Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines how Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are interpreted and utilized in the context of Brownfield redevelopment, with particular attention to the relationship between historical context, contamination, health risk, and future redevelopment possibilities. While ESAs are widely used to inform redevelopment decisions, there remains a gap in understanding how reported environmental data translates into meaningful assessments. To address this, this study analyzes historical and environmental data from six Brownfield sites, identifying documented contaminants, their associated carcinogenic group, and redevelopment potential. Central to this research is the development of a relational framework designed to function as a more approachable interpretive tool for stakeholders and community members. Rather than treating Brownfields as isolated sites, this framework situates them within an interconnected spatial and historical context, allowing these stakeholders to better understand how past land use shapes present conditions. An impact scale is introduced to evaluate contaminants, carcinogenic associated groups, and remediation needed for the individual site. Together, this framework and impact scale translate complex environmental data into a more transparent and usable format, allowing stakeholders and communities to more effectively engage with Brownfield assessment processes. The findings of this study show that successful redevelopment outcomes depend on aligning future land use with existing environmental constraints. When reframing ESA data through an accessible format, this thesis contributes to a practical tool that supports more equitable approaches to future Brownfield redevelopment.

Year of Submission

2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Geography

First Advisor

Lisa Tabor

Date Original

2026

Object Description

1 PDF file (xiii, 127 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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