A brownfield site is a property where actual or perceived environmental contamination complicates its expansion or redevelopment. Sites may be contaminated with hazardous substances, petroleum, pesticides, metals and asbestos. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a Brownfield as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." If eligible, a property owner may utilize assistance from the City (through the EPA) to determine whether hazardous materials are present, and if so, the geographic extent of those materials in the soil, water or air on that parcel.

The City of Ocala received $500,000 in assessment funding through the EPA Brownfields Program. Funds are to be used for Phase I and II environmental site assessments, clean-up planning and community outreach activities. The downtown and midtown areas of the city is the area of focus.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs): Like title searches, surveys, and appraisals, such assessments are now routine on commercial real estate transactions. Phase I ESAs include a site inspection, interviews with persons knowledgeable about the history of the property, and a review of environmental records to determine if potential environmental conditions exist.

Phase II ESAs: If the Phase I ESA identifies potential environmental conditions, additional investigation may be needed to determine if adverse environmental conditions actually exist. Phase II ESAs: may include soil, surface water, and groundwater testing; asbestos surveys; lead-based paint surveys; mold surveys; tank removal; and/or threatened and endangered species studies.

Cleanup Planning: If a site is found to be impacted, the grant will pay for certain engineering and consulting fees to plan for redevelopment. This can include remedial alternatives analysis and meeting with regulatory agencies.

Begun in 1996 with the intent to jump start revitalization of the city's downtown, the City of Ocala Brownfields program is intended to assist property owners with the Assessment of their parcels to determine the presence of hazardous materials.

Between 1996 and 2008, the City was able to assess 46 parcels in the downtown area through the USEPA grant program. Of these parcels, 25, or 54%, were redeveloped or repurposed. Focusing on the historically industrial downtown area, most parcels went from a previous industrial use to a commercial or office use. However, in recent years, Ocala citizens have recognized a need for more residential uses in the downtown area, and staff are working to effect this change with all the tools available, include redeveloping brownfields.

 In 2018 the City secured EPA grant funding to further redevelopment efforts in West Ocala, one of the neighborhoods most negatively affected by brownfields. This grant period was ended early 2022. The program was a success with thirteen Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and eleven Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, Asbestos Surveys and Lead in Paint Inspections conducted. The newest granting cycle from EPA has started in 2022 and is for $500,000. 

On downtown brownfields, staff, investors and companies imagined redevelopment like the former White's meat packing plant, transformed into an impressive office building. Or the pocket park on North Magnolia Avenue. Imagine the possibilities for brownfields near you!

As of 2020, 53 brownfields assessed, and 54% of these were redeveloped or sold.