Search
 

Don't Let PCB Be a Roadblock to Redevelopment!

The presence of PCBs is often seen as a deal-breaker for redevelopment projects, but it doesn't need to be. John Insall discusses some of the solutions to manage PCB concerns and take advantage of these potentially profitable development opportunities.

By John Insall, LEP | Updated on July 06, 2015

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were manufactured until the 1970s and were used in a wide variety of products such as electrical equipment, light ballasts, paints and caulks, PVC, pesticides, cutting oils, hydraulic fluids, adhesives, waterproofing compounds, and countless other products. Their widespread use is the result of their unique properties such as chemical stability, low flammability, and insulating qualities among others. But, these same properties are also the reason why PCBs remain as persistent organic pollutants in the environment. While the jury is still out, some researchers even suspect that PCBs may have a slow volatility component that represents a significant human exposure risk. Because of the toxicity and associated costs and liability risks, PCB-contaminated sites are often seen as undevelopable. At the very least, PCBs create a significant roadblock to the re-development of countless industrial and commercial sites across the country.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.