In a significant move to revitalize contaminated properties across New Jersey, the Murphy Administration has approved 13 new Brownfield Development Areas (BDAs) spanning 10 communities, marking the program's first expansion since 2009.

The initiative, announced by Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, aims to breathe new life into abandoned or underutilized commercial and industrial sites suspected of contamination. These designated areas will now be eligible for up to $5 million annually in state grants, with up to 75% of remedial action costs covered through the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund.

"This program addresses sites that place tremendous economic, environmental and public health burdens on municipalities," Commissioner LaTourette said. "We're committed to restoring these areas to their full and productive use."

The newly approved BDAs include notable locations such as Atlantic City's Bader Field, Camden's Federal Street area, and West Orange's Lakeside Avenue district. Three sites in Atlantic City alone have received the designation, highlighting the city's push for urban renewal.

The program's impact is already evident in success stories like the Sayreville Waterfront BDA, which has attracted $120 million in remediation investments, including $20 million in state funds that helped leverage an additional $100 million from the private sector.

Local leaders have welcomed the initiative. "This is a pivotal moment for Egg Harbor City," said Mayor Dr. Lisa Jiampetti. "With this new BDA Designation, we can address long-neglected, contaminated sites and turn these areas into vibrant spaces that energize our community."

The program's revival is particularly significant for communities bearing the heaviest environmental burdens. According to the DEP, areas with the highest density of brownfield sites often lack environmental and public health benefits, making this initiative crucial for creating more equitable communities.

The next phase involves finalizing Memorandums of Understanding between the DEP, municipalities, and BDA Steering Committees, establishing frameworks for site remediation and redevelopment plans. The program has already demonstrated success, having transformed over 1,000 acres of blighted brownfields into productive spaces that benefit local communities while supporting broader environmental goals.

For developers and community leaders interested in the program, the DEP's Office of Brownfield and Community Revitalization provides a single point of contact to coordinate investigation, remediation, and redevelopment plans, streamlining what can often be a complex process of urban renewal.

Industry professionals and environmental experts will gather to discuss the latest developments in  environmental remediation at the upcoming RemTEC & Emerging Contaminants Summit, scheduled for October 14-16, 2025. Registration for the event, which draws environmental remediation engineers, restoration project managers, and other environmental professionals from across the country, opens soon at remediation-technology.com.