References
We've already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Hazardous Waste
UPS Settles with EPA to Correct Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations Nationwide (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oct. 19, 2022)
“EPA’s consent agreement and final order with UPS resolves violations of hazardous waste regulations, including failure to make land disposal determinations, and conduct proper on-site management of hazardous waste, among other requirements. The company has 36 months to come into compliance across 1,160 locations and will pay a civil penalty of $5,323,008. UPS generates hazardous waste regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when a package containing certain hazardous materials is damaged, as well as during day-to-day operations such as maintenance.”
More than 80% of US Waterways Contaminated by “Forever Chemicals” (The Guardian, Oct. 18, 2022)
“Most of America’s waterways are likely contaminated by toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, a new study conducted by US water keepers finds. The Waterkeeper Alliance analysis found detectable PFAS levels in 95 out of 114, or 83%, of waterways tested across 34 states and the District of Columbia, and frequently at levels that exceed federal and state limits.”
Downpours from Ian Prompt Florida Treatment Plant to Release Waste (The New York Times, Sep. 29, 2022)
“As of Thursday afternoon, excess water from Hurricane Ian had prompted at least a dozen wastewater treatment facilities in Florida to discharge either raw or partially treated waste, which can contain bacteria or other disease-causing organisms as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphates, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.”
Impact on Property Value & Other Issues
A Long-Forgotten Toxic Dump Site is Raising New Worries for this Los Angeles Neighborhood (Los Angeles Times, Apr. 30, 2022)
“However, testing done at the property in late 2021 revealed levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that were more than 4,000 times higher than what is recommended for residential standards. The compounds included the dry cleaning solvent tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says may harm the nervous system, reproductive system, liver and kidneys, and may possibly cause cancer.”
Impact of ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Real Estate Transactions (Reuters, Mar. 11, 2022)
“There has been much coverage of PFAS, the "forever chemicals," in the past year. These emerging contaminants have spiked concern because of their pervasiveness in the environment and our relatively limited understanding of their impacts on human health. And while it seems there are more questions than answers surrounding PFAS as of now, the growing awareness of their detrimental impact could lead to increased environmental regulations and future liabilities for the real estate industry as these forever chemicals seem to live on in building materials and ground substances.”
Residential Zoning at Former Monsanto Site Dangerous for Future Homebuyers (The Daily Herald, Jul. 18, 2021)
“Unsuspecting property and/or home buyers need to be made aware of the health hazards and dangers that they may be exposing themselves and their families to if they purchase homes and property on the Monsanto footprint in Columbia. They also may purchase homes and properties that cannot preserve their investment value much less gain any appreciation. The resale value of their homes and properties may take a nosedive once potential buyers discover the land is the site of current Superfund sites and a former chemical plant that buried hazardous, toxic and contaminated wastes that are still there today.”
Brownfields: The Basics & Appraisal Techniques
Atlanta Outlines Efforts to Redevelop Brownfield Sites with EPA Funds (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Oct. 19, 2022)
“President Joe Biden’s recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law paved the way for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to award Atlanta a $3.9 million Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant in May. The funds go into effect this month, and Atlanta wants to give loans to property owners and grants to nonprofits willing to cleanup brownfields — land unfit for redevelopment due to potential pollution, such as former gas stations or industrial sites.”
Marshall Brownfields Expert Tells Congressional Committee About Importance of Revitalizing Sites (The Herald-Dispatch, Oct. 2, 2022)
“The director discussed the center’s experience with brownfields and the importance of redeveloping such sites. The EPA says a brownfield is a “property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.”
Brownfields of Dreams: Indy Competes for $75 Million to Turn Abandoned Sites into Food Processing, Manufacturing Havens (Indianapolis Business Journal, Mar. 18, 2022)
“Two long-abandoned brownfields and two local industries – manufacturing and food processing – could soon see a $90 million overhaul. City-county government and a coalition of local institutions and community organizations this week completed a final round of applications for a national economic development competition that could end in a federal 80/20 match of up to $75 million.”
Brownfields: A Look at Designations, Funding, and Usage (Environment, Health, and Safety, May 25, 2021)
“Brownfields’ designations come from local and state governments. Although specific procedures vary from state to state, there are basically two paths to receive a brownfield designation in order to receive federal and state aid to capitalize on the reuse of brownfield property.”
Web Resources
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Brownfields (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Superfund (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
NAR Talking Points: How to Talk About Environmental Issues (National Association of REALTORS®)
Smart Growth: A Toolkit for REALTORS® (National Association of REALTORS®)
Household Hazardous Waste (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Mixed-Use Development: Nine Case Studies of Complex Projects (eBook)
Land Development (eBook)
Pollution and Property (eBook)
Sustainable Property Development (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Property Values and Environmental Factors Special Edition (San Diego, CA: American Real Estate Society, 2014) NAC1565 Am3
Environmental Hazards and Residential Property Values: Evidence from a Major Pipeline Event (Bellingham, WA: Western Washington University, 2006) NAC 1565 H19
Greenfields, Brownfields and Housing Development (Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers, 2002) NAC 852 A1
Turning Bases into Great Places: New Life for Closed Military Facilities (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Jan. 2006)
Valuing Contaminated Properties: An Appraisal Institute Anthology (Chicago, IL: Appraisal Institute, 2002) HD1389.5.U6 V36 2002
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.