Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) commonly known as the Superfund Law — certain property owners and operators may be liable for environmental contamination, past and present. 
A Brownfield is a property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Common Brownfield sites in South Carolina include:

• Former textile mills
• Former service stations
• Former landfills
• Dry cleaners
• Industrial facilities

Through South Carolina’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, SCDES provides a structured pathway for environmental assessment, remediation, and liability protection for eligible Non-Responsible Parties. With proper investigation and cleanup planning in place, these sites can be safely returned to productive use.

Brownfields redevelopment encourages reinvestment in land that already has infrastructure in place — instead of developing untouched and undeveloped “greenfield” sites.

Redevelopment can:

• Return abandoned properties to local tax rolls
• Create jobs and attract private investment
• Expand parks and recreational space
• Support workforce housing
• Revitalize distressed or rural communities
• Eliminate environmental hazards
• Preserve historic structures and community character

Brownfields revitalization is both an environmental protection strategy and an economic development tool.