ATSDR Brownfields/Land Reuse Site Tool

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This Tool is a customizable, searchable site inventory and rapid site screening tool. Analytical sampling data is rapidly screened by the tool to highlight chemicals above comparison values used by ATSDR. This leads to a rapid assessment for site prioritization. Previous versions of this tool calculated exposure doses as well as cancer risk estimations. This tool no longer calculates either exposure doses or cancer risk estimations. The maximum concentration for each chemical and each media is compared against the relevant ATSDR comparison value. Exceedances are highlighted for further evaluation.

NOTE – These tools only work with the 32-bit version of Microsoft Access.

NOTE – The 64-bit version of the Data Conversion Tool is under development.

If prompted, please select “Save” or “Save as” to save the file to your computer or network drive. Then double-click the downloaded file to launch the tool.

Why was the Land Reuse Site Screening Tool Developed?

ATSDR Land Resue site screeing tool

A survey of local health departments indicated a need for a system to:

  • Provide searchable and highly customizable site inventory.
  • Store records for public inquiry of sites.
  • Respond to inquiries.
  • Catalogue institutional controls, health concerns, violations, spills, contaminants, and emergency response events related to the property.
  • Provide a “How To” guide to conduct a site visit.
  • Evaluate analytical data (for exceedances of ATSDR Health Comparison Values) using the maximum values.
  • Import and process laboratory data (10,000 data points per minute throughput).
  • Site document repository: this tool allows attaching site photographs, diagrams, reports and other electronic files for rapid retrieval.

Who should use the ATSDR Land Reuse Site Screening Tool?

Local Health Departments and those involved with Land Reuse sites may find it helpful. This tool is provided as a screening tool only to prioritize sites based on chemicals detected above ATSDR Health Comparison values. This information helps guide reuse planning for Brownfields Site. The results from this tool should not be used to evaluate communities that may be exposed to hazards waste or to make public health decisions about past and current exposures. If assistance is needed feel free to contact ATSDR (atsdr.landreuse@cdc.gov).

Who should not use the ATSDR Land Reuse Site Screening Tool?

While this tool can provide assistance with Land Reuse Sites, it should not be used by ATSDR health assessors for evaluating site-specific data associated with exposures in a community. ATSDR Public Health Assessments and Health Consultations require a much more thorough approach to evaluating these exposures which goes beyond the capability of the Land Reuse Site Screening Tool. If assistance is needed on evaluating sites please feel free to contact ATSDR (atsdr.landreuse@cdc.gov).

From Trash to Treasure: How has the ATSDR Land Reuse Site Screening Tool Been Used?

Across the country, communities are reclaiming property that many would consider unusable—known as “brownfields.” These sites may be run-down parcels of urban blight or rural spots where the ecosystem has been disrupted. Often, they are sites of former businesses or industries that polluted the soil or water. For many years, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been supporting and promoting land reuse projects that clean-up these locations and make them safe to use. As a result, neighborhoods have gained new businesses, outdoor recreation locations, and even healthcare facilities.

With grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local cities or states, community volunteers have been working hard to take back land that once were eyesores or in some cases, posed health risks. ATSDR provides useful information that guides local officials, businesses, and community leaders in recognizing, cleaning up, and re-using these properties for the good of the community.

One of ATSDR’s most helpful tools is the “Brownfields/Land Reuse Site Tool” (Site Tool)–a searchable site inventory that users can customize for their needs and use to screen local sites from a health-protective standpoint. The tool provides a searchable inventory and rapid site screening that evaluates multiple chemicals for their potential to harm health. The Site Tool allows users to evaluate sites by past/future use, institutional controls, sensitive populations, and suspected or confirmed contamination.

Those using the tool can add available analytical sampling data for the area in question. These measurements may be available from the EPA or state and local health or environmental agencies. ATSDR’s Comparison Value Viewer, a companion tool, can be used to highlight chemicals at the property that are above the comparison values used by ATSDR. A “comparison value” is the amount of a toxic substance that does not cause health problems—based on scientific studies.

The Site Tool uses this information to come to a rapid evaluation that can help cities and states learn which sites can be used without harming people or guide communities in clean-up that removes contamination.

During 2018, environmental health staff led the way in using the tool for these specific locations:

Read on to learn how these dedicated workers used the site tool to begin the process of change in these communities.