Planning in Progress

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

As part of the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) ongoing commitment to advancing brownfield assessment, remediation, and redevelopment in the state, the department hosted a three-part webinar series in June. Entitled “From Due Diligence to Redevelopment,” the three-part series provided information and tools to officials and community stakeholders, with sessions about environmental due diligence, the new ASTM Phase I ESA Standard, and revitalization and redevelopment.

The sessions provided attendees opportunities to learn not only essential environmental and statutory requirements for brownfield property transactions from regulatory, legal, and consultant experts, but also the chance to benefit from the redevelopment knowhow of federal, state, and real estate development specialists. Recordings of the sessions can be viewed on Planning’s website.  

Revealing the importance and broad applicability of the issues surrounding brownfields were the diversity of professions represented at the webinars, ranging from: city and regional planning; land use/transportation; and community planning and development; hydrology, geology, environmental protection and energy and conservation; architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering; business management; public/community health and epidemiology; and education and research. Moreover, participants joined from more than 30 states and parts of Canada.https://planning.maryland.gov/Pages/OurWork/envr-planning/brownfields/webinar-series-2022.aspx

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – here‘s what people are saying about the day’s programming:

“Excellent presentations from all three experts – Gary, Jeff, and Stephen, and well organized by the MD Dept. of Planning and SmartGrowth. I’ve worked in the environmental industry for over 25 years and there is always more to learn – I learned valuable facts and strategies from the webinar and very much appreciate everyone’s efforts in creating and organizing this event. Thank you.” 

“Excellent – as a geologist and consultant for 30 years it was very well done and provided big picture concepts and examples of lessons learned.  Thanks for the preparation.”   

“The information presented was very helpful, even for projects on the West Coast!” 

“This was an excellent discussion on the changes pending EPA adoption from the ASTM E1527-13 standard to the 2021 revised standard. The extensive Q&A period allowed for clarification of numerous issues.” 

“Lots of timely information for anyone involved in brownfield clean-up and remediation.” “Learning more about Section 108 financing will help with projects in my communities.

Planning would like to extend our appreciation to the exceptional presenters who contributed to making the webinar series a tremendous success!

For more information about Planning’s Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Program, please contact Sylvia Mosser, AICP, Resource Conservation Planner at syliva.mosser@maryland.gov or (410) 767-4487. Be sure to follow Planning Practice Monthly for future brownfield redevelopment events, articles, and program updates.