Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields
A brownfield site is any real property where a contaminant is present at levels exceeding the soil cleanup objectives or other health-based or environmental standards, criteria or guidance adopted by DEC that are applicable based on the reasonably anticipated use of the property, in accordance with applicable regulations.
DEC's mission to promote and regulate environmental cleanup and safe brownfield redevelopment is accomplished through programs of the Division of Environmental Remediation.
Promoting Site Cleanups
Technical Guidance and Policy on Investigations and Cleanups Overseen by DEC
- Environmental Cleanup Policy and Guidance
- Brownfield and Superfund Regulation
- 6 NYCRR Subpart 375-6.8: Soil Cleanup Objective Tables (link leaves DEC website)
Site-specific Information
- Environmental Cleanup Projects in Your Region - projects under DEC oversight listed by New York State regions.
- Environmental Site Database Search - Search for information on all sites in DEC's cleanup programs.
- Calendar of Site Public Meetings and Comment Periods - All scheduled public meetings and comment periods for contaminated sites in DEC's cleanup programs.
Looking for More Information?
- Owners of commercial and residential fuel oil tanks located in flood-prone areas should take precautions to minimize risk for flooding of the tank:
- Preparing for Storms/Flooding: Owners of Fuel Oil Tanks
- New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) What Homeowners Need to Know About Fuel Oil Spills and Flooding (PDF, 100KB, this link downloads a PDF from the NYSDOH's website)
- NYSDOH - Preparing for Storms & Weathering Floods and Power Outages (link leaves DEC's website)
- New York State Office of Emergency Management - Flood Safety Tips (link leaves DEC's website)
- NYS Brownfield Programs Email List - Sign up with DEC Delivers to receive brownfield news and notifications from DEC via email (check the "Hazardous Waste and Cleanup" box)
- Contaminated Sites Email List - Sign up with DEC Delivers to receive information about contaminated sites in your county via email.
- Brownfield Redevelopment Toolbox - A Guide to Assist Communities in Redeveloping New York State's Brownfields (PDF) (1.21 mB, 45 page).
Contaminated Sites Email Listservs
DEC's Division of Environmental Remediation is committed to informing and involving the public during the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites being addressed under the State's various remedial programs. As a listserv member, you will periodically receive site-related information/announcements for all contaminated sites in the counties you select. DEC invites you to receive site information by email by signing up at the appropriate county listserv(s), which can be found on the page titled Contaminated Sites Emails by County.
Need to Contact Local DEC Environmental Cleanup Staff?
More about Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields:
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - chemicals, including Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
- DEC Brownfield and State Superfund Programs - An overview of the voluntary and mandatory environmental cleanup programs run by DEC.
- Environmental Site Database Search - Records of sites in DEC's environmental cleanup programs (i.e., State Superfund, Brownfield Cleanup, Spill Incidents, Bulk Storage etc.).
- Regional Remediation Project Information - Project information and reports involving cleanup programs in each Region throughout New York State.
- Environmental Data Submission - Instructions for reporting environmental data electronically to the DEC. Currently, some types of data can be submitted electronically to the Division of Environmental Remediation, the Division of Materials Management and the Division of Water.
- Chemical and Petroleum Spills - Information on the regulatory programs and requirements for bulk storage and spill response of petroleum and chemicals.
- Remediation Procurement Opportunities - Contracts advertised for bids by the DEC, Division of Environmental Remediation.
- Brownfield Cleanup Program Tax Credit Eligibility and Rates - Sensible reforms to catalyze redevelopment while providing the means to improve the environment and clean up contaminated sites.
- Environmental Cleanup Success Stories - These success stories highlight a wide range of reuses that will greatly improve New York's economic and ecological landscape.
