Brownfield Redevelopment: Engineering and Environmental Coordination

Cleaning up the past to build Florida’s future.

Redeveloping brownfield sites in Florida presents unique challenges—and major opportunities. Whether it's a former industrial site, abandoned gas station, or underused urban lot, these properties often require both environmental remediation and strategic site planning to become viable for development.

At RSP Engineers, we understand the critical intersection of environmental regulations and civil design. In this article, we walk you through how engineering and environmental coordination supports brownfield redevelopment, from due diligence through final permitting.

What Is a Brownfield Site?

A brownfield is a property where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence—or potential presence—of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. In Florida, brownfields are officially designated under the Florida Brownfields Redevelopment Act, which encourages cleanup and reuse through incentives, liability protections, and grants.

Key Phases of Brownfield Redevelopment

Phase	Activities	Engineering/Environmental Role
Phase I ESA	Historical review, site visit, records research	Identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs)
Phase II ESA	Soil, groundwater, vapor testing	Quantify contamination levels and determine risk
Remediation Planning	Cleanup method selection, FDEP coordination	Integrate cleanup into development timelines
Site Design + Permitting	Stormwater, grading, utility layouts	Ensure design avoids impacted areas or includes protective systems
Construction Oversight	Soil management, contractor coordination	Verify compliance with cleanup goals during build-out

Permitting for Brownfield Sites in Florida

Permitting a brownfield site involves coordination with multiple agencies:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) – for contamination and remediation plans

• Local building and zoning departments – for development approvals

• South Florida or regional water management districts – for stormwater permits

• EPA (in federally funded or particularly complex sites)

Because of potential contamination, designs may also trigger stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and Environmental Resource Permits (ERP). Close alignment between environmental and civil teams is essential.

How Engineers and Environmental Consultants Coordinate

Civil and environmental professionals must work hand-in-hand. Here’s how RSP Engineers approaches this:

• Shared data from environmental reports is integrated into site grading and utility design.

• Contaminated soil locations are avoided or capped in final design.

• Stormwater systems are routed away from impacted zones.

• Structural elements (like foundations) are adjusted based on fill quality or cleanup status.

This coordination helps keep projects compliant, cost-efficient, and on schedule.

Why Brownfield Redevelopment Is Worth It

Despite the additional steps, brownfields offer several advantages:

• Access to prime locations in urban or underutilized areas

• Financial incentives including tax credits and state grants

• Liability protections under Florida’s Brownfields Site Rehabilitation Agreements (BSRA)

When executed correctly, brownfield projects can be a win for both developers and communities.

Conclusion: Turn Challenges into Opportunity

Brownfield redevelopment isn't just about cleaning up a site—it's about unlocking its potential through smart engineering and environmental strategy. At RSP Engineers, we bring both disciplines together from day one to ensure Florida brownfield projects meet regulatory standards and development goals alike.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between Phase I and Phase II ESA?

  Phase I identifies potential environmental concerns, while Phase II includes physical testing to confirm contamination. Read more in our Phase I ESA blog post.

• Are brownfield sites eligible for development in Florida?

  Yes. The FDEP Brownfields Program provides regulatory pathways and incentives to encourage redevelopment. More on Florida’s program.

• Who is responsible for cleanup costs?

  Liability can be mitigated through Florida’s brownfield agreements, especially if the developer did not cause the contamination.

• Can civil site design proceed before cleanup is complete?

  Sometimes. In many cases, civil design can proceed in parallel with remediation planning if both teams coordinate early.

• What are typical contaminants in Florida brownfield sites?

  Petroleum, solvents, arsenic, and heavy metals are common depending on site history.

Environmental Redevelopment with Confidence

RSP Engineers delivers civil and environmental coordination for Florida brownfield projects. From contamination assessments to build-ready plans, we help developers move forward with confidence.