Polluted US land gets $100m clean up

Contaminated land in the United States is to have a $100 million clean up.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has set aside $111.9 million for local communities to clean up and revive contaminated brownfield sites.

The brownfield program funds will be used to revitalise former industrial sites, turning them into productive business and community areas.

“Brownfields program funds are helping clean up distressed properties so they can be productively reused for community benefit,” said Laura Yoshii, EPA spokesperson.

Contamination on the sites includes hazardous chemicals and pollutants released by a variety of industries, including manufacturing and oil.

“Cleaning and reusing contaminated properties provides the catalyst to improving the lives of residents living in or near brownfields communities,” said Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator.

“Revitalised brownfield sites reduce threats to human health and the environment, create green jobs, promote community involvement, and attract investment in local neighbourhoods.”

Money has been allocated to 252 community groups in 46 US states, including California and Oregon.