Site Assessment
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Infrastructure Considerations Feedback
The presence and condition of suitable infrastructure (for example, roads, buildings, utilities, etc.) is an important element for successful revitalization. Revitalization teams should complete a detailed analysis of the existing infrastructure. The review should focus on the current condition of the infrastructure; the suitability of using portions or all of the existing infrastructure for the new site use; the quality of the materials used to construct the components of the infrastructure; future tenant requirements; and site specific environmental and engineering requirements.
Additionally, infrastructure requirements can be considered in concert with developing an environmental risk management approach. Examples include:
- Using a roadway as a cap to minimize exposure to residual contamination
- Factoring the extent and distribution of contaminants in infrastructure and facility design. For example, matching excavation design specifications to building design specifications to maximize or minimize the removal of contaminated soil
- Using infrastructure funding to co-fund environmental remediation
At sites with existing or planned cleanup, additional consideration will be required to determine infrastructure requirements necessary to accommodate those activities. Recent developments in urban planning promote the incorporation of environmental cleanup systems in revitalization plans. Such efforts may require specific infrastructure to support their operation and should consider the following facotrs:
- Handling and disposal of liquid, vapor, and solid waste generated
- Regulatory requirements associated with treatment, storage, disposal, and discharge
- Safety of the operation relative to planned reuse
- Increased infrastructure capacity and operational requirements
- Required institutional and engineering controls maintained in a manner that assures the regulatory agencies that they will remain protective as long as needed