What is an abandoned and polluted industrial site that can be cleaned up and repurposed for commercial use called?

A brownfield site refers to an abandoned or underutilized industrial or commercial property where redevelopment is complicated by potentially hazardous contaminants. These sites typically require assessment and remediation to address environmental pollution before they can be repurposed for new commercial uses.

The concept of brownfields is significant in urban planning and environmental policy because it promotes the cleanup and revitalization of land, turning previously unproductive spaces into viable commercial areas, which can enhance economic development and community well-being.

Other site types, such as a hazardous waste site, are primarily defined by the presence of toxic substances but are not specifically focused on the potential for repurposing. A Superfund site is a type of hazardous waste site that has been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for cleanup because it poses a risk to human health or the environment, often requiring extensive government remediation efforts. A reclamation area typically refers to land that has been recovered or restored, often after mining or other disruptive activities, but it does not have the same urban redevelopment implications as brownfield sites.