Revitalization of potentially contaminated sites is often at a disadvantage compared to green field development. Apart from the lower cost of land in rural areas, redevelopment is very often still seen as a rather complex time and cost consuming process. Additionally, the potential for contamination and therefore potential risks related to human health and the environment often cause many local governments and investors to develop green fields instead of considering reuse to avoid not only time and cost issues, but liability concerns as well. In order to encourage redevelopment, it is important that initiatives that include practical strategies and tools are developed and promoted in the area of environmental risk assessment, management and communication. Many such tools are already available for the management of contaminated sites but they have to be adopted and modified to the special task of redevelopment potentially contaminated sites, so that investors and other stakeholders understand they have options to overcoming obstacles to redevelopment. The third joint workshop between the U.S. and Germany was held October 23 and 24, 2003, in Portland, Oregon. Participants demonstrated and discussed examples of risk assessment, management and communication strategies from both countries. Tools were practiced in a small group exercise at the end of the workshop so participants could apply the information they obtained in the workshop. This exchange of information allows for the practical application of tools and also allows participants to learn from each other and stimulate new ideas to further redevelopment efforts in both countries.

Title from opening screen. "EPA/600/C-04/099"--Disc surface. "August 2004"--Disc surface.

This interactive multimedia CD contains several training videos, abstracts, presentations, and other documents provided at the U.S.-German Bilateral Working Group's workshop.