Urban redevelopment of contaminated sites: a review of scientific evidence and practical knowledge on environmental and health issues: Annex 3 – Working Paper: Case study compilation: lessons learned from redeveloping contaminated sites

Gergo Baranyi, Timo Haselhoff, Jonas Hornberg, Susanne Moebus, Matthias Braubach

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report

Abstract / Description of output

Across Europe, urban settlements are changing and expanding. Due to lack of land resources, urban growth and development often relies on the re-use and conversion of land that had different
former functions. This challenge is often referred to as land recycling or brownfield conversion.
Depending on the former use and function of the site, they can be associated with contamination which, if not isolated or suitably remediated, can pose health risks to urban residents and users of
urban functions after the redevelopment. This paper explores 28 European case studies on the remediation and redevelopment of
contaminated sites, compiling an overview of local and regional action on such sites and the scope and focus of the respective conversion projects. The findings show that almost all case study sites were contaminated by multiple pollutants, affecting several environmental media. Many remediation projects took a long time and raised managerial and organisational challenges to the public authorities in charge, especially when unexpected contamination was found during remediation or redevelopment. Although impact assessments were carried out in almost all case studies, active involvement of the public as well as health actors in the planning process is not a given.
The case studies provide useful lessons learned, supporting the coordination and implementation of conversion projects and identifying crucial elements for effective management and public health protection.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCopenhagen
PublisherWorld Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2021

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