruitful lesson for the Pilot Action leader. The lo- cated in the city centres. Rehabilitation of those es concerning identification and engagement of cal authorities gave their active support to the sites bring many benefits to the society as demon- the stakeholders. project and provided valuable help with their strated in this review. Example includes reduced City of Venice LP emphasized strong coopera- extensive experience in implementing projects urban sprawl, improved identity with the city, tion with the local partners and stakeholders, concerning social and economic rehabilitation. growth of employment rate, reduced crime and although not without some initial challenges. Another lessons learned by the Radom project overall improvement of the quality of life. The project concluded that many stakehold- was the importance of proper communication ers had different interest in the area (different with private owners. Similarly the Solec Ku- Schutterstock Both: The Strategic Action Plans and the Com- land ownership, land management competenc- jawski PA has emphasised strong commitment mon transferability manual that will be pre- es partly owned by local, regional and national and support from the local authorities and the health but also in terms of dilapidating infra- pared at the end of the Pilot Actions will address administrations, etc) and future actions should importance of cooperation with private land structure and economic decline in the area. The the socio-economic context of the planning ensure synergy between the City of Venice and owners. project, however, has not envisaged mitigating process. The sustainable planning involves de- other stakeholders. On the other hand the Pro- social inequalities but monitoring environmen- tailed in-depth knowledge of the environmental ject Partner – City of Venice officials - high- Probably one of the most challenging task con- tal impact. and social aspects and appropriate structured lighted how the implementation of the Pilot Ac- cerning stakeholders’ engagement had the Ri- methodology of stakeholders’ engagement. tion required a considerable commitment that jeka PA. Altogether over 60 stakeholders have Governance strongly contrasts with insufficient amount of been identified and contacted throughout the Intangible Social Values staff present in the offices. Pilot Action – representatives of private sector, Sustainable development requires public admin- of the Pilot Actions local and national regulators and various institu- istration to be effective, transparent, account- Another challenge concerning the engagement tions. In order to manage such a large group of able and democratic4. The PAs addressed the Stakeholders’ identification and engagement of the stakeholders was reported by the project people they were organised into smaller themat- governance aspect mainly through the delivery partner Isw in Halle. The challenge was mainly ic groups. Such an arrangement proved to be the of database and effective management tools One of the fundamental principal of the pro- related to identifying private land owners of the key success of the project’s management as in for sustainable planning of brownfield rehabil- ject was identifying and engaging stakeholders brownfield sites due to data protection regula- those smaller groups the stakeholders became in- at every milestone of the project. The partic- tions. Nevertheless, despite initial obstacles, volved in research preparation, data collection, 4 Wu Hongbo, UN DESA’s Under-Secre- ipation of the stakeholders ensured enhanced the project leaders managed to determine all data analysis, and discussion on potential actions tary-General, opening speach of the 13th ses- quality of the outcomes by implementing strat- the analysed site’s owners. Subsequently a net- and results. They have also actively participated sion of the UN Committee of Experts on Public egies that improve local relevance and value, work has been created that connects and inte- in trainings, work meetings, study visits and oth- Administration (CEPA) grates various stakeholders. It was strongly rec- er events. The stakeholders’ contribution proved
6 7 Social Sustainability Measures Social Sustainability Measures
to be extremely valuable to the project’s out- vative, very demanding Planning For Real meth- created an opportunity to conduct a set of sur- Schutterstock comes. In fact, according to the project leader od (PFR). Public consultations were conducted veys on understanding the projects goals by the their involvement can be set as a model for other with the residents of three housing estates lo- local citizens. The results showed that access to projects and should definitely be continued after cated near the degraded area. The consultation communication with the local community was completion of the project. Furthermore, for the process was summarized in the document called generally appropriate and successful. first time individuals and various organisations at “Report on the process of social participation re- a local and national level had joined to work on garding the post-industrial area at Energetyków Education and knowledge transfer the future plan for the port. Street in Radom”, which has become an excel- lent public participation guide and a set of best Education and knowledge transfer deliver sus- The Bydgoszcz PA has also gained a great deal practices in community involvement process. tainable values at all levels of the projects. through the engagement with stakeholders. The The know-how transfer was one of the key ten- stakeholders showed interest in the project, The public consultations were also conducted et of the project. Each of the Pilot Actions had provided valuable information and documents in the Solec Kujawski PA. The representatives performed slightly different activities but only used as a source of database and proper design of nearby housing estates were concerned with through the know-how transfer the findings and of the monitoring system. the odour of hydrocarbons, especially creosols, conclusions could be collated and analysed by a which was particularly intensive in summer- group of panel experts to deliver state-of-the- Local community participation time. art recommendations. For example, a group of environmental professionals could learn from Successful adoption of a sustainable develop- The Bydgoszcz PA reported overall negative atti- each other about various solutions to mitigate ment planning paradigm requires the support of tude of citizens towards the municipal activities certain type of contamination. An innovative the local community5. A strong public participa- including GreenerSites actions and their reluc- and cost-effective remediation method ap- tion ensures that the planning process and its tance for participation in the project. Generally, plied in one place could be repeated on oth- outcome are representative of the community. the local community required actions on a much er brownfield sites. The information exchange The local communities involvement and par- larger scale that would clean up the entire pol- had various forms – apart from direct electronic ticipation has been achieved by direct discus- lution and improve the groundwater quality in communication - a series of working meetings, sions with some local communities, participa- their villages. workshops, trainings and study visits were con- tion/organising regional conferences, seminars, ducted within the project. They served to ex- Finally, professional training of all the Project events, preparation and distribution of book- The Rijeka PAs involved the local community in change experiences between participants, to Partners on the issues of brownfield management lets, leaflets and other promotional material (in the process of research and preparation of the gather best practices and to support the devel- and outcomes of the project was conducted with- paper and digital form) as well as setting up a Strategic Action Plans. The project leaders or- opment of materials and tools. in the scheme. The training sessions were also dedicated webpages to each of the Pilot Actions ganised a series of local events and trainings organised around specific thematic sessions such and the overall GreenerSites project. that briefed citizens and stakeholders on the Equally important is gaining knowledge from the as environmental legislation, sustainable reme- current activities, project purpose, results of engagement with stakeholders and local com- diation technologies, and local marketing strat- Direct engagement of the local communities the research, opportunities and examples of munities. Several projects partners (Municiapli- egies for brownfields. Additionally, some Project has been conducted by Radom, Solec Kujawski, best practices. This resulted in a strong interest ty of Celje, City of Bydgoszcz, ARM Sa, Munici- Partners also visited other European brownfield Bydgoszcz and Rijeka PAs. of both target groups: the stakeholders and the pality of Solec Kujawski, and the City and Port development projects representing state-of-the- local citizens. The motivation and involvement of Rijeka) pointed out how contacts with the art, best European practice solutions. Example Probably the most structural form of the dis- of the local community in seeking solutions for stakeholders became an invaluable education- includes representatives of the Venice munici- cussions with the local communities had taken rehabilitation of area has been considered to be al experience. The stakeholders not only deliv- palities visiting redeveloped ports in France and place in the Radom PA. Dealing with a deep so- one of the project’s great added value. ered important information but also helped to Germany. The training sessions were very well cial exclusion of the area inhabitants and their solve problems, find solutions and even assisted received among the institutions. Many pointed supposed negative attitude created a require- The project partners in Rijeka as well as in Halle with developing innovative remediation meth- out that staff training should become an insti- ment to choose a proper and efficient consul- and Venice had organised a series of conferenc- ods. Venice partners reported on the efficien- tutionalised best practice measurement for all tation method. The adopted solution included a es to involve public representatives in the pro- cy of cooperation between Veneto Region and projects involving municipalities. combination of different methods and an inno- jects. The partner in Halle organised two larger both: the City of Venice and the Port Authori- “future forums” attended by approximately 100 ty of Venice which gave opportunities to share 5 Healey P, Shaw T, 1997, “Planners, local inhabitants to speak about further devel- experiences and gain wider view of the overall plans and sustainable development’’ Regional opment of the area. The conferences had also project implementation. Studies 27, 769 - 776
8 9 Social Sustainability Measures
Lessons learned from the Pilot Actions Involvement of the local communities has concerning sustainable social values proved to be invaluable part of the project. Some PAs contacted directly the local communi- The project has delivered social sustainability ties, whereas others used various events to ex- value on two levels: through research and diag- change knowledge and obtain opinion from the nosis outputs and through a specific approach to local citizens. Furthermore, the project was the project management. widely communicated through various media and publications. In most cases the community The Pilot Actions concentrated their study on involvement brought many positive outcomes. understanding factors that could impact the Some of the PAs though (in Venice, Solec Ku- quality of life of the local communities. Among jawski) indicated that the community engage- the relevant factors it was recognised that the ment should be greater and conducted in a existing brownfields could affect health and more structured, professional form. Such a pro- well-being of the citizens living nearby and in fessional public consultation was conducted in some instances their sense of social equality. Radom The outcomes of the meetings with the The quality of life, however, is a multifold con- local communities have been published in a re- cept that involves individuals, society, govern- port, which can be used as an excellent public ance and economic factors. Therefore, the PA participation guide and a set of best practices research on other topics, such as a feasibility of for this subject on other projects. economic development, helping with the plan- ning process and even impact of contamination Finally knowledge transfer can be considered on a wildlife are all indirectly affecting the so- an important educational aspect of the project. cial aspect of sustainable development. The knowledge transfer had a structured, pre- defined character proving strong understand- Another important social value was the cooper- ing of this issue by the project leaders in the ation between local partners and stakeholders. context of relevance to delivering sustainable The participation of the stakeholders ensured values at all levels. Transferring of knowledge enhanced quality of the outcomes by imple- among stakeholders, project executors and in- menting strategies that improve local relevance stitutions in form of planned meetings, train- and value, avoiding the unnecessary duplica- ings and preparation of common tools helped tion of analysis, understanding expectations of all project participants to become more effec- those who could significantly impact the plan- tive with sustainability deliverables. ning process and learning from experience of others. Overall, all of the PAs reported strong The brownfield sites can sometimes carry histor- added value from the cooperation with stake- ic legacy – whether physical in form of historic holders, some of which – through innovative buildings and structures on site or psychological approach- could be used as a model for future - in the eyes of the local communities. Tapping stakeholders’ engagement. Many leaders have on the historic and cultural legacy enhances also pointed out that established communica- identification of the local citizens with the city. tion network of various institutions, govern- Although none of the FUA studied within the mental and non-governmental agencies should Pilot Actions represented any cultural value, be carried on beyond the project’s lifetime it is worth considering to enlist such indicator for a successful planning and development of among future projects that aim to deliver sus- brownfield sites. tainable institutional and social values.
10 Conclusions Conclusions
The objective of the GreenerSites project was been applied and are the results of the pilot pro- to improve the environmental management of ject. Long-term benefits, however, should not be brownfield sites across Central and Eastern Eu- overlooked as they frequently form the goal of rope through the definition of strategies & tools all of the actions undertaken. based on a sustainable integrated approach to make involved Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) Sustainable economic value has been delivered cleaner, healthier & more liveable places. Over- through a research and diagnosis, databases all, GreenerSites Project Partners selected eight and preparation of management tools for the sites for further analysis within the Pilot Action institutions. All of the research outputs of the projects. The national share is as follows: Italy PAs bring tangible economic value as they re- (1), Germany (2), Poland (3), Slovenia (1), and quire a concrete financial investment to gain Croatia (1). knowledge on current status of the brownfield and measures that should be applied in the sus- The project aims to improve the brownfield tainable rehabilitation of the sites. Intangible management by delivering sustainable values economic value of the research has also been through research and diagnosis, delivering data- proven scientifically where the return on such bases and tools for better strategic planning of investment over a longer period can bring sig- the brownfield sites development by the institu- nificant financial gains and savings. tions. The construction of the project itself had a goal to magnify the key findings and effects Some of the project partners (City of Venice, of activities at the local and European level by Isw, City of Rijeka and ARM SA) have conduct- know-how transfer and stakeholders’ engage- ed studies on specific economic measures that ment. The project was implemented through 11 should be taken to rehabilitate the sites. The re- Pilot Actions. Each Pilot Action was designed to sults of the analyses and recommendations have complement each other in order to address all been shared with other project partners and can of the sustainability pillars. Thus a number of be applied universally to other sites. For exam- actions concentrated its activities on economic ple, the City of Venice PA has studied an inno- development, others on institutional, environ- vative fiscal approach to encourage financial in- mental and social development. The findings of vestment of the private sector on the brownfield all the activities will then be collated in a series sites. Isw in Halle on the other hand proposed a of documents such as a FUA specific Strategic set of factors that not only could improve mar- Action Plans and Common transferability man- ketability of the sites but also allow to estab- ual for sustainable environmental brownfield lish a hierarchy for prioritising the development management. The project has delivered both: process. Equally important in terms of economic tangible and intangible sustainable values to the value was delivering databases, some in form of analysed FUAs creating short and long term ben- Web-GIS, and tools such as remediation meth- efits. The magnitude of those benefits cannot be ods, Strategic Action Plans and the Common assessed over a short term period. The effects Transferability Manual to improve the process of of generating database and tools, trainings and planning and rehabilitation of brownfields. know-how transfer, provided during the course of the project, can only be determined over a As far as the institutional aspect of the sustainable longer period. The analysis of sustainable val- value is concerned, the project conducted a se- ues delivered by the project has concentrated ries of research on economic, social, institution- on evaluation of short-term measures that have al and environmental status of the studied FUAs
2 3 Conclusions Conclusions
and delivered database and tools for effective in- munities from the identified contamination and Finally, knowledge transfer can be considered dations of the PAs may indeed provide excel- stitutional management of brownfield sites. The recommending most appropriate, cost-effective an important educational aspect of the project, lent, reasonable and cost-effective solutions research on factors specific to institutions includ- and innovative methods of remediation. supporting social sustainability added value. but those solutions may contrast with envi- ed: analysis of local law and regulations, owner- The knowledge transfer had a structured, pre- ronmental law in other countries and there- ship structure, existing databases, management Most of the Pilot Actions have concentrated defined character proving strong understanding fore may not become the universal solutions of brownfield sites and planning practices. The their activities on direct on-site environmental of this issue by the project leaders in the con- as emphasised by the PAs. research has revealed that there is no clear defi- studies whereas some of the PAs have acted as text of relevance to delivering sustainable val- nition of a brownfield site across the countries support agents to deliver important tools for ues at all levels. Social/Project Management Measures involved in the project, or the definition does the management of the contamination. The pi- not exist in national regulations. This implies a lot actions that concentrated their studies on Prevalence of brownfield sites across Europe has 4. The planning process should be conducted considerable hindrance to the brownfield devel- site investigation have also considerably dif- directly shown the necessity of strategic actions with active engagement of local commu- opment. The lack of clear definition and regu- fered in their approach. Some, like in Venice, with the ultimate goal of sustainable urban devel- nities. State-imposed regulations promote lations have caused the inconsistency of data Radom and Rijeka specialised in a profound as- opment of cities and municipalities. The Green- passive involvement by narrowing down the management among the institutions. Frequently sessment of one area from an environmental, erSites project has comprehensively addressed communication to public presentations and the information on brownfield sites kept by the social, institutional and economic perspective this challenge by delivering valuable information announcements on the institutions web pag- local regulators was incomplete, inconsistent and whereas the investigation conducted in Solec and concrete sets of professional measures to es. The community engagement should be stored among various institutions. Furthermore, Kujawski, Bydgoszcz and Celje aimed at recog- the institutions responsible for the rehabilita- based on best practice guidelines. due to data protection regulations, the institu- nising mainly the environmental status of the tion of the brownfield sites. Nevertheless, the tions were unwilling to provide any information sites and its impact on local communities and project has also revealed potential obstacles in 5. Similarly, stakeholders’ engagement should on brownfield sites that belong to private owners. surrounding sites. As a result, the project gen- such redevelopment and issues related to project be conducted in accordance with professional The effective redevelopment thus requires some erated not just detailed information on existing management that should be considered when best practice guidelines. Those tools should changes of existing regulations and creation of a environmental status but also developed unique implementing similar projects or continuing the be delivered to the project leaders before single local unit responsible for maintaining data/ remediation techniques that can be applied on GreenerSites project. The most important as- commencing the project. Such a structured, brownfield management. Despite those challeng- sites with similar environmental concerns. pects pointed out by the Pilot Actions are: methodological approach will increase the es, the PAs managed to delivered valuable data- chances of delivering positive outcomes re- bases that contained information concerning lo- The project delivered the social sustainable Institutional Measures sulting from the stakeholders’ engagement. cation of brownfields in studied FUA, ownership value by conducting research on the quality structure, environmental status and stakeholders of life of the local communities. The PAs have 1. The need for specific regulations on brown- 6. The training sessions conducted within the for each FUA. Some of the information has been addressed such issues as: natural living envi- field sites should be articulated at a nation- Pilot Actions were very well received among presented in form of Web-GIS mapping which can ronment, health and safety, mitigating social al level. There is a clear lack of regulations the institutions. Such a structured training be combined with other database that is already inequalities, governance and socio-economic promoting inclusive growth, appointing ded- ought to be considered as an institutionalised in the hands of the institutions such as the cadas- development. The research has proved that in- icated institution for data collection and an best practice measurement for all projects tral information, location of valuable, protected deed the contamination identified on the stud- integrated approach to ensure effective en- involving municipalities. habitats, etc. providing an important tool for the ied brownfield may have an impact on health vironmental management of brownfield sites. whole city development. and comfort of the people living near those Local regulations may not suffice as some PAs 7. The brownfield sites can sometimes carry sites. The abandoned post-industrial areas have demonstrated. historic legacy – whether physical in form of The project has delivered not only valuable in- also created social inequalities among commu- historic buildings and structures on site or formation and database to the institutions but nities living near those areas. 2. The Web-GIS should be adjusted to national psychological - in the eyes of the local com- also presented clear guidance and action plans regulations that follow the INSPIRE Directive. munities. Tapping on the historic and cultur- demonstrating a strategic approach to spatial Equally important social sustainability value The developed software has many potentials al legacy enhances identification of the local planning and land rehabilitation with a proac- delivered by the project was the stakeholders’ but only when it follows a particular set of citizens with the city. Although none of the tive engagement of stakeholders and local com- identification and engagement. The participation legislative requirements and hindrances. Ex- FUA studied within the pilot actions repre- munities. of the stakeholders, including local communities ample includes some data protection. sented any cultural value, it is worth consid- ensured enhanced quality of the outcomes by ering to enlist such indicator among future The sustainable environmental value of the pro- implementing strategies that improve local rele- Environmental Measures environmental projects that aim to deliver jects has been achieved by delivering information vance and value, avoiding the unnecessary dupli- sustainable institutional and social values. on environmental conditions, provision of databas- cation of analysis, understanding expectations of 3. The project should involve at least partial es and risk management systems to the institution, those who could significantly impact the planning assessment of applicable environmental reg- studying potential health hazards of the local com- process and learning from experience of others. ulations on national levels. Some recommen-
4 5 Conclusions Conclusions
Summary Sustainable Measures
LP PP2 PP3 PP4 PP5 PP6 PP7/PP10 PP8 PP9 PP11 City of Venice ISW / Halle Celje Mazovian District/ Solec Kujawski Veneto Rijeka Venice Port Bydgoszcz Magdeburg Radom Financial and economic analyses Improvement of marketing strategy Databases Innovative remediation methods measures economic Sustainable Strategic Action Plans & Guidlines Know-how transfer and stakeholders engagement Analysis of local law and regulations Analysis of ownership structure and key stakeholders Analysis of existing databases Analysis of existing management of brownfield sites Analysis of existing planning strategies measures Sustainable institutional Provision of databases Development of Web-GIS Provision of management tools and management systems Environmental research and diagnosis Provision of remediation methods Provision of environmental databases
measures Provision of environmental procedures Sustainable environmental Monitoring and risk management systems Natural living environment Health and safety of the local communities Mitigating social inequalities Governance
social Sustainable socio-economic development measures Sustainable Stakeholders identification and engagement Local community participation Education and knowledge transfer
6 7