Learn more about a community-wide assessment of brownfields in National City by SDSU by visiting  the Brownfields Project  or https://crs.sdsu.edu/programs/brownfields.  

Page updated 2/4/2025

 Definition of a "brownfield"

The United States Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines “a brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

Learn more about brownfields by visiting: Understanding Brownfields | US EPA or Frequently Asked Questions | US EPA 

Background 

Previously redevelopment agencies helped to revitalize local communities by spearheading efforts to clean up Brownfields and preparing these abandoned sites for productive use for housing, jobs, and businesses.  Redevelopment agencies:

• Identified potential sites in need of clean-up
• Investigated the extent of contamination
• Developed a plan and ultimately clean up property by working with state and federal agencies
• Transformed Brownfield sites into housing, parks, transit centers and more by acquiring property and working with the private sector and third-party investors
• Financed Brownfield clean-up by using their funds and ability to leverage additional resources, and mixed-use developments

Funding to Cleanup Brownfields

Funding from the EPA and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) allows for state, local governments, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to collaborate on activities associated with the prevention, assessment, cleanup, and planning for sustainable and equitable reuse of brownfields.

The City previously earned federal and state grants totaling more than $2 million to assist to study and clean up of contaminated properties. 

Partnership with SDSU 

Over the years the San Diego State University (SDSU) Center for Regional Sustainability Brownfields Project has conducted a community-wide assessment of brownfields in National City. The work has been funded by the United States Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

Keep up to up-to-date with meetings and activities related to the National City Brownfields Project by signing up for Brownfields Project Emails | Send an email to: crs.brownfields@sdsu.edu | Find out about here: Project Office Hours