CAPT Embedded Task Brownfield Sites

Your Task Formulate a question/problem statement about a Brownfield site that can be answered through a scientific experiment/investigation. Design a scientific experiment/investigation that answers your question/problem statement. 2

What is a Brownfield Site? Piece of land that was once used for industrial purposes and is now typically abandoned because of suspected contamination.

1 2 3 4 T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013 Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________ Class #:____________ How a “Brownfield” Site Happens 1 2 3 4 T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

Here are some terms… Wastes- A substance that has no intended use. Toxic- A substance that is unhealthy. Hazardous- means dangerous, especially in terms of health. Carcinogen- Causes Cancer Incineration- Burning things often breaks down chemicals into different chemicals for disposal, but creates air pollution. T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

What are examples of some kinds of businesses have become Brownfield Sites? Dry Cleaners Factories of all kinds. Car Washes Gas Stations / Engine Repair Garages Autobody Repair Shops Metal / Machine Shops Farms that used a lot of pesticides and herbicides. T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

Areas where large chemical accidents have occurred. What are examples of some kinds of locations that have become Superfund Sites? Toxic Waste Dumps Mining Areas Military Dumps Large Business Sites Areas where large chemical accidents have occurred. T. Brown Cage Free Science 2013

Science Park/Winchester Factory

What is a contaminant? A contaminant is a toxic chemical that can harm humans and/or the environment. Contaminants can pollute water, air, and/or soil. Arsenic Mercury Benzene

Contaminants of Major Concern Asbestos – Cause respiratory problems Benzene – Causes cancer Lead and Copper - Neurotoxic Mercury – May cause physical and mental disorders. Greatly affects fish populations.

Where do contaminants come from? Possible source of contamination Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium chromium, lead, mercury metal finishing/plating shops, manufacturing and foundries, coal burning power plants Gasoline/constituents of gasoline: gasoline, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene gasoline stations, tank farms, pipelines Petroleum Products Leaking undergound storage tanks Solvents: tetrachloroethlyene, trichloroethylene, III-trichloroethane dry cleaners, machine shops, metal finishing/plating shops

Why Redevelop Brownfield Sites? Discounted real estate cost Valuable location Reduce pressure on undeveloped land Preserve historical or architecturally significant buildings Eliminate health and safety hazards Improve community

Detecting Soil and Groundwater Contamination Usually a portable drilling rig is brought to the site A well is installed. Soil is sampled as the well is drilled. Groundwater is sampled and analyzed for the suspected pollutants.

How to make a Brownfield site usable again… Get rid of contaminants (ex. Excavation techniques) Stop the contaminants from spreading

Your Task Formulate a question/problem statement about a Brownfield site that can be answered through a scientific experiment/investigation. Design a scientific experiment/investigation that answers your question/problem statement. 19